[Evaluation on intestinal and whole-body conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A in Chinese adults using a stable isotope reference method].

Objective: beta-carotene (beta-C) is a major and safe vitamin A source for a vast population in China. But there is little understanding on beta-C-vitamin A equivalence in Chinese population. This study was designed to evaluate intestinal and whole-body conversion of beta-C to vitamin A in some Chinese adults by using a stable isotope dilution technique.