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Serum β-Carotene, Retinol, and -Tocopherol Levels During Mineral Oil Therapy for Constipation

Joseph H. Clark, MD; Gary J. Russell, MD; Joseph F. Fitzgerald, MD; Ken E. Nagamori, MD

Am J Dis Child. 1987;141(11):1210-1212.

Abstract
• Twenty-five children with chronic constipation underwent serial monitoring of serum β-carotene, retinol (vitamin A₁), and -tocopherol (vitamin E) levels during mineral oil therapy. Mineral oil was administered between meals. Patients were monitored for up to four months of therapy. Mean serum β-carotene levels fell from 1.0±0.5 µmol/L (55.7±26.0 µg/dL) to 0.7±0.4 µmol/L (35.9±22.1 µg/dL) after the first month of mineral oil therapy and remained depressed throughout the remainder of the study. Serum -tocopherol levels remained unchanged throughout the observation period. There was a modest increase in serum retinol levels during the study, especially after three months (from 1.48±0.84 µmol/L [42.3±24.1 µg/dL] to 2.22±0.77 µmol/L [63.5±22.1 µg/dL]). We conclude that while a short course of mineral oil can induce a reduction in the serum level of β-carotene, the treatment has no adverse effect on serum levels of retinol and -tocopherol.

(AJDC 1987;141:1210-1212)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Pediatrics, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. Dr Clark is now with the Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication June 8, 1987.

Reprint requests to Department of Pediatrics, CK281, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912 (Dr Clark).

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