Chronic β-Carotene Supplementation Does Not Alter the Gastric Mucosal Response to Acute Aspirin Ingestion

Abstract

Carotenoids and retinoids have been reported to reduce gastrointestinal mucosa damage from a variety of irritants. We performed double-blind, placebo-controlled endoscopic trial to evaluate the effect of chronic beta-carotene supplementation upon the gastric mucosal response to acute aspirin injury. Six subjects taking chronic beta-carotene and six taking placebo each ingested 650 mg of aspirin after an endoscopy confirmed normal gastric mucosa. Three hours later, mucosal lesions were counted at repeat endoscopy. beta-Carotene did not prevent acute mucosal injury better than placebo.