Vitamin A status in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) on Sable Island
Schweigert, F.J.; Stobo, W.T.; Zucker, H.
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift für Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International de Vitaminologie et de Nutrition 57(3): 239-245
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9831 PMID: 3679694 Document Number: 289844
Vitamin A and beta -carotene concentrations were estimated in serum, liver and blubber fat of 65 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the colony on Sable Island, Canada. In none of the investigated samples could beta -carotene be detected. There was no difference in the concentration of vitamin A in serum, liver and blubber between male (213 mu g/litre, 376 mu g/g, 22 mu g/g, respectively) and female (205 mu g/litre, 319 mu g/g, 19 mu g/g) juveniles. In adult males vitamin A in serum, liver and blubber was higher (260 mu g/litre, 503 mu g/g, 34 mu g/g) than in juveniles. In lactating females concentrations of vitamin A in serum, liver and blubber were significantly different from those in the other groups. Vitamin A in serum and blubber was 413 mu g/litre and 62 mu g/g and in liver was 265 mu g/g. The blubber represented about 40% of total body reserves of vitamin A.