Orlistat Beta carotene

Because orlistat reduces the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene, counsel patients to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition. Instruct the patient to take the supplement once a day, at least 2 hours before or after the administration of orlistat, such as at bedtime. Doses greater than 120 mg 3 times a day have not been shown to provide additional benefit. 

Use of orlistat could interfere with the body s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and beta carotene. Long-term use could result in deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E, and K, and beta carotene. Patients are advised to take supplements. Another possible side effect is calcium deficiency. 

Orlistat decreases the absorption of supplemental beta-carotene and vitamin . There is some evidence to suggest that some patients may have low vitamin D levels while taking orlistat, even if they are also taking multivitamins. 

Studies in healthy subjects have found that about two-thirds of a supplemental dose of beta-carotene and roughly half the dose of vitamin E (a-tocopherol) was absorbed in the presence of orlistat, while the absorp-... 

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