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Postprandial response curves of [beta]-carotene and retinyl esters in a triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction were evaluated as a potential measure of [beta]-carotene uptake and cleavage. [Beta]-Carotene, retinyl ester, and triglyceride concentrations in the TRL fraction (density < 1.006 kg/L) and plasma were measured in 10 men for 8 or 16 h after an oral dose of 15 mg [beta]-carotene. The [beta]-carotene response, unlike the triglyceride and retinyl ester response, can be evaluated in the TRL fraction but not in plasma. Intraindividual variations in the triglyceride-adjusted response of [beta]-carotene and retinyl palmitate in TRL fractions were 23% and 20% and interindividual variations were 42% and 36%, respectively. A low [beta]-carotene response was associated with a high ratio between retinyl palmitate and [beta]-carotene responses (r = -0.56, P = 0.013). In conclusion, the measurement of [beta]-carotene and retinyl esters in the TRL fraction after a dose of [beta]-carotene with a vitamin A-free meal may be an appropriate method to study [beta]-carotene uptake and cleavage.