Change in plasma carotenoids in response to a 3‐week carrot juice intervention among breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Evidence suggests that breast cancer recurrence may be reduced among women with higher plasma carotenoid levels post‐treatment (Rock 2005). Convenient dietary approaches to increase plasma carotenoids to protective levels are needed. Breast cancer survivors (n=33) participated in a randomized, controlled trial in which they consumed 8 fl.oz of fresh carrot juice daily for 3 weeks. Subjects were randomized to purple (n=23) or orange (n=10) carrots (Daucus carota) to test the hypothesis that daily juice intake would be associated with a significant rise in plasma total carotenoids and a‐ and β‐carotene. Mean baseline carotenoid levels were 1.24±0.73 umol/L for total carotenoids and 0.11±0.12 umol/L and 0.39±0.38 umol/L for a‐ and β‐carotene, respectively. Post‐feeding, levels increased significantly (p<0.001) to 4.80±1.91 umol/L, 1.52±0.75 umol/L, and 2.03±1.05 umol/L, for total carotenoids, α‐ and β‐carotene. Analysis by carrot type showed that mean change in carotenoids was not significantly different between the two carrot types (p=0.78). Mean total plasma carotenoids post‐feeding reached levels previously shown to be protective against breast cancer recurrence (4.19 umol/L). Daily consumption of 8 fluid ounces of carrot juice may represent an effective and simple dietary strategy to enhance survival among breast cancer survivors. Funded by: USDA‐CSREES, TAES 06‐118409, Texas A&M‐VFIC.