Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin as a Possible Factor Influencing Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Caucasian Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis in Remission Phase.

Dominika Głąbska,Dominika Guzek,Gustaw Lech,Paulina Zakrzewska

doi:10.3390/jcm8010077

Abstract

The vitamin A deficiencies are commonly observed in the case of ulcerative colitis individuals. The decreased antioxidant defence may influence the intestine, inducing higher susceptibility to oxidative damage of tissues and altering the symptoms and course of disease. Intestinal symptoms, ranging from diarrhea to constipation, occur more commonly in remission ulcerative colitis individuals than in general population. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between retinoid intake and gastrointestinal symptoms in Caucasian individuals in the remission phase of ulcerative colitis. Reitnoid (total vitamin A, retinol, β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin) intakes were analyzed on the basis of three-day dietary records. Gastrointestinal symptoms (daily number of bowel movements, and the presence of painful tenesmus, flatulence, and constipation) were self-reported. The study was conducted in a group of 56 ulcerative colitis remission individuals, stratified by the gastrointestinal symptoms. One in every seven individuals reported recurring constipation. Higher intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (median 1386.2 µg, 289.0–13221.3 µg vs. median 639.0 µg, 432.7–1309.0 µg) may lower the incidence of constipation (p = 0.013). The intake of retinoids other than lutein and zeaxanthin was not associated with the incidence of constipation or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Highlights

In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, which was conducted in ten European Union countries, it was confirmed that retinoids were potentially beneficial for colon
Based on the analysis of the self-reported data on gastrointestinal symptoms of individuals with ulcerative colitis, it was found that a significant association existed only between constipation and retinoid intake
Chronic constipation without diarrhea may sometimes occur as an unusual presentation of the disease [36]

Summary

Introduction

In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, which was conducted in ten European Union countries, it was confirmed that retinoids were potentially beneficial for colon. Plasma retinol concentration and β-carotene intake have both been reported to be inversely correlated with the risk of colon cancer [1]. This effect is attributed to the antioxidative properties of different forms of vitamin A [2]. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials revealed that these antioxidative properties of vitamin A promote reduction of oxidative stress [3]. The intake of vitamin A may be of a great value, especially for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases, as oxidative stress contributing to carcinogenesis [4] is one of the factors commonly observed in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease [5].

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