Serum Β-carotene Research Articles

Low Serum Total Carotenoids and β-Cryptoxanthin Are Associated with Low Lean Body Mass in Older Community-Dwellers in the National Institute for Longevity Sciences–Longitudinal Study of Aging: A 4-Y Longitudinal Study

BackgroundAlthough diets rich in carotenoids are associated with muscle health and a reduced risk of disability, the relationship between carotenoids and low lean body mass has not been fully elucidated. ObjectivesThis study aimed to clarify the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and low lean body mass over 4 y in older Japanese community-dwellers. MethodsA total of 750 adults aged ≥60 y participated in the National Institute for Longevity Sciences–Longitudinal Study of Aging. Individuals with a low lean body mass and muscle strength or gait speed at baseline were excluded. Baseline serum α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene were measured. Low lean body mass was defined as appendicular lean mass relative to the measured height (ALM/ht2) of <7.0 kg/m2 in males and <5.4 kg/m2 in females, according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. A generalized estimating equation was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for low lean body mass according to tertiles of total and individual carotenoids at baseline, adjusted for sex, age, season, follow-up months, education years, economic status, current smoking status, a history of ischemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic equivalents. ResultsLow serum total carotenoids were associated with low ALM/ht2, and the odds ratios of low ALM/ht2 in the third tertile of total carotenoids were significantly lower than those in the first tertile after adjusting for covariates. The odds ratios of low ALM/ht2 in the third tertile of β-cryptoxanthin were significantly associated with those in the first tertile after adjusting for covariates (P = 0.03); however, no trend was observed for this relationship. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that low serum total carotenoids and serum β-cryptoxanthin are associated with low lean body mass in older Japanese community-dwellers.

Reduction in Serum Carotenoid Levels Following One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass.

Given the health benefits of carotenoids, it is crucial to evaluate their levels in patients undergoing malabsorptive procedures like one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). This study aimed to assess serum carotenoid levels before and 6 months following OAGB. Prospectively collected data from patients who underwent primary OAGB were analyzed. Data included anthropometrics, dietary intake assessments, and biochemical tests. Serum samples were analyzed for lipid profile and serum carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, phytofluene, ζ-carotene, and lycopene. Data from 27 patients (median age 47.0 years and 55.6% female) were available before and 6 months post-OAGB. The median pre-surgical BMI was 39.5 kg/m2, and the median excess weight loss at 6 months post-surgery was 63.9%. Significant decreases in all carotenoid levels were observed over time (p < 0.001 for all). A median relative decline of 65.1% in absolute total carotenoid levels and 12.7% in total cholesterol levels were found. No associations were observed between changes in clinical outcomes and carotenoid levels during the study period. This study reveals significant decreases in carotenoid levels within the first 6 months following OAGB. Nutritional intervention studies are needed to explore how incorporating carotenoid-rich foods affects post-surgery carotenoid levels and clinical outcomes.

Determination of Serum Biochemical Profile and Oxidant-Antioxidant Activities in Damascus Goats at Different Ages

This study aimed to research changes in biochemical profile and oxidant-antioxidant activities of Damascus goats of different ages. The 45 non-gravid Damascus goats of different ages were included in the research. They were divided into three groups of 15 goats according to age: goat kids ( - ≤ 6-months age), young goats (2-3-year age) and old goats (5-8-year age). Biochemical parameters and oxidant-antioxidant activities were determined in serum samples using commercial kits and colorimetric methods. The lowest serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, globulin and magnesium levels were observed in goat kids (P &amp;lt; .05). Concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphorus, non-esterified fatty acids, albumin/globulin and alanine aminotransferase decreased with age in the goats (P &amp;lt; .05). Serum total oxidant capacity, total antioxidants capacity and oxidative stress index levels were increased in goat kids compared to old goats (P &amp;lt; .05). Furthermore the highest serum glutathione and glutathione preoxidase activities were observed in young goats (P &amp;lt; .05). An increase was determined in concentrations of serum β-carotene and bilirubin in old goats compared to goat kids (P &amp;lt; .05). In contrast, serum catalase activity, arylesterase, ceruloplasmin and uric acid values did not differ between the groups. The results obtained on the biochemical profiles and oxidant-antioxidant activities of Damascus goats will contribute to monitoring this breed's age-related health and nutritional status and establishing reference values.

Genetic prediction of micronutrient levels and the risk of colorectal polyps: A mendelian randomization study

Previous epidemiological and experimental studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the influence of human micronutrient levels on the risk of colorectal polyps (CP). In our study, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation to probe the link between 13 human micronutrients (calcium, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, vitamins B-6, B-12, C, D, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, and copper) and the genetic susceptibility to CP. Summary statistics for CP (n=463,010) were obtained from pan-European genome-wide association studies, and instrumental variables for 13 micronutrients were screened from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). After selecting suitable instrumental variables, we performed a two-sample MR study, deploying sensitivity analyses to judge heterogeneity and pleiotropy, using inverse variance weighted methods as our primary estimation tool. Our study identified that a genetic predisposition to elevated toenail and circulating selenium or serum β-carotene concentrations lowers the risk of CP occurrence. However, no statistically significant association was observed between the other 11 micronutrients and the risk of CP. The study findings provide evidence that the micronutrient selenium and β-carotene may confer protective effects against the development of CP.

Diet-derived antioxidants and osteoporosis: A Mendelian randomization study.

Antioxidants can prevent osteoporosis, but the association between serum antioxidants and the cause of osteoporosis remains unknown. We aimed to utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) to determine whether genetically predicted serum levels of diet-derived antioxidants can affect the risk of osteoporosis, to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of antioxidants. Genetic variants associated with diet-derived antioxidants were selected from the genome-wide association studies. A total of 12,946 osteoporosis cases and 506,624 healthy controls were obtained from UK Biobank (UKB) and Genetic Factors of Osteoporosis (GEFOS) consortia. We implemented a two-sample MR design and performed several sensitivity analyses to evaluate the causal relationship. In UKB, the genetically predicted higher β-carotene (OR = 0.863, p = 7.37 × 10-6, power = 100%) and γ-tocopherol (OR = 0.701, p = 0.021, power = 5%) had an inverse relationship with osteoporosis. However, only the association of serum β-carotene passed FDR correction. In GEFOS, there were no significant diet-derived antioxidants. The direction of the association of β-carotene with osteoporosis (OR = 0.844, p = 0.106, power = 87%) was consistent with that in the UKB dataset. A fixed-effects meta-analysis confirmed that β-carotene (OR = 0.862, p = 2.21 × 10-6) and γ-tocopherol (OR = 0.701, p = 2.31 × 10-2) could decrease the risk of osteoporosis. To reduce exclusion limit bias, we used total body bone mineral density, lumbar spine bone mineral density and femoral neck bone mineral density as surrogates and found that the genetically elevated circulating β-carotene level could increase total body BMD (beta = 0.043, p-value = 8.26 x 10-5, power = 100%), lumbar spine BMD (beta = 0.226, p-value = 0.001, power = 100%) and femoral neck BMD(beta = 0.118, p-value = 0.016, power = 100%). We observed that genetically predicted serum β-carotene could elevate BMD and prevent osteoporosis.

Exploratory 5-year follow-up study of retinol, tocopherols, and carotenoids in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundRetinol, tocopherols, and carotenoids (RTC) have physiological roles as vitamins, pro-vitamins, and antioxidants, and provide biomarkers of dietary vegetable and fruit intake. The goal was to investigate RTC in multiple sclerosis (MS). MethodsThis exploratory study included 106 people with MS (71 relapsing-remitting MS or RR-MS; and 35 progressive MS or PMS) and 31 healthy controls (HC) at baseline and 5-year follow-up (5YFU). Serum retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels were measured using the single molecule array method. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and low contrast letter acuity (LCLA) were used as disability measures. ResultsRetinol in MS was positively correlated with α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and α-tocopherol but negatively correlated with δ-tocopherol. EDSS was associated with α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and lycopene. Greater retinol levels were associated with greater LCLA in RR-MS and PMS; high contrast visual acuity was not associated. Greater γ-tocopherol levels were associated with lower LCLA and high contrast visual acuity in PMS. ConclusionsRTC exhibit distinctive associations with LCLA and EDSS in MS.

The Effect of Beta-Carotene on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review.

β-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and dietary precursor of vitamin A whose role in maintaining mental health and cognitive performance, either alone or in combination with other dietary compounds, has been a topic of recent research. However, its effectiveness is still unclear. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA guideline and assisted by the MySLR platform, addressed this issue. A total of 16 eligible original research articles were identified. Dietary intake or β-carotene serum levels were associated with improved measures of cognitive function in 7 out of 10 epidemiological studies included. In intervention studies, β-carotene consumption alone did not promote better cognitive function in the short term, but only in a long-term intervention with a mean duration of 18 years. However, all but one intervention study suggested the beneficial effects of β-carotene supplementation at doses ranging from 6 mg to 50 mg per day in combination with a multicomplex such as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, or selenium for a period of 16 weeks to 20 years. Despite the current limitations, the available evidence suggests a potential association between β-carotene dietary/supplementary intake and the maintenance of cognitive function. The β-carotene most probably does not act alone but in synergy with other micronutrients.

Polysaccharides affect the utilization of β-carotene through gut microbiota investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of six polysaccharides on the utilization of β-carotene from the perspective of gut microbiota using both in vitro simulated anaerobic fermentation systems and in vivo animal experiments. In the in vitro experiments, the addition of arabinoxylan, arabinogalactan, mannan, inulin, chitosan, and glucan led to a 31.07–79.12% decrease in β-carotene retention and a significant increase in retinol content (0.21–0.99-fold) compared to β-carotene alone. Among them, the addition of chitosan produced the highest level of retinol. In the in vivo experiments, mice treated with the six polysaccharides exhibited a significant increase (2.51–5.78-fold) in serum β-carotene content compared to the group treated with β-carotene alone. The accumulation of retinoids in the serum, liver, and small intestine increased by 13.56–21.61%, 12.64–56.27%, and 7.9%-71.69%, respectively. The expression of β-carotene cleavage enzymes was increased in the liver. Genetic analysis of small intestinal tissue revealed no significant enhancement in the expression of genes related to β-carotene metabolism. In the gut microbiota environment, the addition of polysaccharides generated more SCFAs and altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. The correlation analysis revealed a strong association between gut microbes (Ruminococcaceae and Odoribacteraceae) and β-carotene metabolism and absorption. Collectively, our findings suggest that the addition of polysaccharides may improve β-carotene utilization by modulating the gut microbiota.

Exploring the association between serum β-Carotene and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia

Background and Aims: There has been no previous investigation into the relationship between serum β-Carotene levels and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. This research aims to explore the association between schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome, and serum β-Carotene levels. Specifically, this study addresses this knowledge gap and examines whether lower serum β-Carotene levels are associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. Methods and Results: The present study involved 38 patients with schizophrenia (n = 38). We collected demographic data, anthropometric measurements, blood samples for lipid panels, sugar levels, and serum β-Carotene levels, as well as participant responses to food frequency questionnaires. Results revealed the median serum β-Carotene was 0.87 (range: 0.69–1.14 μmol/L). The median metabolic syndrome Z-score using waist circumference was 0.13 (range: −1.10–2.39). Pairwise Spearman's correlation between metabolic syndrome Z-score versus β-Carotene showed a rho = −0.56, P&lt; 0.001 for the overall sample. Linear regression between metabolic syndrome Z-score as a dependent variable and serum β-Carotene as an independent variable showed a regression coefficient of −3.11, P&lt; 0.001. Conclusion: The findings of this study offer suggestive evidence of a statistically significant positive correlation between reduced serum β-Carotene levels in individuals with schizophrenia and a heightened global risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This preliminary study has implications for the management of schizophrenia patients, suggesting that patients' serum levels of β-Carotene be periodically checked and referrals made to dieticians as necessary.

Validation of resonance Raman spectroscopy-measured skin carotenoid status as a biomarker for fruit and vegetable intake in Korean adults.

Blood carotenoid concentration measurement is considered the gold standard for fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake estimation; however, this method is invasive and expensive. Recently, skin carotenoid status (SCS) measured by optical sensors has been evaluated as a promising parameter for F&V intake estimation. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to validate the utility of resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS)-assessed SCS as a biomarker of F&V intake in Korean adults. We used data from 108 participants aged 20-69 years who completed SCS measurements, blood collection and 3-d dietary recordings. Serum carotenoid concentrations were quantified using HPLC, and dietary carotenoid and F&V intakes were estimated via 3-d dietary records using a carotenoid database for common Korean foods. The correlations of the SCS with serum carotenoid concentrations, dietary carotenoid intake and F&V intake were examined to assess SCS validity. SCS was positively correlated with total serum carotenoid concentration (r = 0·52, 95 % CI = 0·36, 0·64, P < 0·001), serum β-carotene concentration (r = 0·60, 95 % CI = 0·47, 0·71, P < 0·001), total carotenoid intake (r = 0·20, 95 % CI = 0·01, 0·37, P = 0·04), β-carotene intake (r = 0·30, 95 % CI = 0·11, 0·46, P = 0·002) and F&V intake (r = 0·40, 95 % CI = 0·23, 0·55, P < 0·001). These results suggest that SCS can be a valid biomarker of F&V intake in Korean adults.

A consortium of detoxifying bacteria mitigates the aflatoxin B1 toxicosis on performance, health, and blood constituents of laying hens

Detoxification approaches are evolving from physical to biological to eliminate the toxins altogether. The current study was conducted to compare the impact of 2 newly developed toxin deactivators, Magnotox-alphaA (MTA) and Magnotox-alphaB (MTB) with a commercially available toxin binder, Mycofix PlusMTV INSIDE (MF) in alleviating the pernicious effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in laying hens. The treatments were: 1) negative control (NC; without AFB1), 2) positive control (PC; contaminated with 500 ppb AFB1), 3) MF (PC+2 kg MF/ton feed), 4) MTA (PC+2 kg MTA/ton feed), and 5) MTB (PC+2 kg MTB/ton feed). Detoxifying bacteria revealed a substantial reduction of different toxins in vitro, in which 98.8, 94.5, and 73.3% degradation rates were achieved, respectively, for zearalenone (ZEN), patulin, and AFB1 in the first 1 h of exposure. The PC group had a sharp decline in egg production (EP; 68.83%) while MTB showed the superior EP (95.74%) followed by NC (90.66%), MF (86.57%), and MTA (82.08%; P ≤ 0.05). Egg weight (EW) was also observed to be inferior in PC group (53.80 g; P ≤ 0.05). Egg mass (EM) was higher in MTB (57.55 g) and NC (54.33 g) groups while PC produced the lowest (39.64 g; P ≤ 0.05). MTB and NC groups also demonstrated the best FCR, 1.62 and 1.68, respectively, and PC manifested the poorest FCR (1.98) with higher ADFI (P ≤ 0.05). MTB also produced a superior moisture content (MC; 82.11%) with inferior DM (17.89%) in ileum content (P ≤ 0.05). The greatest liver fat content was found in MF group (48.19%) and MTA yielded the superior serum β-carotene and Vit A. MDA level in yolk samples was influenced by treatments, rendering the highest level in PC group (P ≤ 0.05). Ileum microbiota and blood characteristics were also affected by treatments. In general, MTB proves to be a toxin-deactivator candidate with comparable results to that of commercially available toxin-binders.

Effects of prepartum supplementation of β-carotene on colostrum and calves.

Little is known about transfer of dietary β-carotene into colostrum, its absorption by the calf, and its effects on retinol and α-tocopherol in the calf when the dam's dietary vitamin A is adequate. Our objective was to assess the effect of β-carotene supplementation during the close-up dry period on the colostrum and calf. The study was conducted on a large commercial dairy farm in Indiana during early summer of 2015. Ninety-four multiparous Holstein cows were blocked by calving data, parity, and previous production, and then randomly assigned to either control or β-carotene (BC) treatments. While locked in headgates each morning, each cow received a topdress of β-carotene (Rovimix, DSM Nutritional Products, 8 g/d; provided 800 mg β-carotene) or carrier from 21 d before expected calving until calving. Colostrum was collected within 2 h of parturition. Calf blood samples were obtained within 2 h of birth before receiving the dam's colostrum, at 24 h after birth, and at 7 d and 60 d of age. Blood serum was analyzed for β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol, and other metabolites and enzymes. Colostrum was analyzed for β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol, colorimetry profile, and milk components. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Calf serum β-carotene data were analyzed using the FREQ procedure. Colostrum β-carotene was higher for BC cows. Colostrum from BC cows had increased a* [measures red (positive) to green (negative)] and b* [measures yellow (positive) to blue (negative)] colorimeter values, indicating that β-carotene altered colostrum color toward red and yellow. Supplementation did not affect colostral or calf IgG concentrations. Colostrum color indices were correlated with IgG concentrations as well as concentrations of β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol. Before receiving colostrum, the concentration of β-carotene in calf serum was below the detectable threshold of 0.05 μg/mL. At 24 h of age, the number of calves with detectable β-carotene concentrations increased, with more calves from BC cows (52.1%) having detectable concentrations than calves from cows in the control group (6.1%). No differences in concentrations of retinol or α-tocopherol were observed in calf serum. Supplementation of β-carotene to cows decreased activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and glutamate dehydrogenase in calf serum. In pregnant cows already receiving adequate vitamin A, supplementation of β-carotene increased concentration of β-carotene in colostrum, altered colostrum color, and increased serum β-carotene in calves at birth.

Visceral and body adiposity are negatively associated with vitamin A nutritional status independently of Body Mass Index and recommended intake of vitamin A in Brazilian Women

Vitamin A (VA) has a negative association with body mass index (BMI) since it is involved in the regulation of body adiposity via nuclear receptors. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between VA nutritional status and the way body adipose is stored, which is the aim of this cross-sectional analytical study with Brazilian adult women in different BMI classes with the intake of VA recommended. VA nutritional status was assessed by serum retinol and β-carotene measurements, dietary intake, and diagnosis of night blindness (NB). Results: 268 women with mean age of 38.00±5.80 years. According to the BMI, 30.97% were normal weight, 14.18% overweight, 25.37% class I obesity, 14.55% class II, and 14.93% class III.The prevalence of low serum of β-carotene, retinol, and presence of NB in the total sample was 73.5%, 45.9%, and 20.1%, respectively. A total of 86.7% of normal weight women had inadequate visceral adiposity index (VAI) and 41.0% had inadequate body adiposity index (BAI).VAI was the body adiposity marker with the highest association with low serum retinol and b-carotene concentrations (P<.001). There was presence of NB in 100% of cases of inadequacy of BAI (P<.001). High visceral and body adiposity were associated with compromised VA nutritional status regardless of BMI and the recommended intake of VA. Additional measures to assess body adiposity, and especially its distribution, may collaborate in clinical practice to identify women at risk of compromising their VA nutritional status even when they are classified as normal weight according to their BMI.

Potential of dried bread enriched with red palm oil to improve lipid profile, and control oxidative stress: An experimental study in adult men with dyslipidaemia

Dyslipidaemia is an abnormality of lipid metabolism, characterised by the increased levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which cause antioxidant enzymes to decrease, and trigger oxidative stress, characterised by an increase in lipid peroxidation. The present work examined the effect of consumption of dried breads enriched with red palm oil (RPO) to improve serum lipid profiles, and control oxidative stress in adult men with dyslipidaemia. This randomised double-blind controlled trial involved adult men with an abnormal lipid profile, and had a body mass index between 18.5 and 26.9 kg/m2. Each subject consumed two pieces of dried bread per packet as a snack for eight weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups: those who consumed dried breads with RPO (experiment), and those who consumed dried breads without RPO (control). Serum levels of lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, HDL-C) and control oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidised LDL (oxLDL), and β-carotene serum] were measured before and after the intervention. In subjects who consumed dried breads with RPO, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels (p = 0.020 and 0.041, respectively); whereas serum triglyceride and HDL-C levels were not significantly affected (p = 0.083 and 0.233, respectively). Further, the consumption of dried breads with RPO significantly (p = 0.018) increased SOD activity which led to a significant decrease in MDA and oxLDL levels (p = 0.036 and 0.047, respectively), but non-significant on the increase in β-carotene serum levels (p = 0.166). Therefore, daily consumption of 60 g dried breads with RPO has the potential to be a functional food that can be used as a snack that efficiently lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels in adult men with dyslipidaemia, but without deleterious effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Associations of Serum Carotenoids With Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From NHANES.

Although carotenoids have been suggested to exhibit antioxidant properties, some experimental studies reported that β-carotene may show pro-oxidant effects under certain conditions. Current evidence regarding the cardiovascular effects of carotenoids among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is scarce. This study aimed to prospectively examine the associations of individual serum carotenoid concentrations with cardiovascular mortality among adults with T2D. This analysis included 3,107 individuals with T2D from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and NHANES 2001-2006. Cardiovascular mortality was ascertained by linkage to National Death Index records through 31 December 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. During an average of 14 years of follow-up, 441 cardiovascular deaths occurred. After multivariate adjustment including lifestyles, dietary factors, glucose control, and other major carotenoids, higher serum β-carotene concentrations were significantly associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality in a dose-response manner. When extreme quartiles of β-carotene were compared, the multivariable-adjusted HR was 2.47 (95% CI 1.62, 3.76) for cardiovascular mortality (Ptrend = 0.002); and per one-unit increment in natural log-transformed serum β-carotene was associated with a 46% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.001). Other individual carotenoids (α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin) were not significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Consistent results were observed when stratifying by age, sex, race, BMI, smoking status, diabetes duration, and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels. Higher concentrations of serum β-carotene, but not other individual carotenoids, were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality among individuals with T2D. Our findings, if replicated, underscore the need to estimate the optimal serum β-carotene concentrations in individuals with T2D.

Serum β-carotene concentrations are associated with self-reported fatty acid intake in United States adults from the National Health and Examination Surveys.

Bioavailability of dietary β‐carotene (BC) is dependent on dose, quantity, dispersion, and presence of fat in the diet. Fats are comprised of a variety of fatty acids, which may impact the bioavailability of carotenoids. However, there is a gap in research on whether specific fatty acid classes affect serum BC concentrations in population samples. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between reported fat and fatty acid intake and serum BC concentrations utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2003–2006. Data from 3278 NHANES participants 20–85 years old were analyzed to estimate the relationships between serum BC concentrations and reported saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid intakes. Multiple linear regression estimated ln(serum BC) based on reported fatty acid intakes adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and reported dietary BC intakes. Mean and standard error (SE) for serum BC concentrations were 14.31 ± 0.05 μg/dl. Means and SE for total fat, SFA, MUFA, and PUFA were 85.7 ± 1.3, 26.9 ± 0.4, 31.1 ± 0.5, and 17.8 ± 0.4 g, respectively. There was a significant trend for association between serum BC and reported total fat intakes (r = −0.002, p < 0.0001), but the association was not strong. Multiple linear regression showed positive associations between serum BC concentrations and higher reported dietary PUFA consumption. PUFA alpha‐linolenic acid intakes are positively associated with serum BC concentrations, while MUFA palmitoleic acid and SFA stearic acid were inversely associated with serum BC. The inverse association between MUFA and SFA suggests there may be multiple post‐digestion factors affecting serum carotenoid concentrations.

Effects of prepartum supplementation of β-carotene in Holstein cows

Whether supplemental dietary β-carotene affects periparturient cows and vitamins A and E in cows when dietary vitamin A is adequate remains uncertain. Our objective was to assess the effect of β-carotene supplementation during the close-up dry period in a herd with adequate status of vitamins A and E but low in β-carotene. The study was conducted on a large commercial dairy farm in Indiana during early summer of 2015. Ninety-four multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to either control (CON; n = 47) or β-carotene (BC; n = 47) treatments. When locked in headgates each morning, each cow received a topdress of β-carotene (Rovimix, 8 g/d; provided 800 mg of β-carotene) or carrier from 21 d before expected calving until calving. Blood samples were collected at 21 ± 1 d (mean ± standard deviation) before expected calving (before treatments began), 7 ± 1 d before calving, immediately following parturition, and 7 ± 1 d postpartum. Blood serum was analyzed for vitamins A and E, β-carotene, cholesterol, and other metabolites and enzymes. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Cows had low β-carotene concentrations (0.85 μg/mL) in blood serum before treatments began. Compared with CON cows, BC cows had higher overall mean concentrations of β-carotene (2.87 μg/mL vs. 0.73 μg/mL) and retinol (165 vs. 143 ng/mL). Cows fed BC had lower α-tocopherol in serum than cows fed CON (2.26 vs. 2.46 µg/mL). Cows fed BC had lower peak milk than cows fed CON (50.9 vs. 55.3), but total lactation milk yield did not differ significantly. No effects of BC were observed on days to conception (100 d) or times bred (2.4). Treatments did not affect incidences of ketosis, retained placenta, displaced abomasum, off feed, lameness, footrot, mastitis, or metritis. In conclusion, in pregnant cows already receiving adequate vitamin A but with low serum β-carotene concentration, supplementation of β-carotene increased concentrations of β-carotene and vitamin A in blood serum, but did not affect production, reproduction, or health.

Associations Between Polymorphisms in Genes Related to Oxidative Stress and DNA Repair, Interactions With Serum Antioxidants, and Prostate Cancer Risk: Results From the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial.

Study of polymorphisms in genes related to the generation and removal of oxidative stress and repair of oxidative DNA damage will lead to new insights into the genetic basis of prostate cancer. In the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), a double-blind, randomized controlled trial testing finasteride versus placebo for prostate cancer prevention, we intend to investigate the role of oxidative stress/DNA repair mechanisms in prostate cancer etiology and whether these polymorphisms modify prostate cancer risk by interacting with antioxidant status in both placebo and finasteride arms. We evaluated associations of selected candidate polymorphisms in genes in these pathways, and interactions with pre-diagnostic serum antioxidants, and the risk of prostate cancer among 1,598 cases and 1,706 frequency-matched controls enrolled in the PCPT. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. While there were no statistically significant associations observed in the placebo arm, several SNPs were associated with prostate cancer in the finasteride arm. Specifically, APEX1-rs1760944 was associated with increased risk of total prostate cancer (per minor allele: p-trend=0.04). OGG1-rs1052133 was positively (CG/GG vs. CC: OR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.01-1.73) and NOS3-rs1799983 was inversely (per minor allele: p-trend=0.04) associated with risk of low-grade prostate cancer. LIG3-rs1052536 and XRCC1-rs25489 were suggestively associated with reduced risk of high-grade prostate cancer (per minor allele: both p-trend=0.04). In the placebo arm, significant associations were observed among men with higher serum lycopene for APEX1-rs1760944 and NQO1-rs1800566, or higher serum β-cryptoxanthin for ERCC4-rs1800067. In the finasteride arm, stronger associations were observed among men with lower serum lycopene for NOS3-rs1799983, higher serum α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin for LIG3-rs1052536, or lower serum retinol for SOD2-rs1799725. These results suggest that germline variations in oxidative stress and DNA repair pathways may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis and that these associations may differ by intraprostatic sex steroid hormone status and be further modified by antioxidant status. Findings provide insights into the complex role of gene, gene-antioxidant and -finasteride interactions in prostate cancer etiology, and thus may lead to the development of preventative strategies.

The Relationship Between Serum β-Carotene Concentrations and Reported Dietary β-Carotene Intakes Is Moderated by BMI in U.S. Adults

Abstract Objectives Serum β-carotene (BC) concentrations are not reflective of dietary BC status as serum concentrations can vary as a result of intake, lifestyle factors, adiposity, and physiological factors related to digestion and absorption. Longitudinal studies have shown a positive relationship between serum carotenoids and dietary BC intake, but the role of body mass index (BMI), as a surrogate for adiposity, in predicting serum BC concentrations is not well understood. The primary objective was to determine the role of BMI in the association between reported dietary BC intakes and serum BC concentrations. Methods Relationships between serum BC and reported dietary intake of BC were estimated using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)/What We Eat in America (WWEIA) survey 2003–2006 for 2580 male and non-pregnant female participants aged 20–85 years in the United States (US). The distributions of reported dietary and serum BC concentrations were skewed, therefore natural log (ln) was used to transform the data. Multivariable linear regression estimated serum BC concentrations based on reported dietary intake of BC adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity. Additional models were run by BMI category (normal, overweight, obesity class I, obesity class II, and obesity class III). Results Mean serum BC concentrations were 14.59 ± 0.1 μg/dL, BMI was 27.80 ± 0.1 kg/m2, and reported dietary intakes of BC were 828.82 ± 0.06 μg. A moderate association was present between serum BC and reported dietary BC intake, r = 0.30, P &amp;lt; 0.0001. When assessed according to BMI categories, the multivariable linear model shows attenuation of the β coefficient from 0.21 to 0.16, 0.12, 0.12, and 0.13 for the respective BMI categories. Conclusions In a representative sample of U.S. adults, there was a moderate association present between reported dietary BC intakes and serum BC concentrations. Additionally, the relationship between serum BC concentrations and reported dietary BC intakes was moderated by BMI, suggesting individuals with an increased BMI and/or body fat percentage may have a greater risk of low serum BC concentrations despite dietary BC intake. Funding Sources N/A.

P658 Is vitamin D deficiency related to fat malabsorption or inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Preliminary results from the Fat-D study

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The question of whether vitamin D status is a contributory factor or a consequence of IBD, or maybe both, remains unanswered, and is confounded by the complexity of inflammation, IBD and vitamin D. Fat malabsorption has been proposed as a possible reason for deficiencies of vitamin D in IBD. The aim of this study was to further understanding of vitamin D deficiency in IBD by investigating possible causal relationships of fat malabsorption and inflammation on vitamin D levels in this complex context. Methods In a comparative, cross-sectional study in IBD patients, 25(OH)D was analysed by LCMS/MS. Serum β-carotene levels were used as a biomarker for fat malabsorption. Vitamin K1, another fat-soluble vitamin, was used to affirm a possible causative relation between β-carotene and vitamin D in case of fat malabsorption. β-carotene and vitamin K were measured in serum by HPLC. Inflammation was characterised by serum hsCRP&amp;lt;5mg/L. Results 51 IBD patients (30f;20CD/18UC;45.3±16.3y; 21 with inflammatory activity) were enrolled. In patients with vs. without inflammation, serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower (26.5±14.6ng/mL vs. 36.8±12.6ng/mL, p&amp;lt;0.05), while serum vitamin K1 (1.4±0.5µg/L vs. 1.2±0.4µg/L) and β-carotene (28.5±0.6.0µg/dL vs. 35.9±5.4µg/dL) levels were similar (p&amp;gt;0.05). 36/51 of the patients had low serum β-carotene levels, indicating steatorrhoea. Neither 25(OH)D (32.1.5±13.8ng/mL vs. 33.6±15.8ng/mL) nor vitamin K1 (1.3±0.5µg/L vs. 1.2±0.4µg/L) levels differed according to the presence vs. absence of steatorrhoea (p&amp;gt;0.05). Similarly, no correlation was found for 25(OH)D (r=0.024, p=0.875) or serum vitamin K1 (r=0.111, p=0.462) with β-carotene levels. On the other hand, 25(OH)D levels were significantly inversely correlated with hsCRP (r=-0.338, p=0.015), whereas vitamin K1(r=0.050, p=0.731) and β-carotene (r=-0.118, p=0.438) did not show a similar relation. Conclusion Vitamin D levels were confirmed to be related to inflammation in IBD. A lack of correlation with fat malabsorption, as indicated by β-carotene levels, or with steatorrhoea, was found for vitamin D and confirmed by measuring and comparing serum levels of an additional fat-soluble vitamin, K1. We conclude that low vitamin D levels in patients with IBD are related to inflammation rather than fat malabsorption.