Beta-carotene Concentrations Research Articles

Longitudinal analysis of carotenoid content in preterm human milk

To describe the variability in carotenoid content of human milk (HM) in mothers of very to extremely low birth weight preterm infants throughout lactation and to explore the relationship between lutein in HM and the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. We recruited healthy mothers along with their preterm infants that were born at gestational age 24 + 2 to 29 + 6 weeks or with a birth weight under 1500 g and were exclusively breastfed HM. Each participant provided up to 7 HM samples (2–10 ml) on day 0–3 and once a week until 6 weeks. Additionally, when possible, a blood sample was collected from the infant at week 6. Concentrations of the major carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene) in all HM and blood samples were assessed and compared. Thirty-nine mother-infant dyads were included and 184 HM samples and 21 plasma samples were provided. Mean lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene concentration decreased as lactation progressed, being at their highest in colostrum samples (156.9 vs. 66.9 vs. 363.9 vs. 426.8 ng/ml, respectively). Lycopene (41%) and beta-carotene (36%) were the predominant carotenoids in colostrum and up to 2 weeks post-delivery. Inversely, the proportion of lutein and zeaxanthin increased with lactation duration to account for 45% of the carotenoids in mature HM. Lutein accounted for 58% of the carotenoids in infant plasma and only 28% in HM. Lutein content of transition and mature HM did not differ between mothers of ROP and non-ROP infants.Conclusion Carotenoid content of HM was dynamic and varied between mothers and as lactation progressed. Infant plasma displayed a distinct distribution of carotenoids from HM.

Polymers in Drug Delivery: Analyzing Beta-carotene Aggregation in Response to PEG-b-PLA

Synthetic polymers have quickly become ubiquitous in all aspects of modern society, from single-use plastics to medical treatment. This study focuses on the behavior of polymers in the medical context of drug delivery, which requires a highly controlled and targeted release of the therapeutic agent. However, current medical treatments such as anticancer drugs lack precision and lose effectiveness after entering the body. PEG-b-PLA is uniquely structured to have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends, which makes it capable of forming polymeric micelles. Beta-carotene, a lipophilic compound, was employed as a surrogate molecule to represent an anticancer drug. This study’s purpose was to study PEG-b-PLA in aqueous solutions with varying concentrations of Beta-carotene and sodium chloride to mimic a human drug delivery procedure. It was hypothesized that PEG-b-PLA would limit the aggregation of Beta-carotene to a constant size, regardless of the outside environment. For that purpose, this study created four mixtures, each with varying concentrations of DI water, Beta-carotene, sodium chloride, and PEG-b-PLA. Qualitative data was collected by using a laser beam to observe the aggregation of Beta-carotene in each mixture, and each mixture was analyzed in a dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument to determine exact micelle sizes. It was determined that the addition of PEG-b-PLA significantly reduced the aggregation of Beta-carotene in an electrolyte solution, demonstrating the stabilizing role PEG-b-PLA plays in drug delivery. Recent innovations like smart polymers consist of molecules like PEG-b-PLA and have been shown to successfully transport medical drugs, potentially making highly targeted anticancer treatment a reality.

Development of safe and antioxidant COX-2 inhibitors; Synthesis, molecular docking analysis and biological evaluation of novel pyrrolizine 5-carboxamides

In the current study, a series of new pyrrolizine-5-carboxamide derivatives (5–8, 9a-d, 10a-d, 11a,b and 12a,b) were developed, synthesized and evaluated in terms of in vitro COX-2 enzyme inhibition. The in vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation was conducted on the most selective compounds (9a,b,d, 10b,c and 11a,b). For the most active five compounds (9a, 10b,c and 11a,b), ulcerogenic liability, histopathological examinations, physicochemical properties study and antioxidant activity were investigated. Also, nitric oxide donor activity was evaluated for compounds (6, 7, 10a-d and 12a,b), while, compounds (10c,d and 12a,b) showed a high significant result relative to the normal control. According to the findings of this study, 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-5-carboxamide (9a) demonstrated high antioxidant (highest beta-carotene concentration (10.825 µg/ml)) and anti-inflammatory activity (EIP = 63.6 %) with lower ulcerogenicity (ulcer index 13.67), presenting it as a promising candidate for treating inflammatory diseases which are complicated by oxidative tissue damage. Furthermore, MOE software tools docking software was used to carry out the in silico studies. Docking study for the most active compounds showed that all compounds made three to four H-bond interactions in COX-2 active site adopting excellent docking scores.

Effect of beta glucan coating on controlled release, bioaccessibility, and absorption of β-carotene from loaded liposomes.

Recently, the use of biopolymers as coating material to stabilise phospholipid-based nanocarriers has increased. One such class of biopolymers is the dietary fibre beta-glucan (βG). In this study, we developed and characterized beta-carotene (βC) loaded βG coated nanoliposomes (GNLs) to investigate the effect of βG coating on the stability, controlled release, bioaccessibility, diffusion and subsequent absorption of the lipophilic active agent. The size, charge (Z-potential), and FTIR spectra were measured to determine the physicochemical stability of GNLs. βG coating reduced the bioaccessibility, provided prolonged release and improved the antioxidant activity of the nanoliposomes. Multiple particle tracking (MPT) data suggested that βC-GNLs were less diffusive in porcine intestinal mucus (PIM). Additionally, the microviscosity of the PIM treated with GNLs was observed to be higher (0.04744 ± 0.00865 Pa s) than the PIM incubated with uncoated NLs (0.015 ± 0.0004 Pa s). An Ex vivo experiment was performed on mouse jejunum to measure the absorption of beta-carotene from coated (βC-GNLs) and uncoated nanoliposomes (βC-NLs). Data showed that after 2 hours, 27.7 ± 1.3 ng mL-1 of βC encapsulated in GNLs and 61.54 ± 3 ng mL-1 of the βC encapsulated in uncoated NLs was absorbed by mouse intestinal mucosa. These results highlight that coating with βG stabilise NLs during gastrointestinal digestion and provides more sustained release of βC from nanoliposomes.

Effect of Momordica cochinchinensis extract on locomotor function and brain antioxidant enzyme activity in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated zebrafish Parkinson’s disease model

BACKGROUND: Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The red aril of Gac fruit contains high concentrations of carotenoids, including lycopene and beta-carotene. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Gac fruit aril extract on locomotor activities in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced zebrafish model and measure antioxidant enzyme activities in the zebrafish brain. METHODS: This study used adult male zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. MPTP was used as a toxin to induce movement dysfunction in zebrafish, while the standard drug selegiline acted as a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor. Locomotion was recorded on day 7 after MPTP induction using a digital video tracking system, and parameters related to zebrafish swimming, including total distance, velocity, and immobility, were observed. The brain tissue of the zebrafish was collected for antioxidant enzyme activity analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that Gac fruit extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg improved locomotor functions in MPTP-induced Parkinsonism in zebrafish. However, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, in the zebrafish brain showed no significant differences among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insights into the further research of Gac fruit extract as a nutraceutical for preventing Parkinson’s disease.

Unlocking the potential of carrot pomace: Enzymatic and impact-disintegrator-activator processing for elevated beta-carotene concentration in carrot powder

Backgrounds: Carrot pomace is a by-product of the juice industry, which quickly spoils due to its high moisture content and is usually considered waste. However, it is a valuable product containing a significant amount of bioactive compounds, particularly carotenoids.Context and purpose of this study:In this study, we aimed to develop a technology for obtaining carrot powder from carrot pomace with an increased availability of beta-carotene. The unique aspect of the technology involved the use of enzymatic and impact-disintegration-activation processing (IDAP) of the raw material to enhance the release of beta-carotene from plant cells.Objective of this study:To achieve the goal, we have set objectives to compare various dosages of enzyme preparation and to evaluate devices for grinding carrots that can be used to make powder. At all stages, it was necessary to measure the amount of beta-carotene in the samples.Results: It has been found that the yield of carotenoids from carrot pomace is 185% higher compared to whole carrots. Moreover, the application of enzymatic and impact-disintegration-activation processing significantly increases the carotenoid yield in the powder by 17 times compared to carrots (200% in terms of dry matter). This remarkable result was achieved through the described processing method and the selection of the enzyme preparation. Additionally, the mechanoactivation obtained by using the Desi-15 disintegrator played a crucial role. It was also observed that the use of impact-disintegration-activation processing for further grinding of dried carrots can increase the beta-carotene yield by 8 times. Conclusions: The carrot pomace was processed, resulting in a fine-dispersed carrot powder that shows promising applications in the food or agricultural industries.Keywords: Carrot pomace, beta-carotene, impact-disintegrator-activator processing (IDAP), enzymatic processing, pectolytic enzyme preparations

Phytochemical status and antioxidant capacity of selected hot pepper varieties cultivated in Tanzania

Hot pepper is one of the most important economic fruits with abundant of nutritional qualities. Thus, the consumption of foods of plant origin with high nutritional and bioactive compounds of high antioxidants capacity is a major concern nowadays. A study was conducted to determine and quantify concentrations of important bioactive compounds present in the nine selected hot pepper varieties cultivated in Tanzania. Hot peppers were grown in the field at Botany department research farm, University of Dar es Salaam from March to September, 2021. Then, ripe-fruit extracts were used to determine vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC)among the varieties quantitatively. The results indicated that there were very high significant variations on the nutrients and bioactive compound concentrations (p<0.0001) among all varieties of hot pepper evaluated. The highest amount of vitamin C was 948.30 ± 22.6 mg/100g recorded from orange bird eye variety. The high concentration of beta-carotene was 0.62 ± 0.006mg/ 100 ml recorded from orange bird eye. The highest concentration of lycopene was 0.55 ± 0.0003 mg/ 100 ml from Big red cayenne. The highest concentration of TPC was 454.247 ± 20.9mg GAE/ 100g obtained from Big red cayenne. The highest concentration of TFC was 8.92 ± 0.15 mg RE/ 100g obtained from Big red cayenne. High variability was observed among the hot pepper varieties; Big red cayenne variety with the highest concentrations of TPC, TFC and lycopene, showed to have the highest radical scavenging capacity. Big red cayenne can be a cheap source of natural antioxidants, therefore recommended for future development of nutraceuticals or healthy food products and conveying great benefits for food and pharmaceutical industries, consumers, and producers.

Performance of orange-fleshed sweet potato genotypes is affected by the planting date

Sweet potato is a vegetable with an important socioeconomic role in Brazil, especially in Western São Paulo state. In this region, there is a predominance in the use of low-yielding and obsolete genotypes that do not meet the most demanding national and international markets. Few orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) genotypes are available to Brazilian producers, although the potential for growth in the national and international market is significant. OFSP has a higher concentration of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, and can contribute to combating the deficiency of this vitamin, which is considered a public health problem. In this way, a program for breeding sweet potato began in 2019, which seeks to develop superior genotypes that better meet the needs of growers and consumer requirements. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the yield of experimental OFSP genotypes on three planting dates. Twelve experimental OFSP pre-selected for agronomic characteristics, tuberous root quality, and resistance to pests, were tested. The Beauregard cultivar was employed as a commercial standard. The experimental design was in blocks with randomized treatments, with cultivation carried out in three planting times (December 2020, February 2021, and October 2021). The tuberous roots were harvested 150 days after planting and commercial yield and quality parameters were assessed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and subsequently grouped using the Scott-Knott test (p ≤ 0.05). The experimental genotypes UBD-C-14, UBD-U2-05, UBD-U1-25, UBD-F-34, and UBD-U2-19 showed good results for the evaluated parameters for all or more than one planting date. These genotypes are of interest to continue the breeding program in search of superior cultivars for the Western region of São Paulo and regions with similar edaphoclimatic conditions.

The Antioxidant Capacity of Breast Milk and Plasma of Women with or without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Women with gestational diabetes (GD) have reduced antioxidant capacity; however, the relationship between maternal diet, maternal biochemical capacity, breast milk concentration, and infant intake has not been adequately explored in the literature. An exploration of underlying mechanism(s) is warranted, particularly for nutrient antioxidants impacted by maternal intake. These nutrients may provide a means for modifying maternal and infant antioxidant capacity. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and beta-carotene concentrations were measured in breast milk of women with and without GD. Plasma, three-day diet records, and breast milk were collected at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. Student's t-test was used to compare breast milk ORAC, nutrient antioxidant concentration and plasma ORAC between women with and without GD. Pearson correlations were used to determine associations among antioxidant concentrations in breast milk and dietary antioxidant intake. Breast milk antioxidant concentrations were associated with maternal intake of beta-carotene (r = 0.629, p = 0.005). Breast milk and plasma ORAC and antioxidant vitamin concentrations were not significantly different between GD and NG women. Breast milk ORAC associated with breast milk alpha-tocopherol for NG (r = 0.763, p = 0.010), but not GD women (r = 0.385, p = 0.35), and with breast milk ascorbic acid for GD (r = 0.722, p = 0.043) but not NG women (r = 0.141, p = 0.70; interaction p = 0.041). In GD participants, breast milk ORAC was significantly associated with plasma ORAC (r = 0.780, p = 0.039). ORAC and antioxidant vitamin concentrations in breast milk in women with GD were comparable to women with NG; however, the relationships between breast milk ORAC and vitamin concentrations differed in GD versus NG women for alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid.

Interactions of Oral β-Carotene and Canthaxanthin in Ferrets

Interactive effects of an oral dose of equal quantities of beta-carotene and either canthaxanthin or lycopene on serum and tissue beta-carotene accumulations were investigated in domestic ferrets. Like humans, ferrets absorb a substantial portion of ingested beta-carotene intact and accumulate it in tissues. After the ferrets ingested a low carotenoid purified diet for 13 d, they were randomly assigned to one of two groups of six animals. One group was dosed with beta-carotene (10 mg/kg body weight) and the other with beta-carotene and either canthaxanthin (Experiment 1) or lycopene (Experiment 2) (10 mg/kg body weight for each). In Experiment 1, ferrets that received a combined dose of beta-carotene and canthaxanthin had serum beta-carotene concentrations that were significantly lower at 8, 12 and 24 h post-dosing (P < 0.05), compared with those that received an individual dose of beta-carotene; liver, adrenal and kidney beta-carotene concentrations were also significantly reduced. In Experiment 2, ferrets that received a combined dose of lycopene and beta-carotene had lower serum and tissue beta-carotene concentrations than in those that received beta-carotene alone; the differences were not statistically significant with the exception of serum beta-carotene concentrations at 24 h post-dosing. The results suggest that, at the doses given, a concurrent oral canthaxanthin dose has a specific antagonistic effect on the bioavailability of a beta-carotene dose in ferrets.

β-Carotene Supplementation Increases Antioxidant Capacity of Plasma in Older Women , ,

The antioxidant effect of dietary beta-carotene supplementation on the peroxidation potential of plasma was investigated in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Twelve healthy women (62-80 y) supplemented their usual daily diet with 90 mg of beta-carotene (n = 6) or placebo (n = 6) capsules for 3 wk. Plasma concentrations of beta-carotene, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, ascorbate, urate, bilirubin and in vitro production of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides (PC-OOH) and utilization of plasma antioxidants in the presence of 50 mmol/L 2,2'-azobis (2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH), a free radical generator, at 37 degrees C were measured before and after dietary treatment. Plasma beta-carotene increased from 0.76 +/- 0.16 to 6.45 +/- 1.16 micromol/L (P < 0.05) in supplemented but not placebo-treated subjects. The plasma concentrations of other antioxidants did not change significantly in either group. beta-Carotene supplementation did not affect basal levels of plasma PC-OOH as measured by HPLC post-column chemiluminescence but did affect AAPH-induced production of PC-OOH. Before supplementation, the induction period of plasma PC-OOH production was 2.4 +/- 0.4 h, with levels reaching 5.39 +/- 1.50 micromol/L after 6 h of incubation. After supplementation, the induction period increased significantly to 4.2 +/- 0.4 h (P < 0.01), with a lower PC-OOH production of 2.16 +/- 0.90 micromol/L after 6 h (P < 0.05). In this system, plasma ascorbate concentrations were depleted first, followed by loss of bilirubin and alpha-tocopherol and then by the sequential loss of gamma-tocopherol, urate and beta-carotene. These results indicate that beta-carotene supplementation increases the plasma antioxidant capacity of older women.

Preparation and characterization of nanofiltration (NF) polyethersulfone and its preliminary studies on beta-carotene concentration from crude palm oil

The enrichment of beta-carotene concentration from crude palm oil (CPO) using nanofiltration polyethersulfone (NF-PES) membrane was studied. This work begins with preparing the NF-PES membrane via the phase inversion method as the first stage. PES polymer was used as base membrane material and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. Then, the process concentration of beta-carotene was conducted by filtration of the red palm methyl ester as feed solution using dead-end mode filtration. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of separation pressure (3; 4; and 5 bar) on beta-carotene concentration from the feed solution. SEM results showed that the NF PES membrane had an asymmetric structure. It consisted of two layers: the thin top layer had a dense structure, while the support layer had a sponge-like structure. Besides, the pure water permeability of NF PES membrane was about 2-18 L/m2.h.bar was fitted within the range of NF membranes. The optimum operating pressure that gives the highest beta-carotene concentration was achieved at 3 bar. As a result, the beta-carotene concentration has improved about 1.14 times compared to the initial beta-carotene concentration in the feed solution.

Investigating Causal Associations of Circulating Micronutrients Concentrations with the Risk of Lung Cancer: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Previous observational studies have suggested that the effect of diet-derived circulating micronutrient concentrations on lung cancer (LC) risk is controversial. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between circulating micronutrient concentrations and the overall risk of LC and three LC subtypes (namely lung adenocarcinoma (LA), squamous cell lung cancer (SqCLC), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)). The instrumental variables (IVs) of 11 micronutrients (beta-carotene, calcium, copper, folate, lycopene, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, selenium, zinc, and vitamin B6) were screened from the published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Summary statistics related to LC and its subtypes came from the largest meta-analysis, including 29,266 cases and 56,450 controls. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method is used as the main MR analysis, and the sensitivity analysis is carried out to ensure the MR assumptions. This MR study found suggestive evidence that genetically predicted 6 circulating micronutrient concentrations was correlated with the risk of overall LC (odds ratio (OR): 1.394, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.041-1.868, p = 0.026, phosphorus), LA (OR: 0.794, 95% CI: 0.634-0.995, p = 0.045, beta-carotene; OR: 0.687, 95%CI: 0.494-0.957, p = 0.026, calcium), SqCLC (OR: 0.354, 95% CI: 0.145-0.865, p = 0.023, retinol), and SCLC (OR: 1.267, 95% CI: 1.040-1.543, p = 0.019, copper; OR: 0.801, 95% CI: 0.679-0.944, p = 0.008, zinc). We found no evidence that other micronutrients are associated with the risk of overall LC or its subtypes. Our study suggested that the increase in circulating beta-carotene, calcium, retinol, and zinc concentration may reduce the risk of LC; the increase in circulating copper and phosphorus concentration may be related to the increased risk of LC. In the future, larger replication samples of LC genetic data and larger micronutrient-related GWAS will be needed to verify our findings.

Review of Evidence for the Usage of Antioxidants for Eye Aging.

Oxidative stress is one of the common factors leading to age-related eye diseases in older adults. Factors such as high oxygen consumption, high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cumulative exposure to high-energy visible light in the eyes, lead to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, hence triggering apoptosis of ocular cells and giving rise to ophthalmic diseases. Dietary supplements such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and vitamins have antioxidant properties which may be of benefit in retaining better vision or reversing vision impairment; thus, studies have been conducted to understand the role of dietary supplements in the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic diseases. While high concentration of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin decrease the risk of developing age-related macular disease, anthocyanins and vitamins play a role in the treatment and prevention of other ophthalmic diseases: saffron extract reduced intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; bilberry extract prevented impairments in lenses and retina, as well as alleviate symptoms of dry eye disease; high concentration of beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing cataract. Further studies with clinical measurements are required to investigate the effectiveness of antioxidants on visual function and ophthalmic diseases.

Status of carotenoids in elite and landrace maize genotypes: Implications for provitamin A biofortification in Tanzania

Maize is among the crops containing carotenoids that are easily converted to vitamin A and have an enormous influence on consumers' health. Principally maize has high calories and proteins but has less number of other micronutrients such as vitamin A. Societies that use maize as their main and sole staple food are likely to be affected by vitamin A deficiency. Thus, development and production of maize varieties rich in micronutrients and vitamin A are important for improved health. This study characterized 5 carotenoid components in maize genotypes grown in Tanzania as a strategy for improving vitamin A content in maize. The study involved maize landraces, commercial or elite varieties, and inbred lines in determining their potential for provitamin A breeding programs for nutrition improvement. The study found that mean concentration of important carotenoid components, i.e., alpha carotene (AC), beta-carotene (BC), beta-cryptoxanthin (BCX), lutein (LU), zeaxanthin (ZX), provitamin A (ProVA), non-provitamin A (Non-ProVA), and total carotenoids (TC) varied significantly (P < 0.001) among maize genotypes. The 3 maize groups studied (landraces, commercial varieties, and breeding materials (BMs) varied significantly. For maize landraces, the concentration (µg/g) of studied carotenoids were AC (0.13–2.67), BC (0.60–3.72), BCX (0.36–1.01), ProVA (0.89–5.29), Retinol (0.25–0.87), LU (2.37–16.97). ZX (0.16–4.41), Non-ProVA (2.4–19.01), and TC (3.68–25.27); in commercial or elite maize varieties were (in µg/g): AC (0.31–3.84), BC (0.56–6.5), BCX (0.46–2.58), ProVA (0.92–11.80), Retinol (0.15–1.82), LU (3.28–22.39). ZX (0.05–11.31), Non-ProVA (2.56–28.81), and TC (4.23–37.84); and for maize BMs AC (0.53–6.64), BC (1.92–13.87), BCX (0.65–6.51), ProVA (2.69–18.62), Retinol (0.5–3.1), LU (4.86–34.99), ZX (0.06–18.58), Non-ProVA (4.8–53.57), and TC (9.86–76.94). Furthermore, the study found that the concentration of studied carotenoids was higher in pigmented (yellow or red) maize genotypes than in white maize genotypes. The current study found an appreciable amount of ProVA in studied materials, including maize landraces, commercial yellow varieties, and CIMMYT lines. The concentration of ProVA and retinol determined in studied maize genotypes were below 15 µg/g a daily vitamin A requirement, thus based on the current ProVA and retinol status it is difficult to meet Vitamin A requirement. Therefore, these maize genotypes with promising levels of carotenoid components are potential breeding materials that can be used in maize provitamin A biofortification program for improved food nutrition and livelihoods in Tanzania.

Quality Parameters, Empirical and Kinetic Models of Lycopene and Beta-carotene Bioformation in Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

This study modelled a kinetic for estimating geranyl geranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) concentration in the carotenoid pathway in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicon). Kinetics of bioformation of carotenoids in tomatoes of different cultivars (Cherry-Nasmata, VAR-10 and 4-lobes) at different ripening stages and conditions served as a model system in estimating the GGPP concentration in the kinetic model. Physicochemical parameters, lycopene and beta-carotene contents were assessed and compared under the two ripening conditions using standard laboratory procedures. The solid contents in the three cultivars of tomato range from 5.61% to 6.85% and 5.83% to 7.16% at field and ambient temperature ripening, respectively, the pH values were all in the acidic region. Highest lycopene and beta-carotene concentrations were observed in 4-lobes cultivar at field ripening. The obtained data subjected to empirical and kinetic modeling favoured the exponential models as a first order kinetics for both lycopene and beta-carotene bioformation in Cherry-Nasmata and 4-lobes cultivars. This suggests that beta-carotene bioformation is dependent on the pathway of lycopene in the tomato cultivars under study. The quality parameters of the tomato cultivars showed that ripening conditions have influence on their quality contents and the GGPP concentrations of some of the tomatoes were successfully estimated using the kinetic model.

Characterization of Provitamin A Status and Distribution in Commercial Grown Maize Varieties in Tanzania

Provitamin A carotenoids are important as precursors for vitamin A, essential for stronger immune system and eyesight. Consumption of a plant-based diet rich in provitamin A such as provitamin A maize is an easy and affordable source of vitamin A. The majority of the commercially grown maize varieties in Tanzania are white whose provitamin A status is uncertain and undocumented. The existing current information suggests that white maize varieties have low provitamin A, an active form of vitamin A, thus putting maize consumers at risk of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Characterization of provitamin A status in commercial maize varieties grown and consumed in Tanzania is important to provide baseline information required for vitamin A rich-maize improvement programs. Therefore, this study was conducted to map the status of provitamin A in commercial maize varieties to accrue the information needed to improve maize nutrition quality toward controlling VAD in the country. The study involved 14 maize varieties including commercial yellow and white pigmented maize from 3 regions of Tanzania. From maize samples, carotenoid extraction was conducted based on a protocol adapted from Kurilich and Juvik (1999). The concentration of beta carotene (BC), beta-cryptoxanthin (BCX), alpha-carotene (AC) were determined by an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and provitamin A computed for the individual carotenoids components. The study found that the concentration of provitamin A and associated carotenoids significantly differed (p&lt;0.001) among varieties studied. The mean concentration (in μg/g) for provitamin A and its components in range as provitamin A (2.64-6.50), BC (1.91-4.66), BCX (0.649-1.21), and AC (0.819-1.46). The concentrations of provitamin A in the studied maize varieties were below the recommended levels (15 μg/g). The low concentrations of provitamin A among commercial maize varieties signify the

The Gut Microbiome Is Associated with Circulating Dietary Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in a Multiethnic Cohort.

Results from observational studies suggest high diet quality favorably influences the human gut microbiome. Fruit and vegetable consumption is often a key contributor to high diet quality. To evaluate measures of gut bacterial diversity and abundance in relation to serum biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. Men and women from Los Angeles, CA, and Hawai'i who participated in the Multiethnic Cohort-Adiposity Phenotype Study from 2013 to 2016 (N= 1,709). Gut microbiome diversity and composition in relation to dietary biomarkers. Carotenoid (beta carotene, alpha carotene, cryptoxanthins, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin), tocopherol (α, β+ γ, and δ), and retinol concentrations were assessed in serum. The α and β diversity and composition of the gut microbiome were classified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacterial DNA from self-collected fecal samples. Global differences in microbial community profiles in relation dietary biomarkers were evaluated using multivariable permutational analysis of variance. Associations of α diversity (Shannon index), β diversity (weighted and unweighted UniFrac) with center log-ratio-transformed phyla and genera abundances were evaluated using linear regression, adjusted for covariates. Increasing total carotenoid, beta carotene, alpha carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene concentrations were associated with higher gut bacterial diversity (Shannon Index) (P < 0.001). Total tocopherol, α-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol concentrations contributed significantly to more than 1% of the microbiome variation in gut bacterial community: total tocopherol: 1.74%; α-tocopherol: 1.70%; and δ-tocopherol: 1.16% (P < 0.001). Higher total carotenoid was associated with greater abundance of some genera relevant for microbial macronutrient metabolism (P < 0.001). Objective biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake, particularly carotenoids, were favorably associated with gut bacterial composition and diversity in this multiethnic population. These observations provide supportive evidence that fruit and vegetable intake is related to gut bacterial composition; more work is needed to elucidate how this influences host health.

Effect of dietary supplementation of astaxanthin and beta-carotene on colouration, growth and survival in pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) fingerlings under controlled conditions

The pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) is dull greenish black color in and less attractive cichlid fish to the customer. The present study investigated the effects of different concentration of astaxanthin and beta-carotene incorporated feeds on pigmentation of E. suratensis skin and flesh. Seven carotenoid content incorporated diets were formulated at different concentrations of axtaxanthin (100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm) and beta-carotene (30 ppm,40 ppm and 50 ppm). During the experimental period (60 days), the fishes were fed at the rate of 5% of body weight per day. The highest mean weight gain was observed in fishes fed with 300 ppm of astaxanthin (24.06+0.01 g) and 50ppm of beta-carotene (21.56+0.01 g), compared to other treatments and control. Significant improvement in the growth parameters were recorded in the experimental fishes than control. The highest carotenoid content was found in fishes fed with 300 ppm of astaxanthin and 50 ppm of beta-carotene compared to other treatments and control. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the growth performance of fishes by dietary carotenoid supplementation. However, significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in the flesh and skin of fishes fed with 300 ppm astaxanthin and 50 ppm beta-carotene treatment. Pearlspot fingerlings fed with carotenoid content incorporated diets showed better growth performance and feed utilization. Dietary carotenoid content influenced digestive enzyme activity, haemotological and biochemical responses. In order to improve the consumer preference and the market value of E. suratensis, these flesh and skin colouration could be improved by feeding with diets containing astaxanthin (300 ppm) and beta-carotene (50 ppm).

Improved reproductive performance achieved in tropical dairy cows by dietary beta-carotene supplementation

Dairy farming in tropical climates is challenging as heat stress can impair reproduction in cows. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of beta-carotene supplementation on bovine reproductive performance. This study was performed in Thailand, where the temperature-humidity index (THI) during the experimental periods was measured to range from 78.4 to 86.1. Lactating Holstein cows classified as repeat breeders (previous artificial insemination [AI] failures) were randomly assigned into two treatments, control treatment (T1; received placebo, n = 200) and test treatment (T2; received 400 mg/h/day of beta-carotene, n = 200). All cows were subjected to a protocol for synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination (TAI). The day of the 1st ovulation synchronized protocol was defined as day 0, and the total experimental period was 160 days. Daily placebo or beta-carotene supplements were given orally on day 0 and each subsequent day of the experiment. Diagnosis of pregnancy was performed using ultrasound on day 30 after insemination. Non-pregnant cows were subjected to further ovulation synchronizations (maximum of four) and TAI over a period of 160 days. Milk samples were collected every ten days throughout the experiment. The samples were analyzed for beta-carotene concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. The pregnancies per AI of the cows in T2 were significantly greater than that of T1 from the 2nd to 4th TAI. During the entire experimental period, the pregnancies in T2 were significantly greater than that of T1. Cox's proportional hazards regression model data indicated a 44% greater probability of pregnancy for cows receiving beta-carotene. The concentrations of milk beta-carotene in T2 were significantly greater than T1 from the 2nd to 4th TAI. Significantly greater SOD and GPx activities were observed in T2 than T1, suggesting a reduction of oxidative stress in cows treated with beta-carotene. Dietary supplementation with beta-carotene thus improves the reproductive performance of repeat breeders exposed to heat stress, possibly by reducing oxidative stress.