Plasma Carotenoids Research Articles

Lutein and inflammation: a comprehensive review of its mechanisms of action

Lutein, a natural dihydroxy carotenoid and a member of the non-vitamin A carotenoids family, is abundant in yellow-colored fruits and green leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce. As the second most common type of carotenoid found in human serum, lutein offers a plethora of medicinal benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties. It is well-absorbed and systemically localized to the liver, lung, and retina, where it can cross the blood-retina barrier and accumulate in the macular pigment. Due to its anti-oxidative and singlet oxygen quenching properties, lutein is reported to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Higher concentrations of fasting plasma carotenoids and enhanced skin yellowing after lutein consumption indicate its presence in various regions of the human body, including the skin, breast, brain, and cervix. Lutein has remarkable benefits for neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular health, liver protection, and bone disease prevention. In the central nervous system (CNS), lutein supports brain homeostasis through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10) and reducing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). It reduces the risk of coronary artery disease and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Lutein protects against alcohol-induced liver damage by modulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. Additionally, lutein promotes bone health by enhancing mineralized bone nodule development and inhibiting osteoclast production, reducing bone resorption, and suppressing soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL). These multifaceted benefits make lutein a valuable agent in disease prevention and health promotion. This review discusses the comprehensive profile of lutein as a phytochemical activity, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neurological, and cardioprotective effects. Additionally, it discusses lutein’s beneficial impact on macular degeneration and eye diseases, showcasing its potential as a natural, plant-based therapeutic agent.

Common and rare genetic variation intersects with ancestry to influence human skin and plasma carotenoid concentrations.

Carotenoids are dietary bioactive compounds with health effects that are biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake. Here, we examine genetic associations with plasma and skin carotenoid concentrations in two rigorously phenotyped human cohorts (n=317). Analysis of genome-wide SNPs revealed heritability to vary by genetic ancestry (h2=0.08-0.44) with ten SNPs at four loci reaching genome-wide significance (P<5E-08) in multivariate models, including at RAPGEF1 (rs3765544, P=8.86E-10, beta=0.75) with α-carotene, and near IGSF11 (rs80316816, P=6.25E-10, beta=0.74), with cryptoxanthin; these were replicated in the second cohort (n=110). Multiple SNPs near IGSF11 demonstrated genotype-dependent dietary effects on plasma cryptoxanthin. Deep sequencing of 35 candidate genes revealed associations between the PKD1L2-BCO1 locus and plasma β-carotene (Padj=0.04, beta=-1.3 to -0.3), and rare, ancestry-restricted, damaging variants in CETP (rs2303790) and APOA1 (rs756535387) in individuals with high skin carotenoids. Our findings implicate novel loci in carotenoid disposition and indicate the importance of including cohorts of diverse genetic ancestry.

Diet quality, psychological factors and their associations with risk factors of cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional pilot study

BackgroundSeveral modifiable risk factors, including dietary habits, are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. However, lifestyle changes remain notoriously challenging, perhaps due to psychosocial factors. This pilot study aims to...

Evaluation of the Smartphone-Based Dietary Assessment tool "Traqq" for Assessing Habitual Dietary Intake by Random 2-H Recalls in Adults: Comparison with a Food Frequency Questionnaire and Blood Concentration Biomarkers.

Current dietary assessment methods are affected by memory-related bias and heavily burden respondents. To reduce respondent burden and associated measurement error, we recently developed an innovative smartphone-based 2-h recall (2 hR) method. Evaluation of the use of random 2 hRs, administered via the smartphone-based dietary assessment tool "Traqq," for assessing habitual intake against a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and blood concentration markers. Dietary intake was assessed in 215 Dutch adults by repeated 2 hRs on randomly selected days and times (i.e. equivalent to 3 full days of 2 hRs) over a 4-wk period. At the end of the study period, participants completed a validated semiquantitative FFQ. Sixty-five random participants also provided 2 fasting blood samples, to assess plasma carotenoid and plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations. Intake estimates of energy (2132 ± 665 kcal compared with 2017 ± 572 kcal) were slightly higher with 2 hRs than FFQ, whereas the percentage energy intake from macronutrients where similar (i.e. protein: 37 ± 14 en% compared with 37 ± 13 en%; fat: 35 ± 6 en% compared with 44 ± 7 en%; carbohydrates: 44 ± 7 en% compared with 44 ± 6 en%). For food groups, a larger variation in intake estimates was found ranging from -65% (legumes) to 62% (pastry, cake and biscuits). Spearman correlations between 2 hRs and FFQ ranged from 0.33 to 0.69 for energy and macronutrients, from 0.32 to 0.58 for micronutrients, and from 0.27 to 0.67 for food groups. For all nutrients and food groups, ≥70% of the participants were classified in the same/adjacent quartile. Spearman correlations between 2 hRs and plasma carotenoids and n-3 PUFA ranged between 0.34 and 0.57 and cross-classification ranged between 61% and 83% in the same/adjacent quartile. Comparing 2 hRs with FFQ and blood concentration markers showed good ranking ability for energy, most nutrients, and most frequently consumed foods. More variation was seen for episodically consumed foods and nutrients. This trial was registered at the Dutch Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO) registry as ABR No. NL69065.081.19 (https://www.toetsingonline.nl/to/ccmo_search.nsf/fABRpop?readform&unids=26E81F6A56186B1EC12587BD001C7AC9).

A reflection-spectroscopy measured skin carotenoid score strongly correlates with plasma concentrations of all major dietary carotenoid species except for lycopene

Skin carotenoids can be measured non-invasively using spectroscopy methods to provide a biomarker of total dietary carotenoid and carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetable intake. However, the degree to which skin carotenoid biomarkers reflect intakes of specific carotenoids must be determined for specific devices. Previously, findings were mixed regarding the correlation between reflection spectroscopy (RS)-assessed skin carotenoids and individual plasma carotenoid concentrations. The current study expands on prior analyses to examine the cross-sectional associations between adult RS-assessed skin carotenoids and individual carotenoid species intakes and plasma concentrations, controlling for potential covariates. We hypothesized that RS-assessed skin carotenoid scores would strongly correlate with all major plasma carotenoid species other than lycopene. Cross-sectional data from two prior studies (n = 213 and n = 162) examining the validity and sensitivity of RS-assessed skin carotenoids as a biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake were used. Skin carotenoids were assessed using the Veggie Meter ®, which quantifies combined skin carotenoid concentrations. Plasma concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein and zeaxanthin were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Self-reported carotenoid intake was estimated from validated food frequency questionnaires. Skin carotenoid scores correlated moderately to strongly with individual plasma carotenoid species (Pearson's r=0.52 – r=0.78) except for lycopene (r=0.04 to r=0.07). Low correlations between skin carotenoid score and lycopene plasma concentrations and intake could be due to differential deposition, preferential oxidation/degradation, and/or device measurement bias. Validating skin carotenoid measurement techniques relative to other concentration biomarkers informs the interpretation of skin carotenoid biomarkers.

Association between two common SNPs, rs6564851 and rs6420424, and lutein and zeaxanthin levels in a cohort of US postmenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer.

A better understanding of the factors contributing to systemic concentrations of carotenoids is necessary given the weak correlations between circulating levels and dietary intake of carotenoids. Although genetic variation may play a key role in the interindividual variability in carotenoid concentrations, few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have focused on carotenoids. We used a random sample (n = 519) of postmenopausal participants in the Sister Study with data on genotypes and plasma carotenoid levels to conduct GWAS for each of five carotenoids (mcg/mL): alpha-carotene, beta- carotene, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin. We used linear regression models and an additive genetic model to evaluate associations between 371,532 variants and inverse normal transformed carotenoid concentrations. We found evidence for one genome-wide statistically significant association with the combined carotenoids of lutein and zeaxanthin for rs6564851-C (beta = -0.377, se = 0.059, p = 4.6×10-10) and rs6420424-A (beta = -0.334, se = 0.059, p = 2.2×10-8), upstream of beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) gene on chromosome 16. No other variant was associated with any of the remaining four carotenoids. Our results for the common rs6564851 and rs6420424 variants correspond to previous findings. Although biologic mechanisms explain the association between beta-carotene and the variants, the inverse association with lutein/zeaxanthin will require further investigation.

Genetic variants in the PKD1L2/BCO1 region are associated with β-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin: A genome-wide association study of plasma carotenoids

Carotenoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Inter-individual genetic variation may explain some of the observed differences in plasma carotenoid concentrations between individuals. Identifying genetic variants associated with circulating carotenoids in young adults may help identify individuals at increased risk for developing conditions associated with low carotenoids later in life. We hypothesize that common genetic variants are associated with circulating carotenoid concentrations in a population of young adults. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on plasma carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin) was conducted in Caucasians (n = 393) from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study. Replication cohorts included individuals of Caucasian (n = 193), East Asian (n = 436) and South Asian (n = 135) ethnicity. Linear regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, total serum cholesterol, dietary carotenoid intake and population structure were used to identify associations between genetic variants and plasma carotenoids. Associations that met the threshold for genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10-8) in unadjusted and partially adjusted models were not observed in the replication cohorts. No variants achieved genome-wide significance in fully adjusted models. Previously identified associations between variation in the PKD1L2/BCO1 region and β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin were replicated in the GWAS cohort (p < .05). Established variation in the PKD1L2/BCO1 region is associated with plasma carotenoids. These variants may help to identify individuals who require greater amounts of these antioxidants and to provide precision nutrition recommendations for optimal intake of various carotenoids.

Use of Biomarkers in Nutrition Intervention Studies of Children: A Scoping Review.

Obesity in youth is an increasingly prevalent public health concern worldwide. Lifestyle interventions aim to help participants establish healthy habits and reduce obesity-related disease risk by targeting physical activity and dietary habits. Most studies assess weight loss, but biomarkers may enable more rapid and comprehensive assessment of intervention success. This scoping review aims to synthesize the published literature on which biomarkers are assessed during interventions for pediatric obesity to inform future use. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search of five databases conducted in February 2022 returned 1579 unique and relevant articles published between 2006 and 2021. After screening titles, abstracts, and full text, four reviewers determined that 43 studies met eligibility requirements. Quality screening was conducted, and 97.7% of papers were of fair or good quality. Of the 43 studies, 47% reported measures of adipose-related signaling molecules inclusive of adipokines, 74% included insulin-related biomarkers, 63% reported lipid-related biomarkers, 40% reported proinflammatory cytokine biomarkers, 12% reported measures of skin and/or plasma carotenoids, 40% measured blood pressure, and 21% included liver enzymes. Sixty-seven percent of studies measured biomarkers in whole blood, 40% measured biomarkers in plasma, 56% measured biomarkers in serum, and 2% measured biomarkers in urine. This work summarizes the current use of biomarkers in lifestyle intervention studies enrolling children. These biomarkers could be clinically relevant for pediatric weight management interventions.

Impact of provision of abdominal aortic calcification results on fruit and vegetable intake: 12-week randomized phase 2 controlled trial

Provision of non-invasive vascular imaging results to individuals has been shown to improve cardiovascular disease risk factor control: its impact on diet remains uncertain. In this two-arm, single-blind, parallel, 12-week randomized controlled trial, 240 participants, 57.5% females aged 60–80 y had abdominal aortic calcification and clinical assessments performed at a hospital clinic. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive (intervention n = 121) or not (control n = 119) their calcification results. Both groups received educational resources on cardiovascular disease risk control and were unblinded to the intervention. Outcome measures were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary outcomes of the study were changes in fruit and vegetable intake measures over 12 weeks assessed using plasma carotenoid concentrations (biomarkers of FV intake) and a food frequency questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included 12-week changes in other aspects of the diet, physical activity, body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile, glucose concentrations, estimated cardiovascular disease risk score, and medication use. Between-group differences were tested using linear mixed-effects regression. There were no between-group differences in the primary outcomes at 12 weeks: plasma carotenoids (mean difference +0.03 µg/mL [95%CI −0.06, 0.13]) and fruit and vegetable intakes (+18 g/d [−37, 72]). However, the provision of calcification results led to between-group differences in serum total (−0.22 mmol/L [−0.41, −0.04]) and non-HDL (−0.19 mmol/L [−0.35, −0.03]) cholesterol, and estimated cardiovascular disease risk score (−0.24% [−0.47, −0.02]). No between-group differences were seen for other secondary outcomes. In this work, providing vascular imaging results did not improve diet but did improve some cardiovascular disease risk factors (Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001087246).

The anticoccidial effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the live coccidia vaccine and the subsequent influence on poultry performance post-challenge with mixed Eimeria species

Live vaccines containing Eimeria oocysts are commercially available to protect against avian coccidiosis. Additionally, probiotics (PRO) and prebiotics (PRE) improve the poultry productivity and health and can be used as anticoccidial substitutes. However, the impact of PRO and PRE on reproductive potential, lesion score, intestinal health, and immunization outcomes of the live coccidia vaccines has not received adequate attention. Five groups of unsexed 1-day-old broiler chicks were used as follows: negative control (NC); challenged control (CC); vaccinated and challenged (VC); vaccinated, PRO-treated, and challenged (V-PRO); and vaccinated, PRE-treated, and challenged (V-PRE). At 21 d post-vaccination (pv), the vaccine increased the count of cecal anaerobes (P ≤ 0.05) and coliforms (P > 0.05) as well as harmed body weight gain (WG) (P ≤ 0.05), cecal lactic acid bacteria (P ≤ 0.05), and plasma carotenoid level (P > 0.05). None of the additives decreased oocyst shedding after vaccination, although they lowered the middle intestine and cecal lesion scores (P > 0.05). Compared to VC (2.68 ± 0.12) and V-PRE (2.66 ± 0.05), the V-PRO group showed an improved carotenoid level pv (2.96 ± 0.05) (P ≤ 0.05). V-PRE exhibited higher WG (822.95 ± 18.25) (P > 0.05) and FI (1153.01 ± 10.02) (P ≤ 0.05) than VC (781.86 ± 25.16 and 1109.85 ± 33.68) and V-PRO pv (787.61 ± 19.92 and 1077.43 ± 15.99). Following the homologous coccidia challenge, coccidia-vaccinated broilers adminstered the PRO or PRE continued to exhibit protection levels comparable to those received the vaccine alone. During 2 weeks post-challenge, VC, V-PRO and V-PRE improved bird performance and reduced oocyst shedding and lesion scores compared to CC. Ultimately, PRO and PRE treatments did not significantly reverse the reduction in growth performance in broiler chickens vaccinated against coccidia during the 1st three weeks of age.

Association of macular pigment optical density with plasma macular carotenoids levels and serum lipids in South Indian healthy volunteers and patients with early age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and plasma carotenoids [(L) and (Z)] and serum lipids in South Indian young healthy volunteers and patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Two hundred and fourteen (N = 214) study participants (Healthy control group (N) = 178; Early AMD group (N) = 36) were enrolled after getting their written informed consent. The MPOD of the study participants was assessed using MPS II (Electron Technology, UK) after completing their routine ocular examination. Serum lipids were measured by the standard technique. Plasma levels of L, Z, lycopene and beta-carotene were estimated by high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detector. Statistical analysis used: Correlations among variables in serum, plasma and the MPOD were established using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. Results: The overall mean MPOD in healthy control group and early AMD group were found to be 0.47 ± 0.16 (N = 178; 317 eyes) and 0.35 ± 0.22 (N = 36; 38 eyes) at 1° eccentricity respectively and were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). A strong positive association was found between plasma L, Z and L + Z and MPOD. Serum HDL showed a strong negative association with MPOD and other lipids showed a very weak association. MPOD was unaffected by body mass index. Conclusions: MPOD is positively associated with plasma L,Z and L + Z, adding further evidence that additional intake of L/Z may be beneficial in delaying the risk of AMD in our population.

Plasma carotenoids are independently associated with circulating granulocytes and systemic inflammatory markers in a Swedish middle-aged population

Plasma carotenoids are independently associated with circulating granulocytes and systemic inflammatory markers in a Swedish middle-aged population

Fresh Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in the Diet Improves the Features of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Study in Postmenopausal Women.

(1) Background: According to the 2005~2008 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT), more than half of Taiwanese women (57.3%) had metabolic syndrome during menopause. Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality. Epidemiological studies suggest that the consumption of tomato-based foods might reduce the risk factors for CVD. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of tomato consumption on lowering the metabolic syndrome risk factors among overweight postmenopausal women. (2) Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial using 8-week open-label dietary intervention. Overweight postmenopausal women aged 45-70 years old were recruited from Taipei Medical University in October 2013. They were randomly assigned into two groups (a control diet vs. a tomato diet). Blood samples were collected at the baseline and at the 4th and 8th weeks. The lipid profile, blood sugar, and antioxidant biomarkers, i.e., the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and serum carotenoids, were analyzed. Blood pressure, body weight, and body fat were also measured every week. (3) Results: After the 8-week dietary intervention, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly lower in both groups (p < 0.05). Body fat mass, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly lower in the tomato diet group than in the control diet group. The tomato diet group had significantly lower serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure and blood sugar, and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control diet group. The antioxidant biomarkers, FRAP, beta-carotenoids, and lycopene were significantly higher in the tomato diet group than in the control diet group. (4) Conclusions: Fresh tomato consumption can increase antioxidant biomarkers to reduce risks of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Correlates of Co-Infection with Coccidiosis and Avian Malaria in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus).

Pathogens have traditionally been studied in isolation within host systems; yet in natural settings they frequently coexist. This raises questions about the dynamics of co-infections and how host life-history traits might predict co-infection versus single infection. To address these questions, we investigated the presence of two parasites, a gut parasite (Isospora coccidians) and a blood parasite (Plasmodium spp.), in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), a common passerine bird in North America. We then correlated these parasitic infections with various health and condition metrics, including hematological parameters, plasma carotenoids, lipid-soluble vitamins, blood glucose concentration, body condition, and prior disease history. Our study, based on 48 birds captured in Tempe, Arizona, US, in October 2021, revealed that co-infected birds exhibited elevated circulating lutein levels and a higher heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) compared to those solely infected with coccidia Isospora spp. This suggests that co-infected birds experience heightened stress and may use lutein to bolster immunity against both pathogens, and that there are potentially toxic effects of lutein in co-infected birds compared to those infected solely with coccidia Isospora sp. Our findings underscore the synergistic impact of coparasitism, emphasizing the need for more co-infection studies to enhance our understanding of disease dynamics in nature, as well as its implications for wildlife health and conservation efforts.

Association of Candidate Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotypes With Plasma and Skin Carotenoid Concentrations in Adults Provided a Lycopene-Rich Vegetable Juice

Association of Candidate Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotypes With Plasma and Skin Carotenoid Concentrations in Adults Provided a Lycopene-Rich Vegetable Juice

Association of Candidate Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotypes With Plasma and Skin Carotenoid Concentrations in Adults Provided a Lycopene-Rich Juice

BackgroundCarotenoids are fat-soluble phytochemicals with biological roles, including ultraviolet protective functions in skin. Spectroscopic skin carotenoid measurements can also serve as a noninvasive biomarker for carotenoid consumption. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in metabolic genes are associated with human plasma carotenoid concentrations; however, their relationships with skin carotenoid concentrations are unknown. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the relationship between 13 candidate SNPs with skin and plasma carotenoid concentrations before and after a carotenoid-rich tomato juice intervention. MethodsIn this randomized, controlled trial, participants (n = 80) were provided with lycopene-rich vegetable juice providing low (13.1 mg), medium (23.9 mg), and high (31.0 mg) daily total carotenoid doses for 8 wk. Plasma carotenoid concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and skin carotenoid score was assessed by reflection spectroscopy (Veggie Meter) at baseline and the end-of-study time point. Thirteen candidate SNPs in 5 genes (BCO1, CD36, SCARB1, SETD7, and ABCA1) were genotyped from blood using PCR-based assays. Mixed models tested the effects of the intervention, study time point, interaction between intervention and study time point, and SNP genotype on skin and plasma carotenoids throughout the study. Baseline carotenoid intake, body mass index, gender, and age are covariates in all models. ResultsThe genotype of CD36 rs1527479 (P = 0.0490) was significantly associated with skin carotenoid concentrations when baseline and the final week of the intervention were evaluated. Genotypes for BCO1 rs7500996 (P = 0.0067) and CD36 rs1527479 (P = 0.0018) were significant predictors of skin carotenoid concentrations in a combined SNP model. ConclusionsThese novel associations between SNPs and skin carotenoid concentrations expand on the understanding of how genetic variation affects interindividual variation in skin carotenoid phenotypes in humans.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03202043.

Effects of Starter Diet Energy Concentration on Nutrient Digestibility and Subsequent Growth Performance and Meat Yields of Broilers under Two Coccidiosis Control Programs.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the live performance, processing characteristics, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients and energy (IDE) in broilers under two coccidiosis control programs (CCP) and fed three starter diet energy levels. Treatments were a factorial arrangement of CCP [in-feed diclazuril (ACD) or vaccinated after hatch (VAC)] and three starter diet energy levels [3008 (standard), 3058 (moderate), and 3108 (high) kcal/kg apparent MEn] achieved with different soybean oil concentrations. Birds were reared in floor pens (12 per pen) and received experimental starter diets from 0 to 18 d and common grower and finisher diets to 43 d. At d 11, VAC birds had higher (p < 0.05) excreta oocyst counts and lower (p < 0.05) plasma carotenoids, nutrient AID, and IDE than ACD birds. From 0 to 18 and 0 to 31 d, VAC decreased (p < 0.05) body weight gain and increased (energy × CCP, p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio of birds fed the moderate and high-energy diets but not for those fed the standard energy diet. From 0 to 43 d, VAC only increased the feed conversion ratio of birds fed the moderate-energy starter diet (energy × CCP, p < 0.05). Carcass yields were lower (p < 0.05) for VAC birds than for ACD birds, and interactive effects (p < 0.05) were observed for wing yield. In summary, increasing dietary lipid concentration to account for Eimeria-induced reductions in lipid digestibility during the starter period of coccidiosis-vaccinated broilers may exacerbate, rather than ameliorate, these impacts on bird performance.

The effect of cold plasma treatment on quality attributes and shelf life of apples

The effectiveness of atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma was compared with existing decontamination methods for improving the quality and shelf life of apples. The samples were stored in two different storage conditions (ambient, 27 ± 3 °C; and cold, 10 ± 1 °C) to check the effect of storage temperature on their shelf life. The microbial load on the apples was reduced after all the treatments, and samples stored at 10 ℃ showed a higher reduction in microbial load with increased shelf life. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activities showed a significant reduction after cold plasma treatment; however, peroxidase (POD) activity showed a lower reduction than PPO and PAL enzymes. Color changes evaluated using L*, a*, and b* values showed higher retention for the red color in the treated samples compared to control samples, and the firmness of all treated samples was maintained throughout the storage period. The total phenolic content (TPC) increased after cold plasma treatment and carotenoid content was retained in the treated samples. In addition, the present study demonstrated that the novel cold plasma decontamination method was more effective in reducing the pesticides (Malathion, Fenthion, and Chlorpyrifos) from the apple surfaces than the conventional methods. Cold plasma can be a better alternative for decontaminating apples; however, other hurdles may be required to increase their shelf life further.

Short-term skin carotenoid changes following consumption of a typical Australian diet versus a healthy Australian diet: findings from a randomised crossover feeding trial

Carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals found in plant-based foods with yellow, red, or orange pigments, have been shown to be stored in the skin upon consumption of carotenoid-rich foods(1). Skin carotenoid levels can be measured using skin reflectance spectroscopy, which assesses skin lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)(2). Previous research has demonstrated significant increases in skin yellowness (b*) after a 4-week high-carotenoid diet(2). The aim was to examine shorter-term changes (two weeks) in skin yellowness following the consumption of a Healthy Australian Diet rich in carotenoids compared to a Typical Australian Diet with low carotenoid content. The study analysed data from an eight-week randomised, cross-over feeding trial involving 34 adults (53% female, aged 38.44 ± 18.05 years). Participants were randomly assigned to each diet for two weeks, separated by a two-week washout period. The Healthy Australian Diet adhered to the Australian Dietary Guidelines(3), emphasising the consumption of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, red capsicum, and sweet potatoes. In contrast, the Typical Australian Diet was formulated based on apparent consumption patterns in Australia(4) and emphasised the intake of fruits and vegetables low in beta-carotene, such as white potatoes, onions, cauliflower, and pears. Skin carotenoids were measured using skin reflectance spectroscopy at three sites (palm, inner and outer arm), and each measurement was taken thrice. Overall skin yellowness (b*) was calculated as the average of all three measurements at all three sites. Measurements were conducted at four key visits: week 0 (end of run-in; baseline 1), week 2 (post-feeding phase 1), week 4 (end of washout; baseline 2), and week 8 (post-feeding phase 2). Differential changes in skin carotenoid levels between intervention groups were assessed using linear mixed-effect models, adjusting for diet sequence, feeding phase, body fat percentage, total fat intake, and subject ID as a random variable to account for potential autocorrelation. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted to evaluate the relative effects of each diet. Although there was a trend towards higher skin yellowness (0.215 ± 0.517; p = 0.41) following consumption of the Healthy Australian diet relative to baseline, and an inverse trend following the Typical Australian Diet (−0.118 ± 0.539, p = 0.56), the difference in change between the two diets was not statistically significant (p = 0.32). Notably, baseline values within this participant cohort were higher than previously reported at b* = 16.7(1) (baseline 1 b*: 17.57 ± 2.23, baseline 2 b*: 17.71 ± 2.26), which may influence the magnitude of observable change. The findings suggest that the two-week intervention duration may be insufficient to achieve statistically significant changes in skin carotenoid levels. Future investigations into whether plasma carotenoids increase first, with skin changes occurring later, could offer valuable insights into the potential utility of this as a biomarker validation of change in fruit and vegetable intake.

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.