Beta-carotene Concentrations Research Articles

Assessment of nutritional status in subjects of non‐MonaVie product users, before and after supplementation ő a longitudinal study (1044.20)

BACKGROUND: An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals that cause various diseases. Antioxidants can inhibit the oxidation reactions and increase the body's immune system. To boost antioxidant levels, the human body relies on a healthy diet. However, very few people eat enough fruits and vegetables to provide their bodies with sufficient levels of antioxidants. To fill in the nutritional gaps of modern diets, many people turn to supplementation. OBJECTIVE: This is a continuation study in non users from the cross sectional study; we evaluated the improvement on skin and plasma levels of carotenoids in subjects of non MonaVie product users after 8‐week MonaVie juice consumption. METHODS: Total 33 non users from the cross sectional study were enrolled; 18 subjects having MonaVie juice formulated with proprietary carotenoid powder blend; 15 subject having MonaVie juice formulated with commercial carotenoid granules. All subjects had the weekly reflectance score measurements. and blood draw was taken at t=0 and 8 weeks. The plasma concentration of carotenoids were extracted and assayed by validated extraction and HPLC methods. RESULTS: The group having juice with proprietary carotenoid blend showed a good correlation between reflectance scores as well as the plasma beta carotene concentration (before r2 = 0.44 vs. after r2 = 0.44); while the group having juice with commercial carotenoids showed no correlation between reflectance scores and plasma beta carotene concentration (before r2 = 0.37 vs. after r2 = 0.095). CONCLUSION: The results show that both skin carotenoid levels and plasma carotenoid concentration were increased significantly after 8 week consumption of MonaVie juices; The juice with the proprietary carotenoid blend showed a good correlation between skin levels and plasma concentrations, suggesting a consistent and stable absorption rate and good bioavailability.

Vitamin D3 and Beta-carotene Deficiency is Associated with Risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Results of a Case-control Study in China

The aim was to evaluate roles of vitamin D3 (VD3) and beta-carotene (BC) in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a high-risk area, Huai'an District, Huai'an City, China. 100 new ESCC diagnosed cases from 2007 to 2008 and 200 residency- age-, and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Data were collected from questionnaires, including a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to calculate the BC intake, and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to measure the serum concentrations of BC and VD3. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in conditional logistic regression models. The average dietary intake of BC was 3322.9 μg (2032.4- 5734.3) in the case group and 3626.8 μg (1961.9-5827.9) in control group per capita per day with no significant difference by Wilcoxon test (p>0.05). However, the levels of VD3 and BC in the case group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.05). The OR values of the highest quartile and the lowest quartile of VD3 and BC in serum samples were both 0.13. Our results add to the evidence that high circulating levels of VD3 and BC are associated with a reduced risk of ESCC in this Chinese population.

The relationship between serum vitamin A and breast cancer staging before and after radiotherapy.

Several adverse effects of radiotherapy have been associated with the process of increased oxidative stress in the organism. In this context, vitamin A noteworthy for its important role in combating oxidative stress, in addition to its chemoprotective effect. To assess the serum levels of vitamin A (retinol and β-carotene) and their relationship to breast cancer staging in patients before and after radiotherapy. This is a prospective study of women with breast cancer who were evaluated from October 2011 to September 2012 before (T0) and after radiotherapy (T1-7 days). Serum retinol and β-carotene levels were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The assignment of breast cancer stages was based on the classification of malignant tumors that has been proposed by the International Union Against Cancer. 230 patients (mean age 63.6 years, SD ± 9.38) were evaluated. There was a significant reduction in the serum retinol (45.1 ± 18.2 μg/dL at T0 to 27.1 ± 11.7 μg/dL at T1, p < 0.001) and β-carotene (209.0 ± 153.6 μg/L at T0 to 47.7 ± 25.5 μg/L at T1, p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in serum retinol (p < 0.001) and β-carotene (p = 0.003) levels based on the disease stage. It is recommended the early establishment of adequation serum concentrations of retinol and beta-carotene, offering nutritional assistance for those patients with deficiencies, in order to minimize the harmful effects of radiation.

Associations between concentrations of uric acid with concentrations of vitamin A and beta-carotene among adults in the United States

Our objective was to examine the cross-sectional associations between concentrations of vitamin A and beta-carotene, a major source of vitamin A, with concentrations of uric acid in a nationally representative sample of adults from the United States. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from up to 10893 participants aged ≥20 years of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2006. Concentrations of uric acid adjusted for numerous covariates increased from 305.8 μmol/L in the lowest quintile of vitamin A to 335.3 μmol/L in the highest quintile (p for linear trend <0.001). The prevalence ratio for hyperuricemia also increased progressively across quintiles of serum vitamin A reaching 1.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52, 2.16; p for linear trend <0.001) in the top quintile in the maximally adjusted model. Adjusted mean concentrations of uric acid decreased progressively from quintile 1 (333.8 μmol/L) through quintile 4 of concentrations of beta-carotene and were similar for quintiles 4 (313.5 μmol/L) and 5 (313.8 μmol/L). Concentrations of beta-carotene were inversely associated with hyperuricemia (adjusted prevalence ratio comparing highest with lowest quintile = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.72; p for linear trend <0.001). Concentrations of uric acid were significantly and positively associated with concentrations of vitamin A and inversely with concentrations of beta-carotene. These cross-sectional findings require confirmation with experimental studies of vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation.

Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Determination of Lycopene and Beta-Carotene Concentrations in Carotenoid Mixtures of the Extracts from Tomatoes, Papaya and Orange Juice

Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Determination of Lycopene and Beta-Carotene Concentrations in Carotenoid Mixtures of the Extracts from Tomatoes, Papaya and Orange Juice

Fortification of vitamin A in a phytosterol enriched milk maintains plasma beta-carotene levels

The aim of the current study was to investigate if the supplementation of vitamin A via a phytosterol enriched low-fat milk could prevent the reduction of plasma beta-carotene concentrations than often occurs after plant sterols' or stanols' intake. A sample of 108 hypercholesterolaemic adults (40-60years old) was randomized to an enriched milk group that contained among other nutrients phytosterols (0.5g/100ml) and vitamin A (111μg/100ml) (EMG: n = 40), a placebo plain milk group (PMG: n = 37), and a control group (CG: n = 31) following their usual diet; the EMG and the PMG consumed 500ml milk per day and in order to ensure compliance with the intervention scheme, attended health and nutrition counselling sessions biweekly over a 3-month period. Dietary intake of vitamin A significantly increased in the EMG compared to the PMG and the CG (P < 0.001) and all groups significantly increased their vegetable consumption. However, no significant differences were found among groups regarding changes in dietary intake of beta-carotene and consumption of fruits. Regarding biochemical indices, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein-B decreased significantly within all study groups, with the decreases being significantly higher in the EMG compared to the CG (-25.4 vs. -9.9; -21.7 vs. -8.2 and -13.2 vs. -3.4mg/dl, respectively; P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of beta-carotene did not change in any of the three groups. Extra fortification of a phytosterol enriched milk with vitamin A seems to be useful in maintaining plasma beta-carotene levels of hypercholesterolemic adults after consumption of 2.5g/d of phytosterols over a 3-month intervention period.

The relationship between nutritional status, vitamin A and zinc levels and oxidative stress in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia

BackgroundAtaxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare and degenerative disease that leads to varying degrees of immunodeficiency, oxidative stress, and malnutrition. Vitamin A and zinc are essential for immune function and antioxidant defence. ObjectiveTo compare levels of retinol, beta carotene, and zinc in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and healthy controls. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study with 14 AT patients and 14 healthy controls matched for age and gender. All participants underwent a nutritional and laboratory evaluation comprising concentrations of retinol, beta carotene, serum and erythrocyte zinc, malondialdehyde (MDA), T lymphocyte numbers (CD4+ and CD8+) and immunoglobulin (IgA). ResultsThe AT patients showed high rates of malnutrition with reduced lean body mass when compared to the control group. However, the concentrations of MDA, retinol, beta carotene, and serum and erythrocyte zinc in AT patients were similar to those of the control group. The retinol levels presented a negative correlation with MDA and positive correlation with IgA serum level. ConclusionsThe AT patients assessed showed no change in nutritional status for vitamin A and zinc; however, they presented severe impairment in overall nutritional status observed and correlation between retinol with MDA and IgA.

Lycopene and beta-carotene induce growth inhibition and proapoptotic effects on ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma cells.

Pituitary adenomas comprise approximately 10–15% of intracranial tumors and result in morbidity associated with altered hormonal patterns, therapy and compression of adjacent sella turcica structures. The use of functional foods containing carotenoids contributes to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and vascular disorders. In this study, we evaluated the influence of different concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene on cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle, apoptosis, hormone secretion, intercellular communication and expression of connexin 43, Skp2 and p27kip1 in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma cells, the AtT20 cells, incubated for 48 and 96 h with these carotenoids. We observed a decrease in cell viability caused by the lycopene and beta-carotene treatments; in these conditions, the clonogenic ability of the cells was also significantly decreased. Cell cycle analysis revealed that beta-carotene induced an increase of the cells in S and G2/M phases; furthermore, lycopene increased the proportion of these cells in G0/G1 while decreasing the S and G2/M phases. Also, carotenoids induced apoptosis after 96 h. Lycopene and beta-carotene decreased the secretion of ACTH in AtT20 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Carotenoids blocked the gap junction intercellular communication. In addition, the treatments increased the expression of phosphorylated connexin43. Finally, we also demonstrate decreased expression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) and increased expression of p27kip1 in carotenoid-treated cells. These results show that lycopene and beta-carotene were able to negatively modulate events related to the malignant phenotype of AtT-20 cells, through a mechanism that could involve changes in the expression of connexin 43, Skp2 and p27kip1; and suggest that these compounds might provide a novel pharmacological approach to the treatment of Cushing’s disease.

DOCUMENTATION, NUTRITIONAL CONTENT, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION OF MARSHALL ISLANDS BREADFRUIT CULTIVARS

ISHS II International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species: Crops for the Future - Beyond Food Security DOCUMENTATION, NUTRITIONAL CONTENT, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION OF MARSHALL ISLANDS BREADFRUIT CULTIVARS

Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene Concentrations in Adults with HIV/AIDS on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Micronutrient deficiency is a common condition in HIV-infected individuals and may occur in all stages of the disease. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare the concentrations of vitamin A and beta-carotene, micronutrients related to immunity and oxidative stress, in 182 adults with HIV/AIDS, under different highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their HAART regimen: combination of nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-NRTIs; combination of NRTIs, protease inhibitors, and ritonavir; combination of NRTIs and other classes. Multiple linear regression analysis determined the effect of the treatment regimen, time of use, and compliance with the regimen, on vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations, controlling for the following variables: gender, age, educational level, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, time of infection with HIV, presence of comorbidities, CD4(+) T lymphocyte count, total cholesterol and fractions, and triglyceride levels. There was no significant difference in vitamin A or beta-carotene concentrations in patients under the different HAART regimens. However, approximately 4% of the patients had deficient/low concentrations of vitamin A (<0.70 μmol/L), and 98% showed concentrations of beta-carotene <1.0 μmol/L. In conclusion, HIV/AIDS patients in this region will not benefit from vitamin A supplementation, independently of the HAART regimen utilized, but beta-carotene may be of importance, considering its antioxidant effect.

Cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of iodine-131 and radioprotection of acerola (Malpighia glabra L.) and beta-carotene in vitro

The radioisotope iodine-131 [(131)I] can damage DNA. One way to prevent this is to increase the amount of antioxidants via dietary consumption. The goal of this study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of fresh acerola pulp and synthetic beta-carotene in Rattus norvegicus hepatoma cells (HTC) in response to [(131)I] exposure in vitro. Cellular DNA damage was subsequently assessed using a cytokinesis block micronucleus assay. The mutagenic and cytotoxic activities of doses of [(131)I] (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 µCi), acerola (0.025, 0.125, and 0.25 g acerola pulp/mL), and beta-carotene (0.2, 1, and 2 µM) were evaluated. Radioprotective tests were performed by simultaneous treatment with acerola (0.25 g/mL) plus [(131)I] (10 µCi) and beta-carotene (0.2 µM) plus [(131)I] (10 µCi). Acerola, beta-carotene, and low concentrations of [(131)I] did not induce micronucleus formation in HTC cells; in contrast, high concentrations of [(131)I] (10 µCi) were mutagenic and induced DNA damage. Moreover, neither acerola nor beta-carotene treatment was cytotoxic. However, acerola reduced the percentage of [(131)I]-induced damage, although beta-carotene did not show a similar effect. Thus, our results suggest that acerola diet supplementation may benefit patients who are exposed to [(131)I] during thyroid diagnostics and therapy.

Analyses of the correlation between dermal and blood carotenoids in female cattle by optical methods

Herd health programs for the maintenance of welfare and productivity in cattle need efficient tools for monitoring the health of individual animals. Recent reports demonstrate that the oxidative status is related to various stress conditions in dairy cows. Biomarkers, among other carotenoids, could serve as indicators of stress originating from the environment (e.g., heat stress or sun radiation) or from the animal itself (e.g., disease). To date, only invasive in vitro tests are available to assess the oxidative status in cattle. The present study compares the results of optical noninvasive in vivo measurements of dermal carotenoids in cattle udder skin using an LED-based miniaturized spectroscopic system (MSS) with those obtained by photometric analysis of beta carotene in whole blood samples using a portable device. Correlations between the concentrations of dermal and blood carotenoids were calculated under consideration of the nutritional status of the animals. Significant correlation (R = 0.86) was found for cattle with a moderate to obese body condition. Thus, the blood and skin concentrations of the marker substance beta carotene are comparable under stable stress conditions of the cattle. This demonstrates that the MSS is suitable for noninvasive assessment of dermal carotenoid concentrations in cattle.

Relação entre o estado nutricional de vitamina a e a regressão da esteatose hepática após gastroplastia em Y- de- Roux para tratamento da obesidade classe III

Vitamin A participates in several essentials functions in the human body and their serum concentrations may be decreased in non-transmissible diseases. To assess the relationship of the nutritional status of Vitamin A through the serum concentrations of retinol and beta carotene, with regression of hepatic steatosis in individuals who undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for treatment of class III obesity. Were included 30 individuals, male and female, submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for treatment of class III obesity, who were diagnosed through an abdominal ultrasonography as presenting hepatic steatosis. From the result of an ultrasonography screened six months after the surgical procedure those subjects were divided into two groups: group 1 - patients with steatosis detected in the ultrasonography (16 subjects) and group 2 - patients without steatosis detected in the ultrasonography (14 subjects). Before and six months after the surgery, were carried out anthropometrical analyses and biochemical exams (basal insulin, glicemy, Homeostasis Model Assessment Index (HOMA IR), cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, AST, ALT, Gamma-GT, albumin, total bilirubin, retinol, and beta carotene. The individuals presented an average weight loss of 35.05 + 10.47 (p<0.01) and a decrease in the Body Mass Index (BMI) of 11.6 + 4.99 Kg/m² (p<0.01). After six months, all the biochemical exams presented a significant decrease in their basal concentrations (p<0.05). In the post-operative period the group 2 (without steatosis) presented concentrations significantly lower (p<0.05) in the following variables: weight, BMI, AST, ALT, Gamma-GT, HOMA IR, basal insulin. The albumin serum concentrations presented close average values, with no significant difference in the two periods evaluated. In the assessment of retinol and beta carotene, higher serum concentrations and a small decrease in relation to the concentrations of the pre-operative period in the group without steatosis were observed, however, no statistical difference was found. An adequate nutritional status of vitamin A might contribute in the improvement of the hepatic esteatosis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for class III obesity treatment.

Associations of Soluble Fiber, Whole Fruits/Vegetables, and Juice with Plasma Beta-Carotene Concentrations in a Free-Living Population of Breast Cancer Survivors

Objective: Soluble fiber and the physical state of fruits/vegetables affect plasma ß-carotene concentrations; however, most of this research was conducted in laboratory-based settings. These analyses investigated the relationship between soluble fiber and juiced versus whole fruits/vegetables to plasma ß-carotene concentrations in a free-living population. Method: This cross-sectional analysis used 12-month follow-up data from the Women's Healthy Eating & Living Study (1995–2006), a study to improve diet in breast cancer survivors in the Western United States. The dietary nutrients considered in this analysis included intake of soluble fiber (g), ß-carotene from fruit/vegetable juice (mg), and ß-carotene from whole fruits/vegetables (mg). A linear regression model was used to assess the relationship of the variables to plasma ß-carotene concentrations. Results: Out of 3,088 women enrolled in the Women's Healthy Eating & Living Study, 2,397 women had complete data (mean age = 54). The final model accounted for approximately 49% of the explained variance in plasma ß-carotene concentrations. Fruit/vegetable juice had the largest positive relation to plasma ß-carotene concentrations (standardized parameter estimate = 0.23, p < 0.01), followed by whole fruits/vegetables (standardized parameter estimate = 0.09, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Soluble fiber may inhibit ß-carotene absorption; therefore, consumption of juice may increase plasma ß-carotene concentrations more than whole fruits/vegetables in free-living populations.

Lifestyle Characteristics and Dietary impact on Plasma Concentrations of Beta-carotene and Retinol

Mechanisms of dietary micronutrients and personal characteristics of the human body are intricately complicated. These mechanisms, however, can be easily interpreted through appropriate mathematical relationships. The present study aims to detect the statistically significant impact of personal characteristics and diet on plasma concentrations of retinol and beta-carotene using statistical modeling. The present analyses indicate that age, sex, smoking habit, quetelet, vitamin use, consumed calories, fiber, and dietary beta-carotene are statistically significant factors on plasma beta-carotene levels. On the other hand age, sex, smoking status, consumed fat, and dietary beta-carotene are significant factors on plasma retinol. These analyses indicate that changes in the variances of plasma beta-carotene and retinol are non-constant. Impacts of personal characteristics and dietary factors on human plasma concentrations of retinol and beta-carotene are explained based on mathematical relationships. These analyses support many earlier researches findings. However, the analyses also identify many additional casual factors that explain the means and variances of plasma beta-carotene and retinol, which earlier researches have not reported.

Influence of Plant Leaf Locations on the Bioaccumulations of Phytotoxins and Nutrients in Corchorus olitorius at Market Maturity

Experiment was performed in a pot to examined the effect of leaf locations on the concentrations of some plant toxins (cyanide, nitrate, soluble and total oxalates), and nutrients viz; beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C and mineral elements (Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca Na and K) at market maturity (vegetative phase) of Corchorus olitorius grown in nitrogen and non – nitrogen treated soil. The leaves of Corchorus olitorius were harvested at three different leaf locations (basal, middle and upper positions) and they were subjected to chemical analysis. The result showed that there was no significant differences in the cyanine concentration between basal and middle leaves, however, the leaves obtained from upper leaf location was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cyanide concentration than those leaves obtained each from basal and middle leaf regions in control and nitrogen treated Corchorus olitorius. The nitrate content in Corchorus olitorius was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in the basal leaves closely followed by middle leaves and least in the upper leaves in control, however, with the application of nitrogen fertilizer, no significant variation in the nitrate concentration was observed between leaves obtained from middle and upper leaf locations, but leaves obtained from each of these locations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those from basal leaf region. Both soluble and total oxalate concentrations increased with leaf age in Corchorus olitorius irrespective of soil nitrogen levels. The concentration of beta-carotene was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in middle leaves compared to basal and upper leaves each in nitrogen and non-nitrogen fertilized Corchorus olitorius. While the concentration of vitamin C was significantly highest in middle leaves followed by upper leaves and least in the basal leaves of Corchorus olitorius irrespective of soil nitrogen levels. The Fe, Cu and Ca contents were generally concentrated in basal and middle leaves of the vegetable. Leaf location had no significant enfluence on the accumulation of Na and Mg in Corchorus olitorius, except that the concentration of Mg in basal and middle leaves was significantly elevated than upper leaves with the application of nitrogen fertilizer. While the concentration of K in Corchorus olitorius was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in upper and middle leaves compared basal leaves, the concentration of Zn was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the middle leaves than those obtained each from basal and upper leaf locations. The result concludes that the concentrations of phytoxins (cyanide, nitrate, soluble and total oxalates) are elevated in older leaves than younger ones of Corchorus olitorius.Thus avoiding the consumption of older leaves of the vegetables will reduced the health problems associated with high intake of these plant toxins.

Abstract 4463: Serum phytanic acid and prostate cancer risk: Results from a nested case-control study

Abstract Phytanic acid is a saturated branched chain fatty acid found predominantly in red meat and dairy products, and may contribute to the elevated risks of prostate cancer associated with higher consumption of these foods. We measured phytanic acid as a percentage of total fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in prediagnostic blood samples from 300 prostate cancer cases and 300 matched controls, all of whom were participants in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study cohort. In addition to providing a fasting blood sample at baseline, all men completed extensive diet, lifestyle, and medical history questionnaires. Among controls, the strongest dietary correlates of serum phytanic acid were dairy fat, butter, and saturated fat (r=0.45, 0.42, and 0.40, respectively; all p-values &amp;lt;0.001). With the exception of lamb (r=0.18, p = 0.002), red meat intake was not significantly correlated with phytanic acid. There was no association between serum phytanic acid and risk of total or aggressive prostate cancer in multivariate logistic regression models. However, a significant interaction between phytanic acid and baseline concentrations of beta-carotene was noted in relation to advanced disease (p-interaction = 0.04). Among men with lower beta-carotene levels, serum phytanic acid was suggestively associated with elevated risks of advanced prostate cancer (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for increasing phytanic acid tertiles = 1.0 (referent), 1.42 (0.78-2.59), and 1.80 (0.91-3.55); p trend = 0.08) whereas the opposite relationship was noted among participants with higher beta-carotene levels (for increasing phytanic acid tertiles, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals = 1.0 (referent), 1.03 (0.52-2.06), and 0.59 (0.30-1.17); p trend = 0.06). Our findings indicate that serum phytanic acid may be associated with increased risks of advanced prostate cancer in men with low levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4463. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4463

Carotenoids and lipid peroxidation in human brains with and without Alzheimer's disease

BackgroundOxidative stress may be involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Carotenoids are lipophilic antioxidants found in human brain, and may protect against lipid peroxidation.ObjectiveTo determine carotenoid concentrations and the magnitude of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of decedents with and without AD.MethodsCarotenoids in brain tissue were analyzed by HPLC. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) using a HPLC method. Data were expressed by wet weight. Carotenoid and MDA concentrations were log transformed to obtain normal distributions, and concentrations were compared between age‐ and sex‐matched AD (n=15) and non‐demented (n=15) groups using a Student's t‐test. Pearson's correlations were used to assess the relationship between MDA and carotenoid levels.ResultsLutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene concentrations were not different between groups. Cryptoxanthin and beta‐carotene concentrations were higher in the AD brains (p &lt;0.01). There was no significant difference in MDA between groups or correlation with carotenoid concentrations within either group.ConclusionsElevated concentrations of cryptoxanthin and beta‐carotene in AD brains suggest that carotenoids may play a role in this disease. This pilot study was limited by the sample size, but demonstrates the feasibility of exploring these relationships in a larger study.Support: USDA#51000‐073‐02S; DSM Nutritionals

No effect of pH on in vitro digestion of carotenoids from sweet potatoes and mandarin oranges

Beta‐carotene (BC) and beta‐cryptoxanthin (CX) can form vitamin A physiologically. Recent observational studies suggest that CX has greater bioavailability than BC from most diets. This means that CX‐rich foods such as mandarin oranges might be better than expected sources of vitamin A. We hypothesized that CX was more easily digested from its major food sources, possibly because these foods are acidic. We used a static in vitro digestion model to compare the apparent bioavailability of CX from mandarin oranges to BC from orange‐fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) at several physiological pHs. The model included saliva, gastric fluid, duodenal fluid, and bile components. BC and CX concentrations were measured by reversed‐phase HPLC or by spectrophotometry at 450 nm. BC from both varieties of boiled OFSP had very low bioavailability (0.65 – 1.08%), comparable to those reported for OFSP without fat in the literature. CX from mandarin oranges had approximately 3X better bioavailability (2.21 – 4.25%). Changes in saliva, gastric, and bile fluid pH did not change bioavailability significantly for either mandarin oranges or OFSP. Our results support the hypothesis that CX is more bioavailable from a major food source (mandarin oranges) than BC is from orange‐fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), a common intervention food used to increase VA status. Research was supported by USDA ARS in‐house funds.

Daily intake of fruit and vegetable soups processed in different ways increases human serum β-carotene and lycopene concentrations and reduces levels of several oxidative stress markers in healthy subjects

The effect of daily intakes of two differently processed fruit and vegetable soups on beta-carotene and lycopene bioavailability, oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk biomarkers was investigated. An optimised soup produced using heat treatments and high pressure homogenisation for high nutrient retention, and a traditionally produced reference soup were tested. Serum beta-carotene concentration was significantly higher with the optimised than with the reference soup after the supplementation (0.41 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.03 mu M, respectively), whereas the serum lycopene concentration was higher in subjects consuming the reference (0.06 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.02 mu M). The change in serum homocysteine levels tended to be greater in the optimised group (-1.67 +/- 0.63 vs. 0.02 +/- 0.17 mu M, p = 0.06). Serum antioxidant enzyme activity decreased significantly with consumption of both soups, but to a greater extent with the optimised soup. The consumption of the fruit and vegetable soups increased serum beta-carotene and lycopene concentrations and reduced the levels of several oxidative stress makers, particularly in subjects consuming the optimised soup.