High Concentrations Of Beta-carotene Research Articles

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.

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.

English

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth commonly called néré in French-speaking Africa is a semi-domesticated indigenous tree with a multi-purpose and highly appreciated use. Its pod-shaped fruits contain a yellowish floury pulp, eaten raw or used to make drinks, couscous and for raw or cooked dough. The objective of this study was to determine the profiles of minerals (Fe, K, Mg, Zn, Ca), beta-carotene, protein, ash, lipid and total sugar content as well as pH and acidity of the pulps from three ecoregions of Burkina Faso. The results showed quantitative difference in the composition of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth pulp from the different ecoregions. Pulp from tree of South Sahelian zone contained the highest concentration of beta-carotene and carbohydrates (530.52±68.11 µg/100g; 64.96±8.9% DW, respectively). Whereas, the North Sudanian zone exceeded the others ecoregion in terms of K (3 301.25±872.85 mg/100 g DW); Mg (257.63±90.15 mg/100 g DW); Zn (1.28±0.37 mg/100 g DW); Ca (519.41±591.13 mg/100g DW) and protein (3.76±0.39 g/100 g DW). The South Sudanian zone displays the highest content in Fe (1.92±1.37 mg/100 g DW). As for the equivalent citric acid quantified in this study, the North Sudanian zone had the highest concentrations (0.96 ± 0.18 g/100 g DW) in the pulp. The observed variation has implications regarding the use of these data in food and nutrition programs, and in selecting sources of planting material for reforestation initiatives and agroforestry systems.   Key words: Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth pulp, nutritional composition, physicochemical characteristics, ecoregions.

Characterization of Desi Ghee Extracted by Different Methods Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

In the current study, the effect of ghee extraction methods (direct cream DC, milk butter MB and milk skin MS) on its molecular composition has been investigated using Fluorescence spectroscopy. The excitation wavelength of 300nm was found the best to produce pronounced spectral signatures of beta-carotene, vitamins and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in both cow and buffalo ghee types. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been applied on the spectral data to visualize the classification among ghee samples extracted by three methods. Both cow and buffalo ghee contain spectral signatures of vitamin A, E, K, D and CLA which has been verified through plotting loading vectors. The analysis of loading plots has been suggested that for cow ghee, MS extraction method conserve relatively higher concentration of beta carotene while DC and MB methods are a good choice for preserving relatively more concentrations of vitamins D, E and K. Similarly, for buffalo ghee, MS extraction method appear with higher concentration of CLA, whereas DC extraction method looks to preserve relatively higher concentration of vitamin A while MB method retains relatively low concentration of CLA and vitamins as compared to other two methods.

Characterization of desi ghee obtained from different extraction methods using Raman spectroscopy.

In this study, the potential of Raman spectroscopy has been utilized to characterize the methods direct cream (DC), milk butter (MB) and milk skin (MS) used for the extraction of desi ghee from buffalo and cow milk. Raman spectra from six types of ghee samples extracted by above methods were acquired using two laser wavelengths of 532 and 785 nm. The Raman spectra of cow ghee revealed that it contains three bands of beta-carotene at 1005, 1156 and 1520 cm-1 which differentiated it from buffalo ghee. To highlight small spectral differences, statistical analysis through principal component analysis (PCA) has been performed on the Raman spectra of ghee samples to reach subsequent conclusion. Based on the variations in molecular composition of cow ghee samples, it has been found that DC method retain relatively higher concentration of beta-carotene and MB method contain higher concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fatty acids than MS method. Similarly, DC & MS methods were found best for retaining relatively higher concentration of CLA and fatty acids in buffalo ghee as compared to MB method which retains relatively higher concentration of fatty acids.

Development and sensorial acceptance of biofortified cassava snack

Cassava is the food base for millions of people in tropical Africa, Latin America and Asia. However, cassava commercial varieties are deficient in vitamin A and the consumption of biofortified cassava, which has a higher concentration of Beta-carotene in the roots, represents an alternative to prevent this deficiency. Dehydrated products are an integral part of many consumers’ diet, which have preferred healthier and lower calorie foods. This study aimed to develop a dehydrated product of cassava (dehydrated chips) from biofortified varieties. The dehydrated chips were elaborated from the following biofortified cassava genotypes: BRS Dourada, BRS Gema de Ovo, BRS Jari and hybrid 2003 14-11. For obtaining the dehydrated chips, cassava roots were washed, sanitized, peeled, sliced to a thickness of 0.8 mm, blanched and dehydrated at 65 °C. First, dehydrated chips were prepared with no added flavoring, from roots of four cassava genotypes harvested at 12 months after planting, in order to select the two most suitable for dehydrated chips production based on sensory acceptance. In the second stage, dehydrated chips were produced with the addition of onion and parsley flavoring, from the two genotypes selected in the previous step. The BRS Jari variety and hybrid 2003 14-11 showed highest total carotenoid content, 10.54 ?g g g-1 and 6.92 ?g g g-1, respectively, and Beta-carotene, 8.93 ?g g g-1 and 4.98 ?g g g-1, respectively. For carotenoids and Beta-carotene retention there was no significant difference among the dehydrated chips prepared with four biofortified cassava genotypes, which showed average values of 76% and 67%, respectively. Dehydrated chips made with the BRS Jari and hybrid 2003 14-11 had highest average for flavor attribute and did not differ on the crispness and overall acceptance and classified between "like slightly” and "like moderately”. Despite the addition of "onion and parsley" flavoring, there has been no greater acceptance by consumers. Dehydrated cassava chips made with the BRS Jari variety and the hybrid 2003 14-11 showed good sensorial acceptance and higher total carotenoid and Beta-carotene contents, thus being biofortified varieties suitable for the elaboration of this product.

Coupling and uncoupling of triglyceride and beta-carotene production by Dunaliella salina under nitrogen limitation and starvation

BackgroundNitrogen starvation and limitation are known to induce important physiological changes especially in lipid metabolism of microalgae (triglycerides, membrane lipids, beta-carotene, etc.). Although little information is available for Dunaliella salina, it is a promising microalga for biofuel production and biotechnological applications due to its ability to accumulate lipid together with beta-carotene.ResultsBatch and chemostat experiments with various degrees of nitrogen limitation, ranging from starvation to nitrogen-replete conditions, were carried out to study carbon storage dynamics (total carbon, lipids, and beta-carotene) in steady state cultures of D. salina. A new protocol was developed in order to manage the very high beta-carotene concentrations and to more accurately separate and quantify beta-carotene and triglycerides by chromatography. Biomass evolution was appropriately described by the Droop model on the basis of the nitrogen quota dynamics.ConclusionsTriglycerides and beta-carotene were both strongly anti-correlated with nitrogen quota highlighting their carbon sink function in nitrogen depletion conditions. Moreover, these two valuable molecules were correlated each other for nitrogen replete conditions or moderated nitrogen limitations (N:C ratio higher than 0.04). Under nitrogen starvation, i.e., for very low N:C ratio, the dynamic revealed, for the first time, uncoupled part (higher triglyceride accumulation than beta-carotene), possibly because of shortage in key proteins involved in the stabilization of lipid droplets. This study motivates the accurate control of the microalgal nitrogen quota in order to optimize lipid productivity.

Extraction of Beta Carotene from Palm Mesocarp via Green Sub-critical Carbon Dioxide

Experiments involving subcritical carbon dioxide extraction of palm oil from treated palm mesocarp were done to determine palm oil yield and concentration of beta-carotene. As comparison, the conventional method of Soxhlet Extraction with six different solvents was used. The overall oil yield was measured as weight of oil per weight of sample, while anti-oxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryihydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The sub-critical extraction was conducted at a constant temperature of 30˚C and four different pressures at 10 MPa, 15 MPa, 20 MPa and 25 MPa. The sub-critical extraction produced high concentration of beta-carotene than soxhlet extraction, even though the oil yield was lower. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant analysis showed a similar trend as the concentration of beta carotene. The best condition of sub-critical extraction was obtained at 25 MPa and 30˚C.

Genetic variation in the β, β‐carotene‐9′, 10′‐dioxygenase gene and association with fat colour in bovine adipose tissue and milk

beta, beta-carotene-9', 10'-dioxygenase (BCO2) plays a role in cleaving beta-carotene eccentrically, and may be involved in the control of adipose and milk colour in cattle. The bovine BCO2 gene was sequenced as a potential candidate gene for a beef fat colour QTL on chromosome (BTA) 15. A single nucleotide base change located in exon 3 causes the substitution of a stop codon (encoded by the A allele) for tryptophan(80) (encoded by the G allele) (c. 240G>A, p.Trp80stop, referred to herein as SNP W80X). Association analysis showed significant differences in subcutaneous fat colour and beta-carotene concentration amongst cattle with different BCO2 genotypes. Animals with the BCO2 AA genotype had more yellow beef fat and a higher beta-carotene concentration in adipose tissues than those with the GA or GG genotype. QTL mapping analysis with the BCO2 SNP W80X fitted as a fixed effect confirmed that this SNP is likely to represent the quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) for the fat colour-related traits on BTA 15. Moreover, animals with the AA genotype had yellower milk colour and a higher concentration of beta-carotene in the milk.

Rare genetic variation at Zea mays crtRB1 increases β-carotene in maize grain

Breeding to increase beta-carotene levels in cereal grains, termed provitamin A biofortification, is an economical approach to address dietary vitamin A deficiency in the developing world. Experimental evidence from association and linkage populations in maize (Zea mays L.) demonstrate that the gene encoding beta-carotene hydroxylase 1 (crtRB1) underlies a principal quantitative trait locus associated with beta-carotene concentration and conversion in maize kernels. crtRB1 alleles associated with reduced transcript expression correlate with higher beta-carotene concentrations. Genetic variation at crtRB1 also affects hydroxylation efficiency among encoded allozymes, as observed by resultant carotenoid profiles in recombinant expression assays. The most favorable crtRB1 alleles, rare in frequency and unique to temperate germplasm, are being introgressed via inexpensive PCR marker-assisted selection into tropical maize germplasm adapted to developing countries, where it is most needed for human health.

Mechanism of β‐Carotene‐Induced Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells: Involvement of Ataxia‐Telangiectasia‐Mutated

Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant depending on the concentrations that cells are treated with. Oxidative DNA damage is related to apoptosis of various cells. Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM), a sensor for DNA-damaging agents, activates a variety of effectors in multiple signaling pathways, such as DNA repair and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated whether a high concentration of beta-carotene induces apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells and whether ATM is involved in beta-carotene-induced apoptosis of AGS cells. We found that beta-carotene (100 micromol/L) induced apoptosis (determined by cell viability), DNA fragmentation, and the protein levels of p53 and Bcl-2 in AGS cells. ATM levels in the nucleus decreased from beta-carotene in AGS cells. beta-Carotene-induced alterations, including an increase in DNA fragmentation and p53 levels and a decrease in nuclear ATM and cellular Bcl-2 levels, were inhibited in the cells transfected with full-length ATM cDNA compared to wild-type cells or the cells transfected with control vector plasmid control DNA vector (pcDNA). In conclusion, beta-carotene induces apoptosis by increasing apoptotic protein p53 and decreasing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 as well as nuclear ATM in AGS cells. Nuclear loss of ATM may be the underlying mechanism of beta-carotene-induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.

Beta-carotene affects oxidative stress-related DNA damage in lung epithelial cells and in ferret lung

Beta-carotene (BC) was found to enhance lung cancer risk in smokers. This adverse effect was unexpected because BC was thought to act as an anti-oxidant against cigarette smoke-derived radicals. These radicals can directly or indirectly damage DNA, leading to the formation of pro-mutagenic DNA lesions such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) and 3-(2-deoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentafuranosyl)pyrimido[1,2-alpha]purin-10(3H)-one deoxyguanosine (M(1)dG). Later, it was suggested that high concentrations of BC could also result in pro-oxidant effects. Therefore, we investigated whether high but physiologically feasible concentrations of BC were able to alter (i) the formation of radicals in vitro assessed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, (ii) the levels of 8-oxo-dG and M(1)dG in vitro in lung epithelial cells after incubation with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and the smoke-derived carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and (iii) the levels of 8-oxo-dG and M(1)dG in vivo in ferrets' lung after chronic exposure to B[a]P. BC increased in vitro hydroxyl radical formation in the Fenton reaction but inhibited the formation of carbon-centered radicals. Similarly, BC was able to enhance 8-oxo-dG in vitro in lung epithelial cells. On the other hand, BC significantly inhibited M(1)dG formation in lung epithelial cells, especially after induction of M(1)dG by H(2)O(2) or B[a]P. Finally, BC supplementation of ferrets also resulted in a significant decrease in M(1)dG, but in contrast to the in vitro experiments, no effect was observed on 8-oxo-dG levels, probably because of increased base excision repair capacities as assessed by a modified comet assay. These data indicate that the fate of BC being a pro- or anti-oxidant strongly depends on the type of radical involved.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Human Lactation

Lactation has three distinct phases: colostrum, transition, and mature, with the quantity of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids tending to decline while the total fat content increases. The number of deliveries seems to be directly related to higher concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin E in colostrum. Little is known about vitamin quantities during the other phases. In the present study, vitamin A and E concentrations during different phases of lactation were measured in primiparous and multiparous mothers to analyze the variation and suitability for the diet of a breastfed child. Phase of lactation and number of deliveries were highly significant for log mean vitamin A while only one phase showed significance for log mean vitamin E. There was a sharp decline in the levels of vitamin A and E in the course of the initial phase of lactation. The variability between measurements declined as colostrum transitioned to mature milk. There were significant measurable inter-group differences in retinol levels in milk obtained during early lactation. Vitamin A and E content can reach 2.5 and 1.4 times of levels recommended intake, respectively.

Micellarization and Intestinal Cell Uptake ofβ-Carotene and Lutein from Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) Leaves

The leaves and pods of the drumstick tree are used as food and medicine in some Asian and African countries. Although relatively high concentrations of beta-carotene and lutein have been reported in the leaves, the bioavailability of these carotenoids from this source is unknown. We have analyzed the digestive stability and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in fresh and lyophilized drumstick leaves using the coupled in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model. Beta-carotene and lutein were stable during simulated gastric and small intestinal digestion. The efficiency of micellarization of lutein during the small intestinal phase of digestion exceeded that of beta-carotene. Addition of peanut oil (5% vol/wt) to the test food increased micellarization of both carotenoids, and particularly beta-carotene. Caco-2 cells accumulated beta-carotene and lutein from micelles generated during digestion of drumstick leaves in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The relatively high bioaccessibility of beta-carotene and lutein from drumstick leaves ingested with oil supports the potential use of this plant food for improving vitamin A nutrition and perhaps delaying the onset of some degenerative diseases such as cataracts.

Optimization of beta-carotene production from synthetic medium by Blakeslea trispora: a mathematical modeling.

The effect of inoculum, pH, carbon and nitrogen source, natural oils, fatty acids, antioxidant, and precursors on beta-carotene production by Blakeslea trispora in shake-flask culture was investigated. The highest concentration of beta-carotene was obtained in the medium (pH 7.0) inoculated with one loop of each culture. Sucrose, glycerol, cornmeal, soy protein acid hydrolysate, and distiller's solubles did not improve the production of beta-carotene. By contrast, glucose, corn steep liquor, antioxidant, olive oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, oleic and linoleic acids, and kerosene significantly increased the beta-carotene production. A central composite design was employed to determine the maximum beta-carotene production at optimum values for the process variables (linoleic acid, kerosene, and antioxidant). The fit of the model was found to be good. Linoleic acid, kerosene, and antioxidant had a strong linear effect on beta-carotene production. The concentration of beta-carotene was significantly affected by linoleic acid-kerosene and linoleic acid-antioxidant interactions as well as by the negative quadratic effects of these variables. The interaction between kerosene and antioxidant had no significant linear effect. The maximum beta-carotene concentration (2.88 g/L) was obtained at concentrations of 17.15 g/L of linoleic acid, 39.25 g/L of kerosene, and 9.04 g/L of antioxidant.

A negative regulator of light-inducible carotenogenesis in Mucor circinelloides.

Mucor circinelloides responds to blue light by activating carotene biosynthesis. Wild-type strains grown in darkness contain minimal amounts of beta-carotene because of the low levels of transcription of the structural genes for carotenogenesis. When exposed to a light pulse, the level of transcription of these genes increases strongly, leading to the formation of high concentrations of beta-carotene. The crgA gene is involved in the regulation of light-induced carotenoid biosynthesis. This gene, originally identified as a 3'-truncated ORF which causes carotene over-accumulation in the dark, encodes a protein with a cysteine-rich, zinc-binding, RING-finger motif, as found in diverse groups of regulatory proteins. The expression of the crgA gene is activated by a light pulse, with a time course similar to that of the structural genes for carotenogenesis. To understand the regulatory role of the crgA gene in carotenogenesis, we have used a genetic approach based on the construction of crgA null mutants by gene replacement. Lack of the crgA function provokes the over-accumulation of carotenoids both in the dark and the light. Introduction of the wild-type crgA allele into these mutants restores the wild-type phenotype for carotenogenesis. The high levels of carotenoid accumulation shown by the null crgA mutants are correlated with an increase in the expression of carotenogenic structural genes. These results strongly indicate that crgA acts as a negative regulator of light-inducible carotenogenesis in M. circinelloides.

Antioxidant vitamin status and carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly

The oxidative modification of LDL is thought to play a crucial role in the initiation of atherosclerosis. Antioxidant vitamins can protect LDL from oxidation, and high intakes or blood concentrations of these vitamins have been linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Few data are available on the importance of antioxidant vitamins in earlier stages of atherogenesis. We investigated the cross-sectional relation between antioxidant vitamin status and carotid atherosclerosis in a group of elderly persons. The study sample comprised 468 men and women aged 66-75 y living in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Duplex ultrasonography was used to measure intima-media thickness and the degree of stenosis in the extracranial carotid arteries. Antioxidant vitamin status was assessed by measuring fasting plasma concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. In the men, after adjustment for age and cardiovascular disease risk factors, a 20% higher plasma vitamin C concentration was associated with a 0.004-mm smaller intima-media thickness; a 20% higher beta-carotene concentration was associated with a 0.005-mm smaller intima-media thickness. Compared with men with high blood concentrations of beta-carotene or cholesterol-adjusted vitamin E, those with low blood concentrations of these vitamins were 2.5 times as likely to have carotid stenosis of >30%. We found no significant trends between plasma concentrations of antioxidant vitamins and either measure of carotid atherosclerosis in the women. A high antioxidant vitamin status may help to prevent the initiation and progression of early atherosclerotic lesions in men.

Beta-carotene prolongs survival, decreases lipid peroxidation and enhances glutathione status in transplantable murine lymphoma.

Carotenoids of dietary origin have recently been the subject of renewed research interest because of epidemiological evidence indicating an inverse relationship between intake of carotenoids-rich plant substances and risk of certain cancers. This study was attempted to understand the biological actions of dietary beta-carotene (BC) on Dalton's lymphoma (DL), a rapidly proliferating transplantable tumor, in effecting the survival of the lymphoma-bearing mice. The glutathione (GSH) level and the extent of lipid peroxidation in the liver, kidney and brain were monitored in BC-treated (100 mg/kg food) mice transplanted with DL. These markers showed substantial alterations during the whole length of tumor progression in lymphoma-bearing mice without BC supplementation. When treated with BC, both malondialdehyde contents (evidence of lipid peroxidation) and the GSH levels in different organs were found to be closer to normal values in the initial period of tumor progression. BC-mediated protection against lipid peroxidation was maximally found to be in hepatic tissue throughout the study following DL transplantation. This was fairly reflected in the higher BC concentration in hepatic tissue of BC-treated lymphoma group compared to untreated lymphoma control. Significantly higher survival time (51-55 days) was observed in BC-treated animals in comparison to their untreated DL counterparts (35-38 days). The prolonged survival observed in the BC-supplemented animals may be attributed to the higher resistance offered by animals receiving BC towards lipid peroxidation-related tissue injury.

Effects of Reduced-fat Diets Consumed Ad Libitum on Intake of Nutrients, Particularly Antioxidant Vitamins

Objectives To determine whether a reduced-fat diet consumed ad libitum can achieve the recommended intakes of other macronutrients, fiber, and cholesterol and whether such a diet affects intake of other important micronutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins. Design Twelve-month, randomized, controlled trial of a reduced-fat, ad libitum diet vs usual diet. Subjects One hundred ten adults older than 40 years with glucose intolerance (2-hour blood glucose concentration=7.0 to 11.0 mmol/L) who were selected from a previous workforce survey. Intervention Monthly small-group meetings aimed at identifying sources of dietary fat and ways to reduce fat consumption. Main outcome measures Nutrient intakes derived from 3-day food diaries at the beginning and end of the study. Blood levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, and beta carotene at the end of the study. Statistical analyses performed Unpaired t tests for determining changes in nutrient intake and antioxidant vitamin concentrations. Separate analyses were conducted with users of mineral and vitamin supplements and people who changed smoking status to reduce potential confounding. Results Fat intake decreased from 35% to 26% of energy in the reduced-fat diet group compared with a 2% decrease in the control group ( P<.0001). Total energy intake also decreased in the 2 groups (−362 vs −59 kcal/day, P<.02). Those changes were reflected in a 3.1±4.7 kg (mean± standard deviation) weight loss in the intervention group compared with a 0.4±3.0 kg weight gain in the control group ( P<.0001). There were no differences between groups in the changes in micronutrient intakes, except for an energy-adjusted increase in beta carotene intake in the reduced-fat diet group. Serum retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were not different between the groups, but the reduced-fat diet group had higher beta carotene concentrations ( P=.009). Applications A reduced-fat, ad libitum diet can be prescribed to improve overall macronutrient intake and achieve modest weight loss without sacrificing micronutrient intakes. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:1400–1405.