Dietary Intake Of Carotenoids Research Articles

Provitamin A carotenoids are independently associated with matrix metalloproteinase-9 in plasma samples from a general population

Carotenoids in plasma are inversely associated with cardiovascular risk. Low levels can be explained by low dietary intake but also by a number of other factors including inflammatory activity. Given that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 has an important role in inflammation and cardiovascular disease, we hypothesized that circulating MMP-9 levels would be inversely related to total or single carotenoids in a general population cohort. A well-characterized population-based cohort of 285 Swedish men and women (45-69 years) was used for the present study. The intake of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Levels of MMP-9, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and six major carotenoids [β-cryptoxanthine, α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein (+zeaxanthin) and lycopene] were determined in plasma. Lower plasma levels of total and single carotenoids were associated with lower dietary intake of carotenoids, older age, male sex, lower physical activity, higher alcohol consumption, higher body mass index (BMI), higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, lower levels of total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol and higher levels of CRP, IL-6 and MMP-9. After multivariate adjustments, plasma levels of total carotenoids and provitamin A carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthine, α-carotene and β-carotene) remained independently associated with sex, dietary intake of carotenoids, BMI, HDL cholesterol and MMP-9, whilst associations with CRP and IL-6 were not maintained. Neither dietary intake of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, nor vitamin supplement use was associated with MMP-9, CRP or IL-6 levels. Plasma carotenoids were associated with a variety of factors including age, sex, dietary intake and metabolic variables. A new finding was the independent relationship in plasma between low provitamin A carotenoids and high MMP-9, suggesting a link between these carotenoids, matrix turnover and arterial remodelling.

Impact of the quantity and flavonoid content of fruits and vegetables on markers of intake in adults with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease: the FLAVURS trial

Limited robust randomised controlled trials investigating fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in people at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) exist. We aimed to design and validate a dietary strategy of increasing flavonoid-rich versus flavonoid-poor F&V consumption on nutrient biomarker profile. A parallel, randomised, controlled, dose-response dietary intervention study. Participants with a CVD relative risk of 1.5 assessed by risk scores were randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups: habitual (control, CT), high-flavonoid (HF) or low-flavonoid (LF) diets. While the CT group (n = 57) consumed their habitual diet throughout, the HF (n = 58) and LF (n = 59) groups sequentially increased their daily F&V intake by an additional 2, 4 and 6 portions for 6-week periods during the 18-week study. Compliance to target numbers and types of F&V was broadly met and verified by dietary records, and plasma and urinary biomarkers. Mean (± SEM) number of F&V portions/day consumed by the HF and LF groups at baseline (3.8 ± 0.3 and 3.4 ± 0.3), 6 weeks (6.3 ± 0.4 and 5.8 ± 0.3), 12 weeks (7.0 ± 0.3 and 6.8 ± 0.3) and 18 weeks (7.6 ± 0.4 and 8.1 ± 0.4), respectively, was similar at baseline yet higher than the CT group (3.9 ± 0.3, 4.3 ± 0.3, 4.6 ± 0.4, 4.5 ± 0.3) (P = 0.015). There was a dose-dependent increase in dietary and urinary flavonoids in the HF group, with no change in other groups (P = 0.0001). Significantly higher dietary intakes of folate (P = 0.035), non-starch polysaccharides (P = 0.001), vitamin C (P = 0.0001) and carotenoids (P = 0.0001) were observed in both intervention groups compared with CT, which were broadly supported by nutrient biomarker analysis. The success of improving nutrient profile by active encouragement of F&V intake in an intervention study implies the need for a more hands-on public health approach.

Seasonal change in antioxidant intakes and major food sources in overweight postmenopausal women

Despite the emerging evidence on antioxidant benefits, no studies have documented seasonal variation of antioxidant intakes from diet. This study aimed to document seasonal change in antioxidant intakes and major food sources from usual diet using antioxidant food frequency questionnaires (Aox‐FFQ). Forty overweight postmenopausal women residing in Farmington, CT participated in a 9‐month observational study and completed an Aox‐FFQ every season. Seven‐day food records (FR) and 12‐h fasting blood samples at the first visit were collected for testing validity of Aox‐FFQ. Individual antioxidant intakes estimated by averaged 7‐d FR and the FFQ were moderately to highly correlated (r=0.34–0.78, P<0.05). Total α‐tocopherol and dietary carotenoid intakes were correlated with corresponding plasma concentrations (P<0.05). Intakes of most antioxidants assessed by the repeated FFQ were consistent over 9 months (p<0.05). Leading food sources contributing to antioxidant intakes, such as vegetables for carotenoids, fruits, fruit juices and vegetables for vitamin C, fruits, fruit juices, tea, vegetables and wine for flavonoids, fruits, fruit juices, tea and wine for proanthocyanidins were not affected by seasonal change, although the minor food contributors were fluctuated in different seasons. To conclude, there was no significant seasonal change in antioxidant intakes and major food sources in this study.Grant Funding Source: Donaghue Nutrition Research Program

Cancer Chemoprevention by Carotenoids

Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments that provide bright coloration to plants and animals. Dietary intake of carotenoids is inversely associated with the risk of a variety of cancers in different tissues. Preclinical studies have shown that some carotenoids have potent antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting potential preventive and/or therapeutic roles for the compounds. Since chemoprevention is one of the most important strategies in the control of cancer development, molecular mechanism-based cancer chemoprevention using carotenoids seems to be an attractive approach. Various carotenoids, such as β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, have been proven to have anti-carcinogenic activity in several tissues, although high doses of β-carotene failed to exhibit chemopreventive activity in clinical trials. In this review, cancer prevention using carotenoids are reviewed and the possible mechanisms of action are described.

Carotenoids Intake and Asthma Prevalence in Thai Children

Several antioxidant nutrients have been described to inversely correlate with asthma. In order to quantify the intake of these substances, it is possible to measure skin levels by Raman spectroscopy, a novel non-invasive technique that can also be used in children. This cross-sectional school-based study involved 423 children from a rural area of Thailand. Asthmatic children were diagnosed according to a Health Interview for Asthma Control questionnaire. Skin carotenoid levels were measured with Raman spectroscopy. Demographic data were obtained by directly interviewing children and their parents, whereas anthropometric parameters were measured by trained staff. Intake of carotenoids, vitamin A and C were evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire. Overall incidence of asthma in Thai schoolchildren (aged 3.5–17.8 years) was 17.3%. There was no significant difference in dietary intake of carotenoids and vitamin A and C, and skin carotenoid level between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. Skin carotenoid level significantly correlated with all carotenoids and vitamin A intake (P<0.05). Carotenoids and vitamin A and C intakes, and skin carotenoid levels were not associated with the risk of asthma in Thai children. Skin carotenoids correlated with all carotenoids and vitamin A intake in mild to moderate degrees. Raman spectroscopy was confirmed to be a useful tool to determine antioxidant skin levels.

Editorial: Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2'12

The present special issue of Molecular Nutrition & Food Research is focused on scientific progress regarding dietary carotenoids and their role in sustaining human health or preventing the development of degenerative disorders. It was initiated to cover selective aspects of recent research activities in this area, however, the list of topics is not intended to be exhaustive and not all strains of new developments could be addressed. According to the scientific alignment and tradition of the journal the major focus of the contributions relate to basic research in chemistry, nutritional biochemistry and molecular biology also evaluating nutritional and clinical effects of food constituents, particularly carotenoids but also with increasing importance their non-vitamin A metabolites and breakdown products. “…scientific progress regarding dietary carotenoids and their role in sustaining human health….” Dietary intake of carotenoids has been associated with a decreased risk for cancer, cardiovascular events, ophthalmological disorders, and age related cognitive diseases. Intervention with carotenes and xanthophylls was used to ameliorate the symptoms of severe skin diseases and successfully applied to prevent UV-induced skin damage. β-Carotene and to some extent other provitamin A carotenoids are important sources for retinol and contribute to our vitamin A supply, although the contributing fraction and conversion factors are still a matter of debate. Carotenoids are efficient antioxidants quenching excited state molecules and scavenge other reactive oxygen species including peroxyl radicals. Their antioxidant properties have been related to beneficial health effects although the concept was challenged in the last decade and possible prooxidant activity of carotenoids in-vivo has been discussed. Several trials with β-carotene and other antioxidants were performed to prove their cancer preventing efficacy but none of the completed trials provided sufficient evidence yet. The lack of success may be attributed, among other factors, to an incomplete understanding of the antioxidant network and interplay of various antioxidants, factors that modulate the bioavailability of provitamin A and non-provitamin A compounds, their metabolism, and their impact on cellular signaling. Vitamin A, especially retinoic acid related pathways, represent important if not major mechanisms underlying the biological efficacy of carotenoids, however, also other regulatory effects have been demonstrated. At the molecular level other target proteins (except the retinoic acid receptors) have been identified and recent interest has also focused on biologically active metabolites of non-provitamin A carotenoids. They may affect electrophile, or rather prooxidant sensitive signaling thereby triggering the expression of secondary defense systems. Another center of interest in recent years related to carotenoids and diet was stimulated by the identification of the genes coding for carotenoid cleaving enzymes. Together with an improved understanding on the implication of transport proteins for the uptake of lipophilic compounds and their incorporation into lipoproteins biokinetic properties of carotenoids, individual responses and non-responses are now understood and represent an important area of personalized nutrition. The present compilation of papers and reviews shows that currently significant new views are developing regarding the contribution of carotenoids to human health and the mechanisms underlying their preventive role in degenerative diseases. Such new concepts will hopefully stimulate further research on dietary carotenoids. Wilhelm Stahl Heinrich-Heine-Universitaet Duesseldorf Duesseldorf Germany

Mate choice for a male carotenoid-based ornament is linked to female dietary carotenoid intake and accumulation

BackgroundThe coevolution of male traits and female mate preferences has led to the elaboration and diversification of sexually selected traits; however the mechanisms that mediate trait-preference coevolution are largely unknown. Carotenoid acquisition and accumulation are key determinants of the expression of male sexually selected carotenoid-based coloration and a primary mechanism maintaining the honest information content of these signals. Carotenoids also influence female health and reproduction in ways that may alter the costs and benefits of mate choice behaviours and thus provide a potential biochemical link between the expression of male traits and female preferences. To test this hypothesis, we manipulated the dietary carotenoid levels of captive female house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) and assessed their mate choice behavior in response to color-manipulated male finches.ResultsFemales preferred to associate with red males, but carotenoid supplementation did not influence the direction or strength of this preference. Females receiving a low-carotenoid diet were less responsive to males in general, and discrimination among the colorful males was positively linked to female plasma carotenoid levels at the beginning of the study when the diet of all birds was carotenoid-limited.ConclusionsAlthough female preference for red males was not influenced by carotenoid intake, changes in mating responsiveness and discrimination linked to female carotenoid status may alter how this preference is translated into choice. The reddest males, with the most carotenoid rich plumage, tend to pair early in the breeding season. If carotenoid-related variations in female choice behaviour shift the timing of pairing, then they have the potential to promote assortative mating by carotenoid status and drive the evolution of carotenoid-based male plumage coloration.

Intake of fruit, vegetables, and carotenoids in relation to risk of uterine leiomyomata

US black women have higher rates of uterine leiomyomata (UL) and lower intakes of fruit and vegetables than do white women. Whether fruit and vegetable intake is associated with UL in black women has not been studied. We assessed the association of dietary intake of fruit, vegetables, carotenoids, folate, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and E with UL in the Black Women's Health Study. In this prospective cohort study, we followed 22,583 premenopausal women for incident UL (1997-2009). Diet was estimated by using food-frequency questionnaires in 1995 and 2001. Cox regression was used to derive incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs for the association between each dietary variable (in quintiles) and UL. There were 6627 incident cases of UL diagnosed by ultrasonography (n = 4346) or surgery (n = 2281). Fruit and vegetable intake was inversely associated with UL (≥4 compared with <1 serving/d; IRR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.98; P-trend = 0.03). The association was stronger for fruit (≥2 servings/d compared with <2 servings/wk; IRR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.98; P-trend = 0.07) than for vegetables (≥2 servings/d compared with <4 servings/wk: IRR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.05; P-trend = 0.51). Citrus fruit intake was inversely associated with UL (≥3 servings/wk compared with <1 serving/mo: IRR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.00; P-trend = 0.01). The inverse association for dietary vitamin A (upper compared with lower quintiles: IRR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.97; P-trend = 0.01) appeared to be driven by preformed vitamin A (animal sources), not provitamin A (fruit and vegetable sources). UL was not materially associated with dietary intake of vitamins C and E, folate, fiber, or any of the carotenoids, including lycopene. These data suggest a reduced risk of UL among women with a greater dietary intake of fruit and preformed vitamin A.

Deleterious effects of light exposure on immunity and sexual coloration in birds

Summary1. Sunlight ultraviolet (UV) exposure can be highly damaging to biological tissues, being known to cause cellular damage and immunosuppression in humans and rodents, and depletion of carotenoid‐based sexual plumage coloration in birds (i.e. photobleaching). However, it remains unknown whether sunlight may cause photobleaching in living tissues that comprise sexual signals such as bare parts in birds. It seems possible that any carotenoids depleted from bare parts by sunlight could be replenished, but if so, this could impact the availability of carotenoids for other functions such as immunity and antioxidant defence. Such trade‐offs seem particularly likely in individuals that have a low dietary intake of carotenoids, or small amounts of carotenoids in body storage.2. We investigated the effects of exposure to simulated sunlight UV (UV+) on bill coloration, blood plasma and liver (i.e. body storage) carotenoids and pro‐inflammatory immune responses in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in vivo, compared with individuals maintained in an identical environment but with the UV wavelengths removed by a filter (UV−). We also investigated whether any deleterious effects of UV exposure were mitigated by dietary carotenoid supplementation (UV+ Car+).3. Exposure to simulated sunlight UV was associated with low levels of carotenoids in liver, and elevated levels of carotenoids in blood plasma, suggesting the mobilisation of stored carotenoids. Simulated sunlight UV also caused impaired pro‐inflammatory immune responses, whereas this was not seen in carotenoid‐supplemented birds. We found no effects of simulated sunlight UV or carotenoid supplementation on oxidative damage in blood plasma or bill.4. Bill ‘carotenoid chroma’ diminished, and bill ‘UV chroma’ correspondingly increased, in all groups during the experiment (i.e. even in UV+ Car+ birds, and in UV− birds). This likely arose because the illuminance in the experimental cages was far higher than in standard laboratory housing conditions and suggests that carotenoid pigmentation is highly susceptible to photobleaching even under exposure to human‐visible wavelengths.5. These results highlight the potential for sunlight exposure to invoke a range of deleterious consequences for birds, including photobleaching and depression of immunity via pathways mediated by carotenoid allocation trade‐offs. The expression of carotenoid‐based sexual signals may therefore reveal an individual’s history of sunlight exposure and its deleterious effects on immunity.

Contribution of violaxanthin, neoxanthin, phytoene and phytofluene to total carotenoid intake: Assessment in Luxembourg

Dietary carotenoid intake has been associated with a low incidence of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular complications, cancer, and macular degeneration. While food composition and intake of some carotenoids such as β-carotene and lycopene is frequently available, information on the contribution of less studied epoxycarotenoids such as neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and phytoene/phytofluene, is scant. The present study describes the assessment of ten individual carotenoids in frequently consumed food items and estimates their contribution to total carotenoid intake in Luxembourg. For this purpose, 50 frequently consumed food items were collected from local groceries, and combined with food consumption data obtained from the first epidemiological Luxembourgish cardio-vascular risk factor study (ORISCAV-LUX). Highest epoxycarotenoid content was found in bell peppers (4.5mg/100g), highest amount of phytoene/phytofluene in apricot (9.6mg/100g) and tomato ketchup (4.5mg/100g). National daily per capita intake was assessed as 7.6mg α- and β-carotene, 2.0mg phytoene, 1.8mg lycopene, 1.5mg lutein, 1.4mg β-cryptoxanthin, 1.2mg violaxanthin, 0.7mg phytoene, 0.5mg neoxanthin, and 0.3mg zeaxanthin, with 10% of total daily carotenoid intake from epoxycarotenoids and 16% from phytoene/phytofluene. While intake in Luxembourg appears to be comparable to other European data, this study highlights the importance of taking less frequently analysed carotenoids into account for determining total intake.

The effects of dietary carotenoid supplementation and retinal carotenoid accumulation on vision-mediated foraging in the house finch.

BackgroundFor many bird species, vision is the primary sensory modality used to locate and assess food items. The health and spectral sensitivities of the avian visual system are influenced by diet-derived carotenoid pigments that accumulate in the retina. Among wild House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), we have found that retinal carotenoid accumulation varies significantly among individuals and is related to dietary carotenoid intake. If diet-induced changes in retinal carotenoid accumulation alter spectral sensitivity, then they have the potential to affect visually mediated foraging performance.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn two experiments, we measured foraging performance of house finches with dietarily manipulated retinal carotenoid levels. We tested each bird's ability to extract visually contrasting food items from a matrix of inedible distracters under high-contrast (full) and dimmer low-contrast (red-filtered) lighting conditions. In experiment one, zeaxanthin-supplemented birds had significantly increased retinal carotenoid levels, but declined in foraging performance in the high-contrast condition relative to astaxanthin-supplemented birds that showed no change in retinal carotenoid accumulation. In experiments one and two combined, we found that retinal carotenoid concentrations predicted relative foraging performance in the low- vs. high-contrast light conditions in a curvilinear pattern. Performance was positively correlated with retinal carotenoid accumulation among birds with low to medium levels of accumulation (∼0.5–1.5 µg/retina), but declined among birds with very high levels (>2.0 µg/retina).Conclusion/SignificanceOur results suggest that carotenoid-mediated spectral filtering enhances color discrimination, but that this improvement is traded off against a reduction in sensitivity that can compromise visual discrimination. Thus, retinal carotenoid levels may be optimized to meet the visual demands of specific behavioral tasks and light environments.

Racial differences in correlations between reported dietary intakes of carotenoids and their concentration biomarkers

The predictive ability of dietary assessment methods to estimate specific circulating plasma carotenoid concentrations has been compared between African Americans and whites in only one study to date. The predictive abilities of 24-h dietary recalls and a food-frequency questionnaire in reporting dietary carotenoids when measured against concentration biomarkers were assessed in African Americans and compared with the findings in whites. Data were collected from 250 generally healthy, nonsmoking white and African American participants aged 21-69 y, who completed 8 self-administered online 24-h dietary recalls and one National Cancer Institute diet-history questionnaire in the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Energetics Study. Mean intakes from 4-d dietary recalls were correlated with plasma xanthophyll concentrations (lutein + zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin) and hydrocarbon carotenoids (lycopene, α-carotene, and β-carotene). Adjusted correlations of plasma carotenoids with reported dietary intakes for African Americans in the 24-h dietary recall ranged from 0.03 for β-carotene to 0.40 for β-cryptoxanthin. For whites, the correlations ranged from 0.13 for lycopene to 0.51 for β-cryptoxanthin. Despite stronger validity in reported energy intakes for African Americans than for whites in the 24-h dietary recall in the Energetics Study, both recalls and food-frequency dietary assessment methods yielded lower correlations in African Americans than in whites. This finding might be attributable to reporting differences in both dietary sources and food preparation or to racially related genetic variants influencing circulating concentrations. The current findings support the need to account for differences in race, age, sex, and body mass index in regression calibrations of dietary reports and measurement error adjustments.

Carotenoid and melanin pigment coloration affect perceived human health

The links between appearance and health influence human social interactions and are medically important, yet the facial cues influencing health judgments are unclear, and few studies describe connections to actual health. Increased facial skin yellowness (CIELab b*) and lightness ( L*) appear healthy in Caucasian faces, but it is unclear why. Skin yellowness is primarily affected by melanin and carotenoid pigments. Melanin (dark and yellow) enhances photoprotection and may be involved in immune defense, but may contribute to vitamin D deficiency. Carotenoids (yellow) signal health in bird and fish species, and are associated with improved immune defense, photoprotection and reproductive health in humans. We present three studies investigating the contribution of carotenoid and melanin to skin color and the healthy appearance of human faces. Study 1 demonstrates similar perceptual preferences for increased skin L* and b* in UK-based Caucasian and black South African populations. Study 2 shows that individuals with higher dietary intakes of carotenoids and fruit and vegetables have increased skin b* values and show skin reflectance spectra consistent with enhanced carotenoid absorption. Study 3 shows that, to maximize apparent facial health, participants choose to increase empirically derived skin carotenoid coloration more than melanin coloration in the skin portions of color-calibrated face photographs. Together our studies link skin carotenoid coloration to both perceived health and healthy diet, establishing carotenoid coloration as a valid cue to human health which is perceptible in a way that is relevant to mate choice, as it is in bird and fish species.

Noninvasive assessment of dermal carotenoids as a biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake

Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) has been suggested as a feasible method for noninvasive carotenoid measurement of human skin. However, before RRS measures of dermal carotenoids can be used as a biomarker, data on intra- and intersubject variability and validity are needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of RRS measures of dermal total carotenoids and lycopene in humans. In study 1, 74 men and women with diverse skin pigmentation were recruited. RRS measures of the palm, inner arm, and outer arm were obtained at baseline, 1 wk, 2 wk, 1 mo, 3 mo, and 6 mo (to maximize seasonal variation). The RRS device used visible light at 488 nm to estimate total carotenoids and at 514 nm to estimate lycopene. Reproducibility was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). In study 2, we recruited 28 subjects and assessed dietary carotenoid intake, obtained blood for HPLC analyses, performed RRS measures of dermal carotenoid status, and performed dermal biopsies (3-mm punch biopsy) with dermal carotenoids assessed by HPLC. ICCs for total carotenoids across time were 0.97 (palm), 0.95 (inner arm), and 0.93 (outer arm). Total dermal carotenoids assessed by RRS were significantly correlated with total dermal carotenoids assessed by HPLC of dermal biopsies (r = 0.66, P = 0.0001). Similarly, lycopene assessed by RRS was significantly correlated with lycopene assessed by HPLC of dermal biopsies (r = 0.74, P < 0.0001). RRS is a feasible and valid method for noninvasively assessing dermal carotenoids as a biomarker for studies of nutrition and health.

Redox-modulatory vitamins and minerals that prospectively predict mortality in older British people: the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of people aged 65 years and over

The predictive power, for total, vascular, cancer and respiratory mortality, of selected redox-modulatory (vitamin and mineral nutrient) indices measured at baseline, was studied in the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey (community-living subset) of people aged 65 years and over. Mortality status and its primary and underlying causes were recorded for 1054 (mean age 76·6 (sd 7·4) years and 49·0 % female) participants, from the baseline survey in 1994–5 until September 2008. During this interval, 74 % of the male and 62 % of the female participants died. Total mortality was significantly predicted by baseline plasma concentrations (per sd) of vitamin C (hazard ratio (HR) 0·81; 95 % CI 0·74, 0·88), α-carotene (HR 0·90; 95 % CI 0·81, 0·99), Se (HR 0·76; 95 % CI 0·69, 0·84), Zn (HR 0·79; 95 % CI 0·72, 0·87), Cu (HR 1·27; 95 % CI 1·14, 1·42) and Fe (HR 0·81; 95 % CI 0·74, 0·89). Total mortality was also significantly predicted by baseline dietary intakes (per sd) of food energy (HR 0·86; 95 % CI 0·79, 0·94), vitamin C (HR 0·88; 95 % CI 0·80, 0·94), carotenoids (HR 0·89; 95 % CI 0·83, 0·96), Zn (HR 0·89; 95 % CI 0·82, 0·96) and Cu (HR 0·91; 95 % CI 0·84, 1·00). Prediction patterns and significance for primary vascular, cancer and respiratory mortality differed in certain respects, but not fundamentally. Model adjustment for known disease or mortality risk predictors resulted in loss of significance for some of the indices; however, plasma Se and Zn, and food energy remained significant predictors. We conclude that total and primary vascular, cancer and respiratory mortality in older British people of both sexes is predicted by several biochemical indices of redox-modulatory nutrients, some of which may reflect the respondents' acute-phase status at baseline, whereas others may reflect the healthiness of their lifestyle.

Combined Antioxidant Carotenoids and the Risk of Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infection

Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary etiologic factor for cervical cancer. The synergistic effect of carotenoids on HPV persistence has not been examined. To explore these potential synergies, we developed 2 measures of carotenoid status using circulating and dietary intake nutrients in which each nutrient was given equal weighting. We then compared persistent HPV infection with its counterpart, intermittent infection. In the analysis using the Crude Index, no association was observed between circulating nutrients and persistent infection with oncogenic HPV [odds ratio (OR)adjusted = 0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.3–2.2)] or any type HPV (ORadjusted = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.3–2.1). Similar results were obtained using the Cumulative Index. However, associations between dietary intake and persistent infection were observed using both indexes. When the analysis was restricted to oncogenic HPV, a 50% higher risk was observed for women with low dietary carotenoid status using the Crude Index (ORadjusted = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.6–3.7). In the analysis using any type HPV, the adjusted OR for women with low dietary intake of combined carotenoids using the Cumulative Index was 2.4 (95% CI = 1.1–5.2). These results may be consistent with the hypothesis that low levels of carotenoids may increase the risk of persistent HPV infection.

Polymorphisms in genes involved in oxidative stress and their interactions with lifestyle factors on skin cancer risk

Polymorphisms in genes involved in oxidative stress and their interactions with lifestyle factors on skin cancer risk

The effects of dietary carotenoid intake on carotenoid accumulation in the retina of a wild bird, the house finch ( Carpodacus mexicanus)

Carotenoid pigments accumulate in the retinas of many animals, including humans, where they play an important role in visual health and performance. Recently, birds have emerged as a model system for studying the mechanisms and functions of carotenoid accumulation in the retina. However, these studies have been limited to a small number of domesticated species, and the effects of dietary carotenoid access on retinal carotenoid accumulation have not been investigated in any wild animal species. The purpose of our studies was to examine how variation in dietary carotenoid types and levels affect retinal accumulation in house finches ( Carpodacus mexicanus), a common and colorful North American songbird. We carried out three 8-week studies with wild-caught captive birds: (1) we tracked the rate of retinal carotenoid depletion, compared to other body tissues, on a very low-carotenoid diet, (2) we supplemented birds with two common dietary carotenoids (lutein + zeaxanthin) and measured the effect on retinal accumulation, and (3) we separately supplemented birds with high levels of zeaxanthin – an important dietary precursor for retinal carotenoids – or astaxanthin – a dominant retinal carotenoid not commonly found in the diet (i.e. a metabolic derivative). We found that carotenoids depleted slowly from the retina compared to other tissues, with a significant (∼50%) decline observed only after 8 weeks on a very low-carotenoid diet. Supplementation with lutein + zeaxanthin or zeaxanthin alone significantly increased only retinal galloxanthin and ε-carotene levels, while other carotenoid types in the retina remained unaffected. Concentrations of retinal astaxanthin were unaffected by direct dietary supplementation with astaxanthin. These results suggest highly specific mechanisms of retinal carotenoid metabolism and accumulation, as well as differential rates of turnover among retinal carotenoid types, all of which have important implications for visual health maintenance and interventions.

Dietary patterns of antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid intake associated with bone mineral density: findings from post-menopausal Japanese female subjects

Recent studies show that antioxidants may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This study showed the associations of bone mineral density with dietary patterns of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids. The findings suggest the combination of vitamin C and β-cryptoxanthin intakes might provide benefit to bone health in post-menopausal Japanese female subjects. Recent epidemiological studies show antioxidants may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, but little is known about the dietary patterns of antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid intakes and their relation with bone mineral density (BMD). A total of 293 post-menopausal female subjects who had received health examinations in the town of Mikkabi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, participated in the study. Radial BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids were assessed by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified on a selected set of antioxidants through principal component factor analysis. Three dietary patterns were identified. The "retinol" pattern, characterized by notably high intakes of preformed retinol, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E, was positively associated with the risk for low BMD. In contrast, the "β-cryptoxanthin" pattern, characterized by notably high intakes of β-cryptoxanthin and vitamin C, was negatively associated with low BMD. The odds ratios for low BMD in the highest tertiles of dietary intakes of preformed retinol, vitamin C, and β-cryptoxanthin against the lowest tertiles were 3.22 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38-7.51], 0.25 (CI, 0.10-0.66), and 0.40 (CI, 0.17-0.92), respectively, after adjustments for confounders. However, negative associations of vitamin C and β-cryptoxanthin with low BMD were not significant after further adjustment for intake of β-cryptoxanthin or vitamin C, respectively. Higher intakes of both vitamin C and β-cryptoxanthin were significantly associated with low BMD (P < 0.05). The combination of vitamin C and β-cryptoxanthin may be associated with radial BMD in post-menopausal Japanese female subjects.

Dietary intake and plasma status of total carotenoids are inversely associated with depressive symptomatology in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study

Antioxidant nutrients may play important roles in affective disorders, including depression. We examined associations of dietary intake and plasma status of total carotenoids with depressive symptomatology among 1216 Puerto Rican adults in the greater Boston area, aged 45 to 75 years. Depressive symptomatology was defined by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) score ≥16 or use of antidepressant medication. Intake of total carotenoids was inversely associated with CES‐D score (β = ‐4.2; P &lt;0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, education, plasma cholesterol, vitamin B6, vitamin C and homocysteine, smoking, BMI and energy intake, using censored normal regression to account for antidepressant medication use. Similar association was observed for plasma carotenoids (β = ‐2.8; P &lt;0.001). Further, both dietary intake and plasma status of total carotenoids were associated with lower risks of depressive symptomatology (odds ratios, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.51–0.95 unit of log‐transformed intake of total carotenoids [ug/d]; 0.82, 0.67–0.99 per μmol/L of plasma carotenoids) after adjustment for the same covariates. The inverse associations of intake and plasma status of total carotenoids with depressive symptomatology in this population suggest a protective effect of fruit and vegetable intake. Further population studies are needed to determine the causal direction. Supported by NIH P01 AG023394 and USDA ARS contract 58‐1950‐7‐707