Beta-carotene Levels Research Articles

Skin Carotenoids: A Biomarker of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Children

BackgroundStudies of adult subjects have found a strong correlation between serum carotenoids and skin carotenoids measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS). No published studies have examined correlations between skin and serum carotenoids among children. ObjectivesWe aimed to validate skin RRS methodology against serum carotenoid measurements by high-performance liquid chromatography and to determine whether RRS can be used as a valid biomarker of fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake among children. DesignIn our cross-sectional study, participants were 45 healthy children aged 5 to 17 years who provided three blood samples used to assess serum carotenoid concentrations and three RRS skin measurements of the palm within a 4-week period. Dietary intake of F/V was assessed three times within 4 weeks using a 27-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and an automated multiple-pass 24-hour daily recall. Estimates of intake from three FFQs, completed at least 7 days apart, were averaged. Estimates of intake from 24-hour daily recalls were collected on 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day and averaged. ResultsLevels of skin and serum carotenoids were highly correlated (R2=0.62; P<0.001). A linear regression model, controlling for child's weight and scanner unit, predicted that for every unit increase of total F/V from FFQ and total F/V as assessed by 24-hour daily recall, RRS intensity was predicted to increase by 3,798 (P=0.001) and 3,504 (P=0.001), respectively. Similar results were observed for reported high-carotenoid vegetable intake. Total carotenoid and beta carotene levels from 24-hour daily recalls correlated to total serum carotenoids levels (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Total carotenoid, alpha carotene, and beta carotene levels from the 24-hour daily recalls correlated to RRS (P<0.01). ConclusionsSkin carotenoids measured by RRS were strongly correlated with serum carotenoid levels and were positively associated with estimates of intake from FFQ and an automated multiple-pass 24-hour daily recall among children aged 5 to 17 years. Skin carotenoids may be used as valid biomarker of F/V intake among children.

Kandungan beta karoten, polifenol total dan aktifitas ”merantas” radikal bebas kefir susu kacang hijau (Vigna radiata) oleh pengaruh jumlah starter (Lactobacillus bulgaricus dan Candida kefir) dan konsentrasi glukosa

Background: Kefir is a well known fermented dairy milk product which is functional for gut health. However kefir can also be made from vegetable milk such as soy or mungbean milk. Objective: To study the chemical and functional property of Mungbean milk (MBM) Kefir Methods:Mungbean milk was fermented into MBM Kefir using Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Candida kefir. Three levels of cultures and glucose concentration were tested and a complete randomized design experiment was employed. The resulting MBM Kefir were tested for β-carotene level, total polyphenol content, and free radical scavenging activity. Beta carotene level, total polyphenols and free radicals scavenging activity were determined by spectrophotometry, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and DPPH radical scavenging assay respectively. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and when the result of ANOVA was significant, Tukey’s multiple comparison was conducted. Results: Culture concentration increased β-carotene level (p = 0.049), total polyphenol (p = 0.015) and free radical scavenging activity (p = 0,000) of MBM kefir. Glucose concentration increased total polyphenol (p = 0.002), but had no effect on free radical scavenging activity and β-carotene level. However, there were no interaction among treatments at 0.05 significance level. Total acid level ranged from 1.57 to 2.54%, with the highest and level at 15% cultures concentration and 15% glucose concentration. Alcohol level ranged from 0.26 to 0.90% which was in accordance with the maximum standard for kefir (1%). Conclusion: An optimal product of mungbean milk kefir with highest free radical scavenging activity can be obtained using 15% cultures (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Candida kefir) and 10% glucose concentration.

Karakteristik makanan pendamping ASI balita yang disubstitusi dengan tepung ikan lele dan labu kuning

Background: When breast milk is no longer enough to meet the nutritional needs of the infant, complementary foods should be added. Complementary feeding should be start giving from 6 months onwards. The period from 6-months of age is a very vulnerable period. It is the time when malnutrition starts in many infants. One form of complementary feeding which are hygienic, and ready to serve is an instant baby food. Utilization of local food such as catfish (Pangasius sp) and pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) as a source of protein and beta-carotene may increase the nutrient content of complementary feeding. Objective: This study was designed to analyze the difference of nutrients content, bulk density, and acceptability among the percentage varieties of catfish and pumpkin flour substitution on instant baby porridge. Methods: An experimental study with a single factor completely randomized design. The experiment carried out by combining the percentage of catfish and pumpkin flour substitution in to 4 formulas. The nutrients content that were analyzed are levels of protein, betacarotene, fat, and carbohydrate. Statistical analysis of the nutrients content, bulk density, and acceptability using One Way ANOVA test CI 95% followed by Tukey posthoc test. Results: Instant baby food recommended is the substitution of catfish 20% and 15% pumpkin. Servings (25 g) instant baby food to meet the 34% and 102% of protein adequacy adequacy of vitamin A. Conclusion: Instant baby porridge substituted with catfish and pumpkin flour are high in protein and vitamin A, appropriate to the bulk density, and acceptable.

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.

English

Pearl millet ranks sixth in annual world cereal production. Vitamin A deficiency is a global health problem affecting 140-250 million children and accounts for increased childhood mortality and diseases. Humans and animals are unable to synthesize Vitamin &lsquo;A&rsquo; requirement as plant-derived-carotene are metabolized to produce Vitamin &lsquo;A&rsquo;. Pearl millet grains are rich nutritionally and contain sufficient amount of &beta; carotene which is the precursor of Vitamin A. In order to satisfy the recommended dietary allowance, the targeted level of beta carotene in pearl millet (20 &micro;g/ g of grain), screening of large number of pearl millet genotypes is a prerequisite. Among the various available techniques, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be accurate for &beta; carotene estimation; however it is laborious, time consuming and requires skilled labour and use of highly toxic solvents. The aim of this work is to develop a simple and rapid screening method for determination of &beta;-carotene in pearl millet by spectrophotometry. Two hundred recombinant inbred lines developed from the cross between agronomically superior inbred line (PT 6029) and high beta carotene golden millet line (PT 6129) were evaluated at Department Vitamin A of Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The range of &beta; carotene varied between 0.46 and 2.83 &mu;g/g of grain. Eighty recominant inbred lines (RILs) exceeded the general mean of 1.7 &mu;g/g of grain and 17 transgressive recombinants were obtained. These transgressive recombinants could be used in conventional plant breeding programme for development of inbred lines with high beta carotene and yield in order to meet requirement in the diet. Key words: Pearl millet, &beta; carotene, Vitamin A, recominant inbred lines (RILs), spectrophotometer, transgressive segregates.&nbsp

Caracterização física, química e bioquímica do mesocarpo interno de frutos do pequizeiro colhidos em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento

O objetivo deste trabalho foi a caracterização física, química e bioquímica do pequi, produzido no sul de Minas Gerais, ao longo do seu desenvolvimento. Frutos coletados na 8ª, 9ª, 10ª, 12ª e 13ª semanas após a antese foram selecionados quanto ao tamanho, cor da casca, ausência de injúrias e avaliados quanto à firmeza da polpa, teores de beta-caroteno, de açúcares solúveis totais e de pectinas total e solúvel, assim como quanto à atividade das enzimas pectinametilesterase (PME), poligalacturonase (PG), peroxidase (POD) e polifenoloxidase (PPO). Verificou-se que, com o avanço dos dias, após a antese nos frutos do pequizeiro, ocorre a síntese do beta-caroteno e de açúcares solúveis totais, redução da firmeza, solubilização das pectinas, ausência de PME, diminuição na atividade da PG e aumento nas atividades da POD e da PPO na polpa.

CHARACTERISTICS OF JELLY CANDY OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya L.) WITH ADDITION OF COW GELATIN

Papaya is very potential to be developed as an industrial raw material candy because it contains a number of phytochemical compounds that are beneficial for the body. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of jelly candy of papaya with addition of cow gelatin by 6%, 8% , 11% and 13%. In jelly candy made observations on pH, moisture content, ash content, reducing sugar content, sucrose content, vitamin C content, total acid, antioxidant activity by DPPH, total plate count, organoleptic and the best jelly candy analysis of beta-carotene The results showed that the addition of 11% cow gelatin to produce the best characteristics of jelly candy. The parameters are pH 4.83, 17.63% moisture content, ash content of 0.98% , 19.75% reduction sugar , sucrose content of 35.48%, levels of vitamin C 59.81 mg/100gr material, total acid 2.09%, 35.33% antioxidant activity, total plate count 3.9 x 103 colonies/g, 7.9934 mg/100 g levels of beta-carotene, and organoleptic tests with a level, 95% color, scent 85%, 85% flavor, and texture of 95%.

CHARACTERISTICS OF JELLY CANDY OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya L.) WITH ADDITION OF COW GELATIN

Papaya is very potential to be developed as an industrial raw material candy because it contains a number of phytochemical compounds that are beneficial for the body. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of jelly candy of papaya with addition of cow gelatin by 6%, 8% , 11% and 13%. In jelly candy made observations on pH, moisture content, ash content, reducing sugar content, sucrose content, vitamin C content, total acid, antioxidant activity by DPPH, total plate count, organoleptic and the best jelly candy analysis of beta-carotene The results showed that the addition of 11% cow gelatin to produce the best characteristics of jelly candy. The parameters are pH 4.83, 17.63% moisture content, ash content of 0.98% , 19.75% reduction sugar , sucrose content of 35.48%, levels of vitamin C 59.81 mg/100gr material, total acid 2.09%, 35.33% antioxidant activity, total plate count 3.9 x 103 colonies/g, 7.9934 mg/100 g levels of beta-carotene, and organoleptic tests with a level, 95% color, scent 85%, 85% flavor, and texture of 95%.

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.

Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Children With Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

We analyzed serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, and ascorbic acid levels and malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione concentrations on erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid in 30 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status. Serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, ascorbic acid levels, and erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid reduced glutathione concentrations were decreased; however, erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were increased in the patients. Cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were different between clinical stages of the disease (P < .05). Higher cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level was associated with the more severe clinical stage. A positive correlation was found between cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.42; P < .05) and between erythrocyte malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.40; P < .05). Our findings showed presence of oxidative damage in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and that antioxidants were increased as defense mechanisms of the organism against oxidative damage.

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.

Antioxidant nutrients and age-related cognitive decline: a systematic review of population-based cohort studies

To further inform the debate on the possible cognitive benefits of antioxidant nutrients in the elderly, we systematically reviewed available prospective studies while paying a special attention to their methodological quality. This is a systematic review of studies involving major antioxidant nutrients and change in cognitive performance. Abstracts were independently reviewed; studies were selected based on prespecified criteria. Methodological quality of primary studies was assessed using a methodological checklist for cohort studies. Findings were presented using a narrative synthesis and tabulation of results. Eight-hundred and fifty potentially eligible studies were identified; 10 met the inclusion criteria and were retained for data extraction and appraisal. The main supportive evidence came from two studies, both judged to be of high quality: The first observed an accelerated decline in global cognition, attention, and psychomotor speed over 9 years, concomitant to a decrease in plasma selenium levels over the same period; the second study reported a slower rate of global cognitive decline over 3 years in persons in the highest quartile of intake of vitamins C, E, and carotenes. All associations persisted after adjustment for confounding factors. Evidence in favor of beneficial associations of higher dietary intake of vitamin E and flavonoids, as well as higher serum beta carotene levels, came from further studies of only adequate quality. There is a possibility for protective effects of antioxidant nutrients against decline in cognition in older people although the supportive evidence is still limited in number. This association deserves further examination in additional quality investigations.

Robust Variable Selection With Exponential Squared Loss

Robust variable selection procedures through penalized regression have been gaining increased attention in the literature. They can be used to perform variable selection and are expected to yield robust estimates. However, to the best of our knowledge, the robustness of those penalized regression procedures has not been well characterized. In this article, we propose a class of penalized robust regression estimators based on exponential squared loss. The motivation for this new procedure is that it enables us to characterize its robustness in a way that has not been done for the existing procedures, while its performance is near optimal and superior to some recently developed methods. Specifically, under defined regularity conditions, our estimators are -consistent and possess the oracle property. Importantly, we show that our estimators can achieve the highest asymptotic breakdown point of 1/2 and that their influence functions are bounded with respect to the outliers in either the response or the covariate domain. We performed simulation studies to compare our proposed method with some recent methods, using the oracle method as the benchmark. We consider common sources of influential points. Our simulation studies reveal that our proposed method performs similarly to the oracle method in terms of the model error and the positive selection rate even in the presence of influential points. In contrast, other existing procedures have a much lower noncausal selection rate. Furthermore, we reanalyze the Boston Housing Price Dataset and the Plasma Beta-Carotene Level Dataset that are commonly used examples for regression diagnostics of influential points. Our analysis unravels the discrepancies of using our robust method versus the other penalized regression method, underscoring the importance of developing and applying robust penalized regression methods.

Self-Report of Fruit and Vegetable Intake that Meets the 5 A Day Recommendation Is Associated with Reduced Levels of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Increased Levels of Antioxidant Defense in Premenopausal Women

BackgroundOxidative stress has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases and reproductive disorders. Fruits and vegetables (F/V) may contribute to antioxidant vitamin and micronutrient levels and reduce oxidative stress. ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of meeting the 5 A Day For Better Health Program recommendation for F/V consumption on biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defense. DesignIn this longitudinal study, healthy premenopausal women (n=258) were followed for ≤2 menstrual cycles with ≤16 oxidative stress measures timed to cycle phase. Main outcome measuresPlasma concentrations of F2-isoprostane, 9-hydroxyoctadecadieneoic acid, 13-hydroxyoctadecadieneoic acid, erythrocyte activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as blood micronutrient concentrations were measured. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) (1 per cycle), and 24-hour recalls (≤4 per cycle). Statistical analyses performedFruit and vegetable servings were dichotomized based on the recommendation to consume five servings of F/V each day. Linear mixed models with repeated measures were used to analyze lipid peroxidation markers, antioxidant vitamins, and antioxidant enzymes by cycle phase and in association with usual F/V intake. ResultsFor both 24-hour recall (timed to cycle phase) and cycle-specific FFQ, meeting the recommendation to consume five servings of F/V each day was associated with decreased F2-isoprostanes (24-hour recall β=−.10 [95% CI, −0.12 to −0.07]; FFQ β= −.14 [95% CI, −0.18 to −0.11]). Glutathione reductase was lower in association with typical consumption of five or more servings of F/V by FFQ but not in the phase-specific analysis. Higher levels of ascorbic acid, lutein, beta carotene, and beta cryptoxanthin were observed with both intake measures. ConclusionsMeeting the 5 A Day For Better Health Program recommendation was associated with lower oxidative stress and improved antioxidant status in analyses of typical diet (via FFQ) and in menstrual cycle phase-specific analyses using 24-hour recalls. Green salads were commonly eaten and increasing intake of salads may be a useful strategy to influence oxidation in reproductive aged women.

Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Lutein and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;β&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-Carotene in Lung Tissues from Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema

Vitamin A (VA) and its active metabolites play an essential role in lung airway function. Patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a lower serum retinol concentration, and improvement of their 1-second Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) is achieved with VA supplementation. In order to test our hypothesis that the VA signaling pathway is compromised in COPD, we obtained 20 lung samples from COPD patients differing in the degree of emphysema as judged by their FEV% values. All were smokers or were exposed to secondhand smoke. Levels of VA (retinol/retinyl ester), tocopherols and carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene) in these samples were determined using HPLC. Additional analytes beside VA were included for their known roles as antioxidants and modulators of VA-action. VA levels (retinol/retinyl ester) decreased significantly with the increase in severity of emphysema. Among other analytes, α-tocopherol levels fell by 25.8% in the severe emphysema group in comparison to the mild emphysema group, and lutein levels similarly decreased in severe compared to moderate emphysema groups. However, beta-carotene levels remained unchanged. Thus there is a significant linear correlation between lung VA-levels and the severity of emphysema. There was also a significant reduction in the levels of α-, δ-tocopherol and lutein in the severe emphysema group of COPD patients who either smoked or were exposed to smoke.

Abstract A18: Pre-diagnostic serum antioxidant levels and prediction of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion status in prostate cancer

Abstract Background: The TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion is a distinct molecular subtype of prostate cancer characterized by chromosomal rearrangements joining the androgen responsive TMPRSS gene with ERG, an oncogenic member of the ETS gene family. TMPRSS2:ERG is thought to be an early pathologic event occurring in 50% of prostate tumors and resulting in more than 100,000 fusion positive cancer cases each year in the US. No studies to date have examined underlying risk factors associated with development of the fusion. Oxidative stress and the production of free radicals may result in chromosomal instability and predispose to the formation of TMPRSS2:ERG positive prostate cancer. Higher levels of serum antioxidants prior to prostate cancer diagnosis may therefore be protective against later development of fusion positive cancer. Methods: We undertook a case-control analysis nested within the prospective Physicians' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study among men with prostate cancer (n=331) and age-matched controls (n=2139). The cohorts include pre-diagnostic bloods with antioxidant levels at baseline as well as tumor tissue to characterize TMPRSS2:ERG status among prostate cancer cases. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine if plasma antioxidant levels influenced the development of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion. Results: Of seven antioxidants examined (alpha-tocopherol, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, gamma-tocopherol, lutein, and lycopene), levels of beta-carotene above the lowest quartile were protective against fusion positive vs. fusion negative prostate cancer (OR 0.49, 95% CL 0.28-0.86, p = 0.01). This association was driven by a non-significantly decreased risk of fusion positive cancer vs. controls (OR 0.75, 95% CL 0.51-1.09, p = 0.13) and a significantly increased risk of fusion negative cancer vs. controls (OR 1.58, 95% CL 1.03-2.41, p = 0.03). None of the six other antioxidants were associated with fusion status, and none of the antioxidants, including beta-carotene, predicted overall prostate cancer risk. Discussion: Previous studies examining antioxidant status and overall prostate cancer risk have been inconclusive. This is the first study to examine pre-diagnostic serum antioxidant levels in relationship to fusion status. We find that beta-carotene levels may alter prostate cancer risk based on molecular subtype. Citation Format: Gregory Judson, Andreas Pettersson, Allison Meisner, Lorelei Mucci. Prediagnostic serum antioxidant levels and prediction of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion status in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A18.

Association between carotenoids and outcome of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a prospective cohort study

It has been suggested that micronutrients such as alpha-tocopherol, retinol, lutein, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene may help in the prevention of cervical cancer. Our aim was to investigate whether serum concentrations and/or dietary intake of micronutrients influence the regression or progression of low-grade cervical abnormalities. In a prospective cohort study of 391 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1-2 lesions, we measured serum micronutrient concentrations in addition to a self-administered questionnaire about dietary intake. We evaluated the hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for CIN grade, human papillomavirus genotype, total energy intake and smoking status. In non-smoking regression subjects, regression was significantly associated with serum levels of zeaxanthin/lutein (HR 1.25, 0.78-2.01, p=0.024). This benefit was abolished in current smokers. Regression was inhibited by high serum levels of alpha-tocopherol in smokers (p=0.042). In progression subjects, a significant protective effect against progression to CIN3 was observed in individuals with a medium level of serum beta-carotene [HR 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-0.71, p=0.007), although any protective effect from a higher level of serum beta-carotene was weaker or abolished (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.24-1.13, p=0.098). Increasing beta-carotene intake did not show a protective effect (HR 2.30, 95% CI 0.97-5.42, p=0.058). Measurements of serum levels of carotenoids suggest that regression is modulated by smoking status. Maintaining a medium serum level of beta-carotene has a protective effect for progression; however, carotene intake is not correlated with serum levels of carotenoids.

Avaliação de compostos funcionais e atividade antioxidante em farinhas de polpa de goiabas

A goiabeira (Psidium guajava) é uma planta nativa brasileira, e seus frutos são ricos em compostos antioxidantes os quais podem causar a oxidação das lipoproteínas, reduzindo o estresse oxidativo. Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar essas substâncias e a atividade antioxidante das farinhas dos frutos das cultivares Pedro Sato, Paluma e Século XXI. Foram selecionados 35 frutos de cada cultivar, levando-se em consideração o grau de maturação. Os frutos foram lavados, picados, congelados em nitrogênio líquido e liofilizados. Posteriormente, foram trituradas para a obtenção das farinhas. Os parâmetros analisados foram o teor de compostos fenólicos, vitamina C, betacaroteno, fibras alimentares, minerais (ferro, potássio, cobre, magnésio, manganês, zinco e cálcio) e atividade antioxidante, pelos métodos DPPH e betacaroteno/ácido linoleico. Os teores de compostos fenólicos foram maiores para a cultivar Século XXI. O teor de betacaroteno e fibra alimentar não variaram entre as cultivares analisadas. As cultivares Século XXI e Paluma destacaram- se na atividade antioxidante pelos dois métodos. Em relação aos minerais, não houve diferença significativa para o potássio, cobre e zinco. O mineral cálcio não foi detectado pelo método empregado. Os teores de ferro, magnésio e manganês foram maiores para as cultivares Paluma, Pedro Sato e Século XXI, respectivamente.

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.

Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of beta‐carotene as a feed additive for all animal species and categories

The use of beta-carotene is safe for the target animals. Setting a maximum content in feed legislation is not considered necessary. However, this conclusion assumes that triphenylphosphine oxide does not exceed 100 mg/kg additive. In all food-producing animals (except veal calves) and laboratory rodents, beta-carotene is almost fully metabolised. In contrast, humans, non-human primates and ferrets absorb relatively high quantities of beta-carotene unchanged. Investigations with ferrets and hamsters as well as intervention studies in humans may indicate a certain dose-dependent potential of beta-carotene to promote lung carcinoma, particularly in smokers. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials demonstrated an increased risk of lung and stomach cancers in smokers and asbestos workers at dose levels ≥ 20 mg/day. However, increased risk of lung cancer at such doses could be observed only if plasma levels of beta-carotene exceeded 3 µmol/L. The FEEDAP Panel considers it prudent, in the absence of an acceptable daily intake, that supplemental beta-carotene in animal feed should not significantly add to consumer exposure from other sources. The use of supplemental beta-carotene in feeds of food-producing animals, except veal calves, would not result in a significant additional exposure of consumers to beta-carotene; however, consumption of liver from veal calves could lead to additional exposure. Beta-carotene is not an irritant to eyes or skin and is not a skin sensitiser. Respiratory exposure from handling beta-carotene-containing additives is considered potentially hazardous. Taking the widespread occurrence of beta-carotene in nature and its oxidative susceptibility into account, the FEEDAP Panel considered it unlikely that the use of beta-carotene in animal nutrition at the recommended feed concentrations would pose a risk to the environment. Beta-carotene is utilised for the synthesis of retinol in almost all animal species except the cat. Effects on reproduction and immunity were not sufficiently demonstrated.