Mg Of Beta-carotene Research Articles

Beta-Carotene Supplementation for Sows: Reproductive Parameters and Productive Performance of Piglets

The rapid fetal development and the increased demand for milk result in a catabolic state and oxidative stress in hyperprolific sows. Despite animal defense mechanisms, the dietary supplementation of antioxidants is being evaluated to reduce the impacts of excess free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of beta-carotene supplementation for sows on the reproductive response and performance of suckling piglets. A total of 120 sows were distributed in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of three supplementation levels (B0–no supplementation, B200–200 mg beta-carotene/day and B400–400 mg beta-carotene/day) and four groups of parity order (1st, 2nd, 3rd, above 4th). Beta-carotene supplementation during lactation resulted in a higher litter weight at weaning. A higher average weight of piglets and litter weight at birth were observed, as well as a greater number of piglets weaned and litter weight at weaning in sows supplemented with 400 mg of beta-carotene during gestation and lactation periods. Supplementation with 200 and 400 mg of beta-carotene resulted in a greater weight at weaning and daily weight gain in piglets. Daily supplementation with 400 mg of beta-carotene in the prepartum and lactation phases provides a greater litter weight at weaning and, when supplemented in the pre-gestation and gestation periods, results in a greater litter weight at birth and at weaning.

Estimation of nutritional composition of kitchen wastes and comparison of the effect of different drying methods on bioactive compounds in the wastes

The study aimed to estimate the nutritional compositions of five most common household kitchen wastes and also analyze some specific bioactive compounds in different drying methods to compare their stability. The stalks of red amaranth have the highest moisture content (91.03%). The largest percentages of ash (11.47%) and fiber (12.43%) are found in banana peel. The most protein (22.58%) and fat (20.53%) content were found in watermelon seeds. Highest amount of Iron was found in watermelon seeds (24.7 mg/100 g), Calcium in cauliflower stalks (226.56 mg/100 g), Phosphorus in watermelon seeds (753.26 mg/100 g). Total antioxidant activity was found profoundly in orange peel and red amaranth stalks as 2.52 g and 2.37 g of Ascorbic acid/100 g sample respectively. Total phenolic content was notably found maximum in banana peel and red amaranth stalks, as 763.67 mg and 317.78 mg of GAE/100 g respectively. Banana peel and orange peel both have extremely high total flavonoid contents, with 624.33 mg and 506 mg of QE/100 g sample, respectively. Tannin content in Red amaranth stalks was found to be extremely high at 511.51 mg of Tannic acid/100 g of sample. More alkaloids were identified in orange peel and red amaranth stalks than other waste items, 53.25% and 55.25%, respectively. According to vitamins, banana peel has 293.2 mg of beta-carotene per 100 g of sample, which is a very high quantity. Cauliflower stalks possess a rich content of Vitamin-C (813.0 mg/100 g sample). The results reveal that different drying methods have different levels of effects on the bioactive compounds. Both sun drying and cabinet drying led to significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in these compounds. Freeze drying did not have much effect on the levels of the bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds are sensitive and are affected by the method of drying employed.

β-Carotene Supplementation Increases Antioxidant Capacity of Plasma in Older Women , ,

The antioxidant effect of dietary beta-carotene supplementation on the peroxidation potential of plasma was investigated in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Twelve healthy women (62-80 y) supplemented their usual daily diet with 90 mg of beta-carotene (n = 6) or placebo (n = 6) capsules for 3 wk. Plasma concentrations of beta-carotene, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, ascorbate, urate, bilirubin and in vitro production of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides (PC-OOH) and utilization of plasma antioxidants in the presence of 50 mmol/L 2,2'-azobis (2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH), a free radical generator, at 37 degrees C were measured before and after dietary treatment. Plasma beta-carotene increased from 0.76 +/- 0.16 to 6.45 +/- 1.16 micromol/L (P < 0.05) in supplemented but not placebo-treated subjects. The plasma concentrations of other antioxidants did not change significantly in either group. beta-Carotene supplementation did not affect basal levels of plasma PC-OOH as measured by HPLC post-column chemiluminescence but did affect AAPH-induced production of PC-OOH. Before supplementation, the induction period of plasma PC-OOH production was 2.4 +/- 0.4 h, with levels reaching 5.39 +/- 1.50 micromol/L after 6 h of incubation. After supplementation, the induction period increased significantly to 4.2 +/- 0.4 h (P < 0.01), with a lower PC-OOH production of 2.16 +/- 0.90 micromol/L after 6 h (P < 0.05). In this system, plasma ascorbate concentrations were depleted first, followed by loss of bilirubin and alpha-tocopherol and then by the sequential loss of gamma-tocopherol, urate and beta-carotene. These results indicate that beta-carotene supplementation increases the plasma antioxidant capacity of older women.

Supply of Antioxidants vs. Recruit Firefighters' Cellular Immune Status: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Parallel-Group Trial.

Background: Physical exercise can affect the immune system. We studied the effect of antioxidants on hematological and immune biomarkers after heavy training. Methods: 24 well-trained and well-fed male firefighters were randomly divided into supplemented and placebo groups, and tested for immunology-related variables using venous blood samples in the fasting state, pre- (M1) and post- (M2) five weeks of daily micronutrient supplementation (15 mg of beta-carotene, 200 mg of vitamin C, 136 mg of vitamin E, 200 μg of selenium, 15 mg of zinc, 100 mg of magnesium). Total leukocytes and a differential count for five populations were determined using standard procedures (MAXM—Beckman Coulter Diagnostics; Brea, CA, USA). Lymphocyte subsets were determined through immunophenotyping. Results: Although all values were within the normal range for healthy adults and athletes in the supplemented group (SG), mean CD3+CD8+, CD8+ and CD16+CD56+ decreased (p < 0.05; small to moderate effects), while mean CD4+, CD19+ and CD4+/CD8+ increased (p < 0.05; small effects) after five-weeks. Regarding the placebo group (PG), higher total leukocyte count (p < 0.05; trivial effect) and natural killer cells percentage (CD16+CD56+; p < 0.05; moderate effect) were observed when comparing M1 and M2. Conclusions: Antioxidants supplementation did not alter well-fed male firefighters recruit firefighters’ immune cell response during the five-week physical training program.

Effect of Beta-Carotene Supplementation on the Serum Oxidative Stress Biomarker and Antibody Titer against Live Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination in Japanese Black Calves.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vaccination and beta-carotene supplementation on blood oxidative stress and antibody response in calves. Thirty Japanese Black calves were randomly assigned to two groups. Fifteen calves received 20 mg of beta-carotene supplemented into their daily provided rations from 2 to 8 weeks of age (BC group), and the other 15 calves did not receive the daily beta-carotene supplement (control group). All calves received a commercially available modified live bovine respiratory syncytial (RS) virus vaccine at 4 and 8 weeks of age. Blood samples were taken at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age. At 4 weeks of age, the concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites within serum were significantly lower in the BC group than the concentrations measured in the control group. Also at 4 weeks of age, the concentration of biological antioxidant capacity within serum was significantly higher in the BC group than the concentrations measured in the control group. Both groups showed a gradual decrease of antibody titers to live bovine RS virus in the samples taken from 2 to 12 weeks of age. These results confirmed that beta-carotene supplementation decreased oxidative stress. However, beta-carotene supplementation did not affect the antibody response to live bovine RS virus vaccination, perhaps due to the presence of the maternal antibody.

The BETASNP2 study: Effect of β‐carotene formulation and rs6564851 on β‐carotene plasma responses.

A human dietary intervention study was conducted to compare whether 3 different β-carotene formulations, all at the maximum recommended dose of 7 mg/d, can overcome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects upstream of the β-carotene 15,15′-dioxygenase (BCO1) enzyme. Healthy female subjects were randomly assigned to ingest β-carotene formulation ”A” (n = 28), ”B” (n = 28) or ”C” (n = 29) in a capsule containing 7 mg of beta-carotene every day with the evening meal for a total period of 54 days. Fasting blood samples were drawn at days 1, 4, 36 and 46 and analysed for carotenoid and retinol concentrations by HPLC. All formulations significantly increased plasma β-carotene concentrations by day 36 (Fig A). Supplementation with formulation ”A” increased plasma β-carotene concentrations 2.5 fold compared with an increase of 1.9 fold with formulations “B” and “C” (Fig 1A). Irrespective of formulation, individuals with the GG genotype of rs6564851 possessed significantly higher β-carotene concentrations than those with GT (Fig. 1B). Figure 1: β-carotene supplementation increases plasma β-carotene concentrations depending on formulation (A) and rs6564851 genotype (B). In summary, β-carotene plasma responses can be greatly influenced by β-carotene formulation. However, individuals with the T-allele maintain a lower plasma β-carotene concentration compared to those of the GG genotype of rs6564851 despite overall higher plasma β-carotene concentration after supplementations. This study was funded by DSM Nutritional Products.

Beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress, improves glutathione metabolism and modifies antioxidant defense systems in lead-exposed workers

The aim of this study was to determine whether beta-carotene administration reduces oxidative stress and influences antioxidant, mainly glutathione-related, defense systems in workers chronically exposed to lead.The population consisted of two randomly divided groups of healthy male volunteers exposed to lead. Workers in the first group (reference group) were not administered any antioxidants, while workers in the second group (CAR group) were treated orally with 10mg of beta-carotene once a day for 12weeks. Biochemical analysis included measuring markers of lead-exposure and oxidative stress in addition to the levels and activities of selected antioxidants.After treatment, levels of malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides and lipofuscin significantly decreased compared with the reference group. However, the level of glutathione significantly increased compared with the baseline. Treatment with beta-carotene also resulted in significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity compared with the reference group, while the activities of other glutathione-related enzymes and of superoxide dismutase were not significantly changed. However, the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase, as well as the level of alpha-tocopherol, were significantly higher after treatment compared with the baseline.Despite controversy over the antioxidant properties of beta-carotene in vivo, our findings showed reduced oxidative stress after beta-carotene supplementation in chronic lead poisoning.

Long-term betacarotene supplementation positively affects serum triiodothyronine concentrations around puberty onset in female goats

The effect of betacarotene (BC) supplementation on serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels over time in prepubertal goats was evaluated. Goats (n=17; 3 months old; 7/8 Saanen-Alpine; 26° NL) were randomly assigned to one of the following two groups: 1) the betacarotene group, supplemented daily with 50mg of BC (n=9; live weight [LW]: 17.3±1.0kg; body condition score [BCS]: 3.34±0.12), or 2) the control group (CC; n=8; LW: 16.1±1.0kg; BCS=3.17±0.12). The initial mean LW (16.7±1.0kg) and BCS (3.31±0.12) were similar (p>0.05) in both groups. Whereas BC supplementation did not affect the onset of puberty (215.7 vs. 226.7±6.6 days; p>0.05) for the BC and CC, respectively, increases in serum T3 during the second half of the experiment were observed in the BC supplementation group (p<0.05). As the LW and serum T3 levels increased, the natural photoperiod decreased, revealing a negative correlation (p<0.05) between the variables; the observed values were r=−0.94 for LW and photoperiod and r=−0.41 for T3 and photoperiod. Long-term BC supplementation was not associated with a precocious onset or an increased percentage of goats reaching puberty. Long-term BC supplementation positively affected the release pattern of triiodothyronine over time, suggesting a potential role of BC as a thyroid-activating molecule; these results might possess clinical significance.

Long-term betacarotene-supplementation enhances serum insulin concentrations without effect on the onset of puberty in the female goat

The effect of betacarotene (BC) supplementation on the onset of puberty and serum insulin levels in goats was evaluated in the study. In June, prepuberal goats (n=17; 3 months old; 7/8 Saanen-Alpine; 26° NL) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1/ betacarotene group supplemented daily with 50 mg of BC (n=9; live weight [LW]: 17.3±1.0 kg; body condition score [BCS]: 3.34±0.12) or 2/ control group (CONT; n=8; LW:16.1±1.0 kg; BCS=3.17±0.12). From June to November, an intermittent blood sampling was performed twice per week in both groups to evaluate serum progesterone (P(4)), while monthly samples were intended for insulin (INS) determination. Initial mean LW (16.7±1.0 kg) and BCS (3.31±0.12) were similar (p>0.05) in both groups. Mean serum insulin (1.37 vs. 1.18±0.09 ng/ml), age of puberty (215.7 vs. 226.5±6.6 days) and the percentage of goats reaching puberty (44.4 vs. 25.0±17.0%) did not differ (p>0.05) between BC and CONT group, respectively. However, increase in serum insulin during the second half of the experiment was observed in BC group (p<0.05) which was positively correlated with LW (r=0.95; p<0.05). In addition, as LW (r=-0.89) and serum insulin (r=-0.76) levels increased, the natural photoperiod decreased, revealing negative correlations (p<0.05) between the respective variables. In this study, BC supplementation did not promote precocious puberty and did not affect the percentage of goats reaching activation of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis during the establishment of puberty. Nonetheless, BC supplementation positively affected the release pattern of insulin suggesting a potential role of BC as pancreas-activating molecule.

Progesterone production in superovulated holstein heifers and in crossbred recipient of embryo supplemented with betacarotene and tocopherol

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the intramuscular injection of betacarotene associated to tocopherol on the plasma concentration progesterone of superovulated Holstein heifers (experiment 1) and in crossbred (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) heifers submitted to fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET, experiment 2). In experiment 1, after estrus synchronization and superovulation animals were inseminated 12 and 24 hours after estrus onset and embryos flushed 7 days later. Heifers were allocated randomly to one of three treatments: Control; T800 (800 mg of betacarotene plus 500 mg of tocopherol) and T1200 (1,200 mg of betacarotene plus 750 mg of tocopherol). The treatments were given on the day of ear implant placement and repeated on the first day of superovulation. Blood samples were collected on D0, D5, D9, D12 and D16. In experiment 2, treatments were imposed at intravaginal device insertion (D0). The same experimental design, as in experiment 1, was used. Blood samples were collected on D17 (embryos implanted) for progesterone determination by radioimmunoassay. In experiment 1, average plasma progesterone concentrations after corpora lutea formation (D12 plus D16 means) were 13.7±1.8 ng/ml, 14.5±2.3 ng/ml and 10.8±2.3 ng/ml for control, T800 and T1200, respectively, and did not differ (P=0.44). In experiment 2, progesterone concentrations on D17 in Control (8.88±0.57 ng/ml), T800 (7.48±0.64 ng/ml) and T1200 (5.90±1.33 ng/ml) groups were similar (P=0.11). Results indicate that the supplemental betacarotene and tocopherol injections did not influence peripheral progesterone concentrations in superovulated Holstein donors and crossbreed recipients heifers.

Short‐term intake of β‐carotene‐supplemented diets enhances ovarian function and progesterone synthesis in goats

The effect of beta-carotene supplementation upon luteal activity, measured as number (CLT) and volume (VLT) of corpus luteum, and P4 synthesis in goats, was evaluated. Goats (n = 22, 34 months) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (i) beta-carotene [Beta, n = 10; body weight (BW = 44.8 +/- 1.45 kg), body condition score (BCS = 3.25 +/- 0.07)], and (ii) Control (Control, n = 12; BW = 45.30 +/- 1.32 kg, BCS = 3.33 +/- 0.06). Upon oestrus synchronization, the Beta group received 50 mg of beta-carotene per day during 35 days pre- and 17 days post-ovulation. The day 4, 8, 12 and 16 post-ovulation, blood samples were collected for quantification of serum P4 concentrations by radioimmmunoassay, and transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed at day 18 for evaluating CLT and VLT. Overall, CLT and VLT mean were 3.10 and 2211.1 mm(3) respectively. The Beta-goats depicted both the largest values for CLT (p = 0.07) and serum P4 levels (p = 0.05), with no differences (p = 0.53) for VLT between treatments. Results suggest a higher efficiency within the cellular-enzymatic groups defining the steroidogenic pathways in the beta-carotene-supplemented goats, generating a larger P4 synthesis. The last is essential for ovulation of healthy oocytes, maintenance of uterine quiescence, nourishment and survival of the embryo around implantation; all of them of paramount significance during the maternal recognition of pregnancy process.

Evaluation of a green leafy vegetable intervention in Ghanaian postpartum mothers.

Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in many developing countries and women of childbearing age and children are most affected. Low dietary intakes and increased requirements during different life stages contribute to inadequate vitamin A liver reserves and hence the importance of assessing vitamin A status to determine population groups at risk of deficiency. This study was a community-based, exploratory intervention trial of postpartum mothers selected from villages in Ejisu/Juabeng District of the Ashanti Region in Ghana. The objective was to determine the improvement in vitamin A status of postpartum Ghanaian mothers fed daily with African eggplant leaves using the modified-relative-ose-response (MRDR) test for indirect assessment of liver vitamin A stores. Potential mothers were visited at home by trained field workers 7-10 days after their delivery and recruited into the trial. Baseline MRDR tests were performed for all the women (n = 61). The women were randomly assigned into control (n =10) and intervention (n =51) groups and invited back each month for follow-up MRDR assessment over period of three months. A daily portion of 200 g (2.6 mg of Beta-carotene) of African eggplant leaves were given to mothers in the intervention groups for three months while those in the control group did not receive any additional vegetables. The baseline mean serum retinol concentration and MRDR value were 1.5 ± 0.6 µmol/l and 0.09 ± 0.05 respectively indicating a marginal vitamin A status. Serum retinol concentrations did not differ between (p = 0.47) and within the two groups by time point (p= 0.41). The African eggplant leaves were well accepted and there was a significant improvement in the vitamin A status as assessed by MRDR test within the intervention group over the three months period (P = 0.0001). Vitamin A status also improved in the control group but there was loss of statistical power due to number of dropouts. Dietary modification and nutrition education to women of childbearing age to include natural food sources rich in provitamin A may provide the long-term solution to prevent vitamin A deficiency in developing countries because indigenous leafy vegetables can be easily cultivated in our communities making them sustainable and cheaper compared to periodic oral dosing with vitamin A.

Antioxidants Do Not Prevent Postexercise Peroxidation and May Delay Muscle Recovery

This study aimed to determine the effects of 4 wk of antioxidants (AOX) supplementation on exercise-induced lipid peroxidation, muscle damage, and inflammation in kayakers. Subjects (n = 20) were randomly assigned to receive a placebo (PLA) or an AOX capsule (AOX; 272 mg of alpha-tocopherol, 400 mg of vitamin C, 30 mg of beta-carotene, 2 mg of lutein, 400 mug of selenium, 30 mg of zinc, and 600 mg of magnesium). Blood samples were collected at rest and 15 min after a 1000-m kayak race, both before and after the supplementation period, for analysis of alpha-tocopherol, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein plus zeaxanthin, vitamin C, uric acid, total AOX status (TAS), thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and creatine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (Gr), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. With supplementation, plasma alpha-tocopherol (P = 0.003) and beta-carotene (P = 0.007) augmented significantly in the AOX group. IL-6 (exercise, P = 0.039), TBARS (exercise, P < 0.001), and uric acid (exercise, P = 0.032) increased significantly in response to the exercise regardless of treatment group. Cortisol level raised more from pre- to postsupplementation period in the PLA group (time x supplementation, P = 0.002). Although TAS declined after exercise before intervention, it increased above preexercise values after the 4-wk period in the AOX group (supplementation x time x exercise, P = 0.034). CK increased after exercise in both groups (exercise effect, P < 0.001) and decreased from week 0 to week 4 more markedly in the PLA group (supplementation x time, P = 0.049). AOX supplementation does not offer protection against exercise-induced lipid peroxidation and inflammation and may hinder the recovery of muscle damage.

Reduction of micronuclei in oral lichen planus supplemented with beta-carotene

An elevated frequency of micronucleated exfoliated cells (MEC) in atrophic and erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) has been reported. To evaluate the effects of supplemental beta-carotene (BC) on MEC frequency in OLP lesions, we performed an open trial in 20 patients with atrophic and/or erosive OLP. Each patient received 15 mg of BC four times daily for 3 months. The frequency of MEC in both lesions and adjacent normal mucosa in each patient was evaluated and compared before and after supplementation. Serum levels of BC and retinol were also determined. After BC supplementation, all patients had higher levels of serum BC and retinol. The MEC frequency in OLP lesions was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). No significant changes were seen in the MEC frequency in adjacent normal mucosa. BC supplementation thus significantly reduces MEC frequency in atrophic and erosive OLP.

Influence of parenteral application of beta-carotene on fertility in cows

Thirty Holstein breed cows from the breeding stock of high yielding dairy cattle were selected for testing. The cows were selected during their high gravidity and fell into two groups. The i.m beta-carotene, Carofertin, of 20 ml (200 mg of beta-carotene) was applied to the experimental group (n=15) two weeks before the expected parturition date. Another injection of the beta-carotene preparation was applied to the experimental group two weeks after parturition. Simultaneously, a physiological solution of 20 ml was injected i.m to the experimental group (n=15). The blood samples for testing of the beta-carotene and vitamin A concentration were taken during high gravidity and in the early puerperium two days after the beta-carotene application and on the day of parturition. Two-of parenteral application of beta-carotene before parturition does not have an impact significantly on the frequency of the occurrence of retained placenta in experimental cows comparing to the cows of the control group (x=33.3 % and x=20.0 %) and length of the service period (x =97.20?31.64 and x=98.8?35.8 days). Based on the results obtained during this research, it can be concluded that the parenteral application of the beta-carotene (Carofertin) as 200 mg per cow, which is meant for protection of the reproductive disorders of cows, does not affect the level of carotinemia when its concentration in the blood serum is within the physiological limits. Therefore, no significant discrepancy in values of the reproduction figures between the cows of the experimental and control group was found. All in all, its usage is advisable only during scarce feeding.

Short-term Betacarotene Supplementation Positively Affects Ovarian Follicular Development and Ovulation Rate in Goats

Arellano-Rodriguez, G., Meza-Herrera, C.A., Rodriguez-Martinez, R., Velazquez-Mendez, G., Mellado, M., Salinas, H., Perez-Razo, M.A. and Sanchez, F. 2007. Short-term betacarotene supplementation positively affects ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate in goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 177–180. This study evaluated the effect of short-term betacarotene supplementation in goats upon ovarian activity. Adult goats (n=22, 34 mo.) were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups: 1) Betacarotene (BETA, n=10) and 2) Control (CONT, n=12). Once estrually synchronized with P4-vaginal sponges, the BETA group received 50 mg of betacarotene on a daily basis during 35 d pre- and 17 d post-ovulation. Once ovulation occurred, towards the end of the late luteal phase (d 18), transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed in all animals to evaluate total follicles (FT), corpus luteum number (CLT) and total ovarian activity (TOA). The BETA group goats had higher ovarian activity (P=0.07). Results suggest that betacarotene supplementation positively affected ovarian activity in goat.

Antioxidant Supplementation Lowers Exercise‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Young Overweight Adults

To determine whether antioxidant (AOX) supplementation attenuates post-exercise oxidative stress and contributors to oxidative stress (inflammation, blood lipids) in overweight young adults. This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Overweight (BMI, 33.2 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2)) and comparative normal-weight (BMI, 21.9 +/- 0.5 kg/m(2)) adults 18 to 30 years old (total N = 48) were enrolled. Participants received either daily antioxidant (AOX) treatment (800 IU of vitamin E, 500 mg of vitamin C, 10 mg of beta-carotene) or placebo (PL) for 8 weeks for a total of four groups. All participants completed a standardized 30-minute cycle exercise bout at baseline and 8 weeks. Exercise-induced changes in lipid hydroperoxide (DeltaPEROX), C-reactive protein (DeltaCRP), interleukin-6 (DeltaIL-6), cholesterol subfractions, triglycerides, total AOX status (DeltaTAS), and adiponectin were assessed. Exercise-induced DeltaPEROX was lower in the overweight-AOX group (0.09 nM/kg per min) compared with PL-treated overweight and normal-weight groups (0.98, 0.53 nM/kg per min) by 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Adiponectin was increased in both overweight and normal-weight AOX groups (22.1% vs. 3.1%; p < 0.05) but reduced in PL groups. DeltaIL-6, Deltatotal cholesterol, and Deltalow-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations during exercise were lower in the AOX-treated groups compared with PL groups (all p < 0.05). After controlling for BMI, the Deltatotal cholesterol, Deltalow-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, Deltaadiponectin, and DeltaTAS explained 59.1% of the variance of the regression model of the DeltaPEROX by 8 weeks (total model R(2) = 0.600; p = 0.015). AOX lowers exercise-induced oxidative stress in overweight adults. Inflammatory and lipid markers may also be attenuated with AOX. Further studies are needed to determine whether AOX may be used in cardiovascular disease prevention in the overweight population.

Effect of a Tomato-Based Drink on Markers of Inflammation, Immunomodulation, and Oxidative Stress

Regular consumption of tomato and its products is being consistently associated with lower risk of several types of cancer and, to a lesser extent, coronary heart disease. Among the many tomato components credited with healthful properties, carotenoids and particularly lycopene are being actively investigated. Given the recognized role of immune/inflammatory processes in atherogenesis, the effects of a tomato-based drink (Lyc-o-Mato), which was previously shown to afford DNA protection from oxidative stress, on the modulation of immune and inflammatory markers (by enzyme immunoessay), on basal lymphocyte DNA damage (by comet assay), and on F2-isoprostane excretion (by LC-MS/MS), were investigated in 26 healthy young volunteers. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, Lyc-o-Mato (5.7 mg of lycopene, 3.7 mg of phytoene, 2.7 mg of phytofluene, 1 mg of beta-carotene, and 1.8 mg of alpha-tocopherol) or a placebo drink (same taste and flavor, but devoid of active compounds) were given for 26 days, separated by a wash-out period. During the study subjects maintained their habitual, hence unrestricted, diet. TNF-alpha production by whole blood was 34.4% lower after 26 days of drink consumption, whereas the other parameters were not significantly modified by the treatment. In turn, modest effects of the regular intake of a tomato drink, providing small amounts of carotenoids, were found on the production of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-alpha, in young healthy volunteers. Future intervention trials in subjects with low carotenoid status and/or compromised immune system will resolve the issue of whether carotenoids modulate immune parameters in humans.

The SU.VI.MAX Study

It has been suggested that a low dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals increases the incidence rate of cardiovascular disease and cancer. To date, however, the published results of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of supplements containing antioxidant nutrients have not provided clear evidence of a beneficial effect. We tested the efficacy of nutritional doses of supplementation with a combination of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in reducing the incidence of cancer and ischemic cardiovascular disease in the general population. The Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial. A total of 13 017 French adults (7876 women aged 35-60 years and 5141 men aged 45-60 years) were included. All participants took a single daily capsule of a combination of 120 mg of ascorbic acid, 30 mg of vitamin E, 6 mg of beta carotene, 100 mug of selenium, and 20 mg of zinc, or a placebo. Median follow-up time was 7.5 years. No major differences were detected between the groups in total cancer incidence (267 [4.1%] for the study group vs 295 [4.5%] for the placebo group), ischemic cardiovascular disease incidence (134 [2.1%] vs 137[2.1%]), or all-cause mortality (76 [1.2%] vs 98 [1.5%]). However, a significant interaction between sex and group effects on cancer incidence was found (P = .004). Sex-stratified analysis showed a protective effect of antioxidants in men (relative risk, 0.69 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.91]) but not in women (relative risk, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.85-1.29]). A similar trend was observed for all-cause mortality (relative risk, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.42-0.93] in men vs 1.03 [95% CI, 0.64-1.63] in women; P = .11 for interaction). After 7.5 years, low-dose antioxidant supplementation lowered total cancer incidence and all-cause mortality in men but not in women. Supplementation may be effective in men only because of their lower baseline status of certain antioxidants, especially of beta carotene.

Postintervention effect of alpha tocopherol and beta carotene on different strokes: a 6-year follow-up of the Alpha Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study.

In the Alpha Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study, alpha tocopherol supplementation decreased risk of cerebral infarction by 14% (95% CI, -25% to -1%), and beta carotene increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage by 62% (95% CI, 10% to 132%). We report here the 6-year postintervention effects of alpha tocopherol and beta carotene supplementation on stroke and its subtypes. A total of 29,133 male smokers, aged 50 to 69 years, were randomized to receive 50 mg of alpha tocopherol, 20 mg of beta carotene, both, or placebo daily for 5 to 8 years. At the beginning of the post-trial follow-up, 24 382 men were still at risk for first-ever stroke. During the post-trial follow-up, 1327 men experienced a stroke: 1087 cerebral infarctions, 148 intracerebral hemorrhages, 64 subarachnoid hemorrhages, and 28 unspecified strokes. Post-trial risk for cerebral infarction was elevated among those who had received alpha tocopherol compared with those who had not (relative risk [RR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.27), whereas beta carotene had no effect (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.09). Alpha tocopherol supplementation was associated with a postintervention RR of 1.01 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.39) for intracerebral hemorrhage and 1.38 (95% CI, 0.84 to 2.26) for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The corresponding RRs associated with beta carotene supplementation were 1.38 (95% CI, 0.99 to 1.91) and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.67 to 1.77), respectively. Neither alpha tocopherol nor beta carotene supplementation had any postintervention preventive effects on stroke. The post-trial increase in cerebral infarction risk among recipients of alpha tocopherol may present a rebound of the reduced risk of cerebral infarction during the intervention.