Plasma Β-carotene Concentrations Research Articles

Preterm Pigs Fed Donor Human Milk Have Greater Liver β-Carotene Concentrations than Pigs Fed Infant Formula

BackgroundMilk carotenoids may support preterm infant health and neurodevelopment. Infants fed human milk often have higher blood and tissue carotenoid concentrations than infants fed carotenoid-containing infant formula (IF). Donor human milk (DHM) is a supplement to mother’s own milk, used to support preterm infant nutrition. ObjectivesWe tested whether tissue and plasma β-carotene concentrations would be higher in preterm pigs fed pasteurized DHM versus premature IF. MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of samples collected from a study of the effects of enteral diet composition on necrotizing enterocolitis incidence. Preterm pigs received partial enteral feeding of either DHM (n = 7) or premature IF (n = 7) from 2 to 7 d of age. The diets provided similar β-carotene (32 nM), but DHM had higher lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, whereas IF had higher total vitamin A. Plasma, liver, and jejunum carotenoid and vitamin A concentrations were measured by HPLC-PDA. Jejunal expression of 12 genes associated with carotenoid and lipid metabolism were measured. ResultsLiver β-carotene concentrations were higher in DHM- than IF-fed piglets (23 ± 4 compared with 16 ± 2 μg/g, respectively, P = 0.0024), whereas plasma and jejunal β-carotene concentrations were similar between diets. Liver vitamin A stores were higher in piglets fed IF than DHM (50.6 ± 10.1 compared with 30.9 ± 7.2 μg/g, respectively, P=0.0013); however, plasma vitamin A was similar between groups. Plasma, liver, and jejunum concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene were higher with DHM than IF feeding. Relative to piglets fed DHM, jejunal low density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) expression was higher (61%, P = 0.018) and cluster determinant 36 (Cd36) expression (−27%, P = 0.034) was lower in IF-fed piglets. ConclusionsPreterm pigs fed DHM accumulate more liver β-carotene than IF-fed pigs. Future studies should further investigate infant carotenoid bioactivity and bioavailability.

Whole cottonseed inclusion in starter feeds improves performance, inflammometabolic profile, and rumination behavior in Holstein dairy calves

The high energy, protein, and fiber contents of whole cottonseed make it a potential candidate for the inclusion in calf starters to promote the rumen development. This study aimed at assessing whether the inclusion of whole cottonseed in the starter would affect performance, metabolic profile, and rumination time in Holstein dairy calves. From 2 to 55 d of age, 12 heifer calves were fed a constant amount of milk replacer twice daily (8 L/d), whereas from 56 to 65 d (weaning) milk replacer was gradually reduced (from 4 to 1 L/d) and fed in a single meal. Calves were blocked by birth body weight and % Brix of colostrum received and randomly assigned to 1 out of 2 dietary treatments: (1) control starter (CTR); (2) starter with 8% inclusion of whole cottonseed (WCS). Treatments were fed for ad libitum intake. From d 56, TMR and hay were offered ad libitum. At 0, 2, 7, 21, 65, and 80 d, BW was measured and blood samples were collected. Feed intake and rumination time were automatically recorded. Compared with CTR, WCS calves were heavier at weaning and after weaning, and consumed more starter from 59 to 72 d. In the immediate postweaning (from 66 to 72 d of age), rumination time increased more in WCS calves. Overall, WCS calves had greater plasma glucose, β-carotene, and retinol concentrations, whereas ceruloplasmin and myeloperoxidase were lower. Calves in the WCS group had greater glucose concentration at 21 and 65 d and lower urea at 65 d (weaning). Plasma β-carotene concentration was greater at 65 and 80 d in calves of the WCS group compared with CTR calves. At 80 d, WCS calves had lower plasma alkaline phosphatase and greater β-hydroxybutyrate, paraoxonase, and tocopherol. These results suggest that inclusion of WCS in the calf starter might be beneficial for rumen development, leading to greater feed intake and BW. Moreover, WCS inclusion was associated with lower oxidative stress and inflammation, improved energy metabolism and liver functionality, and likely quicker rumen development, as might be indicated by the higher plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and rumination time. These changes occurred mainly after weaning, when no differences in starter intake and average daily gain were detected, suggesting a better efficiency of nutrient utilization at this age.

Relative validity of the Planetary Health Diet Index by comparison with usual nutrient intakes, plasma food consumption biomarkers, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among European adolescents: the HELENA study.

The EAT-Lancet Commission proposed an evidence-based global reference diet to improve human health within planetary boundaries. Recently, the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) was developed based on the EAT-Lancet recommendations and validated among Brazilian adults. However, the relative validity of the PHDI in adolescents has yet to be assessed. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the relative validity of the PHDI in European adolescents. We used cross-sectional data from 1804 adolescents (12.5-17.5years) enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study. The PHDI (0-150 points) was calculated based on dietary intake data from two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Associations between the PHDI and usual nutrient intakes, plasma food consumption biomarkers, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were evaluated using multivariable-adjusted mixed-effects linear regression models. Higher PHDI score was associated with greater intakes of nutrients predominantly from plant-source foods, such as vegetable protein, vitamin E, and folate and with lower intake of nutrients predominately from animal-source foods, such as total and saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein. Furthermore, a higher PHDI score was also positively associated with plasma β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, and ferritin concentrations, while negatively associated with trans-fatty acids concentration. Moreover, higher PHDI was related to a greater adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. The PHDI showed good relative validity among adolescents in the HELENA study. Hence, future research should assess adherence to the PHDI and long-term health outcomes.

High β-carotene concentration in plasma enhances cyclic progesterone production in nonpregnant Japanese Black cows.

β-Carotene is an essential nutrient in cattle reproduction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-carotene supplementation on ovarian activities throughout the estrous cycle in nonpregnant Japanese Black cows. The estrous cycles of eight nonpregnant Japanese Black cows were synchronized using a double synch protocol, and the cows were divided into two groups. The cows in the β-carotene (BC) group received supplementation with 1000 mg/day β-carotene for 46 days including the synchronization period. The cows in the control (C) group did not receive β-carotene supplementation. The results showed that β-carotene supplementation at 1000 mg/day was sufficient to maintain a high plasma β-carotene concentration and increase the plasma retinol concentration and that β-carotene supplementation had no significant effects on the dominant follicle diameter, total number of estrus behaviors, or length of the estrous cycle. In contrast, the areas under the P4 concentration curves in the BC group were higher than those obtained for the C group. In conclusion, a high plasma β-carotene concentration in Japanese Black cows promotes P4 production in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle and total P4 production throughout the estrous cycle without changing the length of the estrous cycle.

Hypercarotenemia in Anorexia Nervosa Patients May Influence Weight Balance: Results of a Clinical Cross-Sectional Cohort Study.

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) can co-occur with hypercarotenemia, a clinical condition characterized by elevated β-carotene in plasma and skin tissue. Carotenoids have known anti-obesogenic effects in adipocyte biology. Thus, carotenoids may potentially play a retarding role in weight gain during the recovery of AN patients. This study evaluated the plasma carotenoid profile and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in a cohort of AN patients and normal weight (NW) controls.Methods: Plasma concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene were determined by HPLC analysis. SAT thicknesses were measured by a highly accurate and reliable ultrasound technique. Information on dietary intakes were collected by repeated 24-h recalls.Results: Sixty-two females (AN: n = 18, NW: n = 44) were included. The concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin (p = 0.045) and lycopene (p = 0.004) were significantly lower in AN patients. β-carotene levels were higher in AN patients (n.s.) and α-carotene did not differ significantly. SAT thickness was significantly lower in AN patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). β-carotene was significantly negative (rs = −0.471) and lycopene significantly positive (rs = 0.366) correlated with SAT. The correlation of β-carotene and SAT was even higher in the AN group alone (rs = −0.742). Also, β- cryptoxanthin and the sum of provitamin A carotenoids were correlated to SAT (rs = −0.647 and rs = −0.746, respectively) in AN patients. Fruits and vegetable intake did not differ significantly between AN and NW but adjusted for SAT, AN patients consumed relatively higher amounts (p = 0.006).Conclusion: Higher plasma β-carotene concentrations were associated with reduced SAT levels, most probably due to a reduced ability of the remaining adipose tissue to store carotenoids. Thus, the antiobesity effects of carotenoids might impact the treatment success of undernutrition and AN. A systemic carotenoid overload may contribute to changes in adipogenesis and metabolic capacities for energy storage. Therefore, high plasma β-carotene may be a marker of delay in weight recovery in AN patients. Interventional studies should consider including carotenoid-status in AN treatment.

Effects of hydrogenated fat-spray-coated β-carotene supplement on plasma β-carotene concentration and conception rate after embryo transfer in Hanwoo beef cows

We hypothesised that hydrogenated fat (HF)-spray-coated β-carotene (βC) supplement could be used to increase plasma βC concentration and conception rates after embryo transfer (ET) in Hanwoo beef cows. In Experiment 1, 12 multiparous Hanwoo cows were fed one of four experimental diets in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design for a 28-day period. Treatments included no βC addition (control), HF-uncoated βC (HFuβC), HF-spray-coated βC (HFβC), and HF-spray-coated βC and vitamin A (HFβCA). The cows under βC-supplemented treatments were fed 400 mg/day of βC, and a daily intake for vitamin A of HFβCA treatment was 30 000 IU/day as retinyl acetate. Blood was collected on days 0, 26, 27, and 28 to analyse βC and other metabolite concentrations. In Experiment 2, 199 Hanwoo cows with low fertility were randomly assigned to either control (n = 99) or HFβC treatments (n = 100) based on the results of Experiment 1. The oestrus of the cows was synchronised for ET. The HFβC group was fed from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after ET with a daily intake of 400 mg βC. Pregnancy for conception rates was diagnosed on day 60 after ET, and blood was collected for βC concentrations on the day before ET. Supplementing βC resulted in a high plasma βC concentration (P < 0.001). Supplementing HFβC or HFβCA resulted in higher βC concentrations than HFuβC (P < 0.001); however, there was no difference between HFβC and HFβCA groups. Plasma retinol concentration was lower in the HFβCA treatment than in the control and HFβC groups (P < 0.05). Blood metabolites were unaffected by the treatments. The retinol:βC ratio was lower in the βC-supplemented treatments than in the controls, and was lower in HFβC and HFβCA than in HFuβC groups (P < 0.001). Plasma βC concentration was positively correlated with plasma high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol (P < 0.05). Plasma retinol concentration was negatively associated with plasma protein (P < 0.01), but positively associated with plasma creatinine (P < 0.001) and urea (P < 0.01). Supplementing HFβC to low-fertility cows resulted in higher plasma βC concentration (P < 0.001) and conception rates (P = 0.024) than those in the controls. In conclusion, HFβC had a better bioavailability than HFuβC, and an increase in conception rates by supplementing HFβC may be beneficial for producing more calves given the low pregnancy rates of bovine ET in Korea.

β-Carotene Bioavailability and Conversion Efficiency Are Significantly Affected by Sex in Rats: First Observation Suggesting a Possible Hormetic Regulation of Vitamin A Metabolism in Female Rats.

To study the effect of variation in dietary vitamin A (VA) content on its hepatic and intestinal metabolism. Adult female and male rats are fed with diets containing 400, 2300, or 9858IU kg-1 VA for 31-33 weeks. VA concentrations are measured in plasma and liver. Bioavailability and intestinal conversion efficiency of β-carotene to VA are assessed by measuring postprandial plasma β-carotene and retinyl palmitate concentrations after force-feeding rats with β-carotene. Expression of genes involved in VA metabolism, together with concentrations of RBP4, BCO1, and SR-BI proteins, are measured in the intestine and liver of female rats. Plasma retinol concentrations are lower and hepatic free retinol concentrations are higher in females than in males. There is no effect of dietary VA content on β-carotene bioavailability and its conversion efficiency, but bioavailability is higher and conversion efficiency is lower in females than in males. The expression of most genes exhibited a U-shaped dose response curve depending on VA intake. β-Carotene bioavailability and conversion efficiency to VA are affected by the sex of rats. Results of gene expression suggest a hormetic regulation of VA metabolism in female rats.

Effects of feeding system and pre-partum supplementation on the β-carotene status of South African Holstein cows

AbstractThe objectives were to investigate the β-carotene status of dairy cows under various production systems, and to determine the effect of pre-partum β-carotene supplementation on their post-partum β-carotene status. Ten farms were selected from each of the three production systems, namely pasture-based, hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) and silage-based TMR. Twenty cows per farm were sampled in each system, and blood plasma β-carotene concentration was determined with a portable spectrophotometer (n = 200 cows per system). Mean blood β-carotene concentrations of pasture-fed cows were 5.54 mg/L, and were higher (P &lt;0.05) than concentrations of cows on hay-based (2.98 mg/L) and maize silage-based TMR systems (1.71 mg/L); in β-carotene status, therefore, these systems were optimal, marginal, and deficient, respectively. In the second experiment, 10 cows received a hay-based control TMR, and 10 were supplemented with 1.2 g/day of β-carotene pre-partum from day -56 to calving and monitored until day 56 postpartum. The supplemented cows were in optimal β-carotene status until calving, with a minor carry-over effect until 10 days post partum, and then declined gradually in status until they needed supplementation. The β-carotene status between the groups differed from three weeks pre-partum to two weeks post partum, with the control group being marginal to deficient from three weeks pre-partum onwards. Forage type and its β-carotene content play a major role in the β-carotene status of cows and more research is needed on the potential storage and mobilization of β-carotene in cows.

Antioxidant and Inflammatory Gene Expression Profiles of Bovine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Response to Arthrospira platensis before and after LPS Challenge.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases are closely related processes that need to be controlled to ensure the desirable high performance of livestock. The microalga spirulina has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in monogastric species. To investigate potential beneficial effects in ruminants, we replaced soybean meal (SOY) in the diets of dairy cows and fattening bulls by spirulina (SPI) and analyzed plasma concentrations of antioxidants (β-carotene, α-tocopherol, polyphenols) and serum total antioxidant capacity. Following in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for expression analysis of inflammation- and antioxidant-defense-related genes. Plasma β-carotene concentration was higher in SPI, compared to SOY cows, but did not differ in bulls. Plasma total phenol concentration was significantly higher in SPI, compared to SOY bulls, but not in cows. Stimulation of bovine PBMCs with LPS increased the expression of most cytokines and some antioxidant enzymes. Gene expression of PBMCs derived from SPI animals, compared to SOY animals, hardly differed. Our results indicate that in ruminants, spirulina might not have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Future studies should evaluate the microbial degradation of spirulina and its bioactive compounds in the rumen to provide further data on potential beneficial health effects in ruminants.

Beta-carotene, telomerase activity and Alzheimer's disease in old age subjects.

Advancing age represents the strongest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the identification of biomarkers able to define what characterizes physiological aging from AD may represent a potential starting point for novel preventive strategies. Among these biomarkers, telomeres seem to be a promising target. Interestingly, high intake of carotenoid-rich food may play a role in protecting telomeres by oxidative stress reduction. Accordingly, low plasma β-carotene concentrations have been found in AD subjects when compared with cognitively healthy subjects. In this study, we aim at investigating the hypothesis that low β-carotene might be associated with markers of accelerated cellular aging, including leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and peripheral mononuclear cell (PBMC) telomerase activity in a cohort of old age subjects. The study was conducted in 68 old age subjects, 37 AD, and 31 age-matched healthy controls. In all subjects, β-carotene plasma level, LTL and peripheral telomerase activity were measured. In all populations, β-carotene significantly and positively (r = 0.320, p = 0.008) correlated with telomerase activity, independent of gender. A model having telomerase activity levels as the dependent variable, and age, gender, smoking habit, and β-carotene as independent variables, confirmed that β-carotene was independently associated with telomerase activity (β = 0.319, p = 0.012). Subjects affected by AD had significantly lower plasmatic levels of β-carotene (448 ± 66mg/ml vs 497 ± 59mg/ml, p = 0.001) and LTL (0.53 ± 0.25 vs 0.69 ± 0.29; p = 0.009) as compared with healthy controls. Β-carotene plasma level was associated with AD diagnosis (OR 0.988; IC95% 0.978-0.997; p = 0.013) independently of age, gender, smoking habit, ApoE genotype, and LTL. Our data show that β-carotene may modulate telomerase activity in old age. Moreover, lower plasma β-carotene levels, correlating with peripheral telomerase activity, are associated with AD diagnosis independent of multiple covariates.

Effects of supplemental β-carotene on colostral immunoglobulin and plasma β-carotene and immunoglobulin in Japanese Black cows.

Data from 26 Japanese Black cows were collected to clarify the effects of supplemental β-carotene on colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) and plasma β-carotene and Ig in the cows. Cows were assigned to control or β-carotene groups from 21days before the expected calving date to 60days after parturition. Supplemental β-carotene was provided at 500mg/day in the β-carotene group. Supplemental β-carotene drastically increased plasma β-carotene concentrations in the cows from parturition to 60days after parturition, and plasma β-carotene concentrations in the control and β-carotene groups at parturition were 202 and 452μg/dl, respectively. Supplemental β-carotene had no effects on plasma IgG1 , IgA or IgM concentrations at parturition. Supplemental β-carotene increased colostral IgG1 concentrations in the cows, but colostral β-carotene, IgA and IgM concentrations were not affected by supplemental β-carotene. These results indicate that supplemental β-carotene is effective to enhance colostral IgG1 concentrations and plasma β-carotene concentrations in Japanese Black cows.

Effects of β-carotene-enriched dry carrots on β-carotene status and colostral immunoglobulin in β-carotene-deficient Japanese Black cows.

Data from 18 β-carotene-deficient Japanese Black cows were collected to clarify the effects of feeding β-carotene-enriched dry carrots on β-carotene status and colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) in cows. Cows were assigned to control or carrot groups from 3weeks before the expected calving date to parturition, and supplemental β-carotene from dry carrots was 138mg/day in the carrot group. Plasma β-carotene concentrations in the control and carrot groups at parturition were 95 and 120μg/dL, and feeding dry carrots slightly improved plasma β-carotene at parturition. Feeding dry carrots increased colostral IgA concentrations in cows and tended to increase colostral IgG1 , but colostral IgM, IgG2 , β-carotene and vitamin A were not affected by the treatment. Feeding dry carrots had no effects on plasma IgG1 , IgA and IgM concentrations in cows, but plasma IgG1 concentrations decreased rapidly from 3weeks before the expected calving date to parturition. These results indicate that feeding β-carotene-enriched dry carrots is effective to enhance colostral IgA and IgG1 concentrations in β-carotene-deficient cows.

Consumption of canned citrus fruit meals increases human plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentration, whereas lycopene and β-carotene concentrations did not change in healthy adults

Several studies suggest that β-cryptoxanthin has a greater plasma response from its common food sources than other carotenoids such as β-carotene and lycopene. The hypothesis of this study is that changes in plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentrations will be greater than changes in plasma β-carotene or lycopene concentrations even if these carotenoids are fed in a similar food matrix, such as citrus fruit. We tested this hypothesis by measuring changes in plasma concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and β-carotene after feeding measured amounts of canned tangerines and pink grapefruit to healthy nonsmoking adult humans. Volunteers served as their own controls and received both citrus fruit treatments randomly. In the first study, 8 subjects ate single meals of 234-304g of tangerines or 60-540g of pink grapefruit. The second study compared changes in plasma carotenoid concentration caused by feeding 234g of tangerines or 540g of pink grapefruit to 11 subjects. Blood was collected 5 times within 24hours after each citrus meal. Carotenoid concentrations were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentrations increased within 5hours and then stabilized, remaining high throughout the 24hours measured. Plasma concentrations of lycopene and β-carotene did not change. These results show that β-cryptoxanthin concentrations increased after a citrus fruit meal, but lycopene and β-carotene concentrations did not change after a similar citrus fruit meal. These results support our hypothesis that changes in plasma β-cryptoxanthin are greater than changes in plasma lycopene or β-carotene, even when these carotenoids are fed in a similar food matrix.

A Combination of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Is Associated with Interindividual Variability in Dietary β-Carotene Bioavailability in Healthy Men1–3

Background: The bioavailability of β-carotene, the main dietary provitamin A carotenoid, varies among individuals. It is not known whether this variability can affect long-term β-carotene, and hence vitamin A, status.Objectives: We hypothesized that variations in genes involved in β-carotene absorption and postprandial metabolism could at least partially explain the high interindividual variability in β-carotene bioavailability. Thus, the main objectives of this study were to identify associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and to estimate whether populations with different allele frequencies at these SNPs could have different abilities to absorb provitamin A carotenoids.Methods: In this single-group design, 33 healthy, nonobese adult men were genotyped with the use of whole-genome microarrays. After an overnight fast, they consumed a test meal containing 100 g tomato puree providing 0.4 mg β-carotene. The postprandial plasma chylomicron β-carotene concentration was then measured at regular time intervals over 8 h. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to identify the best combination of SNPs in or near candidate genes (54 genes representing 2172 SNPs) that was associated with the postprandial chylomicron β-carotene response (incremental β-carotene area-under-the-curve concentration over 8 h in chylomicrons).Results: The postprandial chylomicron β-carotene response was highly variable (CV = 105%) and was positively correlated with the fasting plasma β-carotene concentration (r = 0.78; P < 0.0001). A significant (P = 6.54 × 10−3) multivalidated PLS regression model, which included 25 SNPs in 12 genes, explained 69% of the variance in the postprandial chylomicron β-carotene response, i.e., β-carotene bioavailability.Conclusions: Interindividual variability in β-carotene bioavailability appears to be partially modulated by a combination of SNPs in 12 genes. This variability likely affects the long-term blood β-carotene status. A theoretic calculation of β-carotene bioavailability in 4 populations of the international HapMap project suggests that populations with different allele frequencies in these SNPs might exhibit a different ability to absorb dietary β-carotene. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02100774.

Influence of phytosterol and phytostanol food supplementation on plasma liposoluble vitamins and provitamin A carotenoid levels in humans: An updated review of the evidence

ABSTRACTPhytosterols and phytostanols (PAP) compete with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, resulting in a 5–15%-reduction in plasma total and LDL cholesterol. An important issue is the PAP potential to reduce the plasma concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and provitamin A carotenoids. Here, an update of the scientific evidence is reviewed to evaluate plant PAP-enriched foods impact on plasma fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoid levels, and to discuss potential implications in terms of cardiovascular risk. Based on 49 human interventional and 3 bioavailability studies, results showed that regular consumption, particularly over the long term, of foods fortified with PAP as recommended in labeling does not significantly impact plasma vitamins A, D, and K concentration. A 10% significant median reduction was observed for α-tocopherol. Concerning carotenoids, while 13 studies did not demonstrate statistically significant plasma β-carotene reduction, 20 studies showed significant reductions, with median effect size of −24%. This decline can be mitigated or offset by increased fruits and vegetables consumption. Furthermore, higher cardiovascular risk was observed for differences in plasma β-carotene concentration of the same magnitude as the estimated average decrease by PAP consumption. These results are supported by the only study of β-carotene bioavailability showing decrease in absorption by phytosterols daily intake.

Supplementation of prepartum dairy cows with β-carotene

The prepartum supplementation of dairy cows with β-carotene was evaluated. Cows were blocked by parity and expected calving date and assigned to a treatment: β-carotene (1.2 g/cow per d) or control (no supplementation). The same total mixed ration batch was offered to all cows, and β-carotene was top dressed to individual cows once per day. The data set contained 283 Holsteins that received a treatment for >14 d (29.1±6.9 d). Frequency distributions were analyzed with the GENMOD procedure of SAS using logistic regression for binomial data. Continuous variables were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS. Within parity, nonparametric estimates of the survivor function for reproductive variables were computed using the product-limit method of the Kaplan-Meier method with the LIFETEST procedure of SAS. Plasma β-carotene concentration before supplementation was similar between supplemented and nonsupplemented cows (2.99µg/mL) and peaked at 3.26±0.175µg/mL on d −15±2.4 precalving for supplemented cows (2.62±0.168µg/mL for control). Colostrum density, milk yield, and milk composition were similar between treatments. β-Carotene tended to increase milk protein content from 2.90 to 2.96% and to decrease the proportion of primiparous cows with a milk fat to protein ratio >1.5 from 22.6 to 6.4%. The proportion of primiparous and multiparous cows with difficult calving, metritis, progesterone >1 ng/mL at 21 d and at 42 d in lactation, % conception at first service, and % pregnancy at 90 and 150 d in lactation were similar between treatments. A trend for decreased incidence of somatic cell count >200,000 cells/mL was present in multiparous cows supplemented with β-carotene (38.9% vs. 28.1%). β-Carotene was associated with a reduction in the proportion of multiparous cows with retained placenta 12 h postpartum from 29.9 to 21.7%; time of placenta release was 392 min (340 to 440) for β-carotene and 490 min (395 to 540) for control (median and 95% confidence interval). For primiparous cows, placenta release was not affected by β-carotene (incidence was 15.4%). The intervals from calving to first estrus, to first service, and to conception were not affected by β-carotene supplementation in either parity. However, independent of treatment, cows with improved reproductive efficiency had increased postpartum β-carotene concentration in plasma. The prepartum supplementation of β-carotene increased plasma concentration around calving. No response in milk yield or reproductive performance was detected. Beta-carotene supplementation was associated with a lower incidence of retained placenta in multiparous cows.

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.

Plasma Carotenoids and Retinol and Overall and Breast Cancer Risk: A Nested Case-Control Study

Experimental studies suggest that carotenoids and retinol may play a role in carcinogenesis, but epidemiological evidence is lacking. We investigated the prospective associations between plasma concentrations of major carotenoids and retinol, and overall and breast cancer risk. A nested case-control study included all first incident cancer cases diagnosed in the SU.VI.MAX cohort between 1994 and 2002 (n = 159 cases, 1 matched control/case). Baseline plasma concentrations of carotenoids and retinol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess odds ratios for an increase of 0.1 μmol/L [odds ratio (OR)] and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Plasma β-carotene (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.90–0.99, Ptrend = 0.04) and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81–0.99, Ptrend = 0.03) were inversely associated with overall cancer risk. Plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentration was inversely associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71–0.96, Ptrend = 0.02). The OR between plasma lycopene concentration and overall cancer risk was 1.07 (0.99–1.15), Ptrend = 0.06. This association turned significant (Ptrend = 0.01) when excluding cancer cases diagnosed during the first year of follow-up. This prospective study suggests an inverse association between plasma concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin and both overall and breast cancer risk, and an inverse association between β-carotene and overall cancer risk. The direct association between lycopene concentration and cancer risk deserves further investigation.

Independent positive association of plasma β-carotene concentrations with adiponectin among non-diabetic obese subjects.

Many epidemiological studies find an inverse correlation between carotenoids intake or carotenoids plasma concentrations and body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome in the general population. However, it is not clear whether these relationships occur in obese population. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 108 obese non-diabetic patients. There was an inverse correlation between plasma levels of pro-vitamin A carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin) and both BMI and insulin resistance (estimated by the HOMA-IR). No correlation between plasma concentrations of lycopene or lutein/zeaxanthin and BMI or insulin resistance was found. The inverse association between the three pro-vitamin A carotenoids and HOMA-IR disappeared after adjustment for BMI and waist circumference. Interestingly, we identified a positive association between concentrations of β-carotene and adiponectin in plasma that was independent of sex, age, smoking status, BMI and waist circumference. To our knowledge, such association has never been described in obese patients. These results suggest the existence of a favourable effect of β-carotene on insulin sensitivity in obese individuals that could involve a positive regulation of adiponectin, either directly or via its pro-vitamin A activity. The demonstration of the potential benefits of β-carotene towards insulin sensitivity would open the way to dietary strategies to prevent metabolic syndrome.

Plasma Alkylresorcinols Reflect Important Whole-Grain Components of a Healthy Nordic Diet

Biomarkers of dietary intake can be important tools in nutrition research. Our aim was to assess whether plasma alkylresorcinol (AR) and β-carotene concentrations could be used as dietary biomarkers for whole-grain, fruits and vegetables in a healthy Nordic diet (ND). Participants (n = 166), 30–65 y with a body mass index of 27–40 kg/m2 and two more features of metabolic syndrome (International Diabetes Federation definition, slightly modified), were recruited through six centers in the Nordic countries and randomly assigned to an ND or control diet for 18 or 24 wk, depending on study center. Plasma AR and β-carotene were analyzed and nutrient intake calculated from 4-d food records. Median fiber intake increased in the ND group from 2.5 g/MJ at baseline to 4.1 g/MJ (P < 0.001) at end point (week 18 or 24), and median (IQR) fasting plasma total AR concentration increased from 73 (88) to 106 (108) nmol/L, or 45%, from baseline to end point (P < 0.001). The AR concentration was significantly higher in the ND group (P < 0.001) than in the control group at end point. β-Carotene intake tended to increase in the ND group (P = 0.07), but the plasma β-carotene concentration did not change significantly throughout the study and did not differ between the groups at follow-up. In conclusion, an ND resulted in higher dietary fiber intake and increased plasma total AR concentration compared with the control diet, showing that the total AR concentration might be a valid biomarker for an ND in which whole-grain wheat and rye are important components. No significant difference in plasma β-carotene concentrations was observed between the ND and control groups, suggesting that β-carotene may not be a sensitive enough biomarker of the ND.