Serum Β-carotene Research Articles

Vitamin A status in healthy women eating traditionally prepared spirulina (Dihé) in the Chad Lake area.

BackgroundChad Lake is a central place in a region with a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. Spirulina, a natural source of β-carotene, is traditionally produced and eaten as “Dihé” around Chad Lake. β-carotene spirulina has been found to have a high conversion factor to retinol. The aim of the study was to assess if the retinol status between healthy women eating spirulina Dihé daily (SPI+) and not (SPI-) in the Chad Lake area was different.MethodsThis study was observational: 88 healthy women were recruited and selected according to clinical criteria and their willingness to participate. They were divided in two groups according to their Dihé daily consumption: those who eat Dihé (SPI+; n = 35) and those who do not (SPI-; n = 35). After anthropometric and dietary assessments, blood retinol, β-carotene, retinol binding, and inflammatory/nutritional proteins were measured.ResultsThe diet between groups was identical, except for β-carotene consumption, which was higher in SPI+ than in SPI- (10.8 vs. 1.8 mg/day). The serum retinol and β-carotene concentrations were significantly higher in SPI+ than in SPI- at 1.26 ± 0.36 μmol/l versus 1.03 ± 0.31 μmol/l (p = 0.008) and 0.59 ±0.37 μmol/l versus 0.46± 0.31 μmol/l (p = 0.04), respectively. Seventy-seven percent of SPI+ versus 29% of SPI- had an adequate blood retinol value (p = 0.01).ConclusionThe results confirm that β-carotene in spirulina is an effective positive modulator of blood retinol status. Dihé is a potential natural source of β-carotene to achieve a proper vitamin A status in healthy women living near Chad Lake.

Impact of biofortified maize consumption on serum carotenoid concentrations in Zambian children.

Biofortified maize, designed as an intervention strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency, can provide upwards of 15 μg β-carotene per g dry weight. Some varieties also have elevated concentrations of other carotenoids. We conducted a cluster randomized, controlled feeding trial in rural Zambia to test the impact of daily consumption of biofortified maize over a 6-month period on vitamin A status. Serum concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data on circulating carotenoids by intervention group in 679 children are reported here. As previously shown, consumption of this β-carotene-rich maize significantly improved serum β-carotene concentrations (0.273 vs. 0.147 μmol/L, p < 0.001, in this subset of children). Here we show significant increases in α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin (p < 0.001). There was no impact on lutein or lycopene concentrations. Consumption of biofortified maize can have broader implications beyond the control of vitamin A deficiency (Trial registration: NCT01695148).

Study on the Relationship between Liver Parasitic Infections and Serum Vitamin A and β-Carotene Status in Cattle.

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin A and β-carotene in the liver of cattle. A total number of 150 samples were selected according to the type of parasitic infections of the liver after postmortem examination and confirmation. Parasitic lesions in the liver were subdivided into three major parasites, including Fasciola hepatica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, and hydatid cysts. Fifty samples were obtained from cattle without any parasitic infection as a control group. Serum levels of vitamin A, β-carotene concentrations (μg/dL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were assayed. Naturally infected cattle with D. dendriticum, F. hepatica and hydatid cyst showed lower vitamin A levels. Serum β-carotene levels were significantly decreased in all groups (p<0.05). ALT and AST activities in animals with parasitic diseases were statistically higher than in control group (p<0.01). A significant negative correlation was determined between the β-carotene, vitamin A levels and enzyme activities of the liver in all the three types of liver infections (p<0.001). This study indicated that serum levels of vitamin A and β-carotene decline was present in cattle with liver parasite infection and vitamin supplements should be supplied.

Serum carotenoids and macular pigment optical density in patients with intestinal resections and healthy subjects: an exploratory study.

Reduced absorption capacity in patients with intestinal resections (IR) could result in malabsorption of fat-soluble components like carotenoids, which are of clinical interest in relation to visual health. In this case cohort, we investigated the association between IR and serum lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and macular pigment optical density, when compared with healthy controls. Ten patients with IR and twelve healthy controls were included in the study. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, except for higher serum TAG (P < 0·05) and shorter bowel length (P < 0·0001) in the group with IR. Serum lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and macular pigment optical density were >15 % lower in the patient group compared with healthy controls (P < 0·05, adjusted for age) and, in the case of serum lutein and zeaxanthin, also for dietary intake of carotenoids. Results suggest that for a test of macular carotenoid supplementation, subjects with a potentially clinically significant carotenoid deficit could be recruited among patients with IR.

In vivo anti-ulcerogenic effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions

Context: Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) (Malvaceae), is a medicinal plant widely used in Turkish traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as ulcers and gastritis.Objective: In the present study, we evaluated the gastroprotective effect of okra against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in animal models.Materials and methods: Wistar rats were treated with 500, 250 or 100 mg/kg okra; 20 mg/kg famotidine (Fam); and 75 mg/kg quercetin (Que). Following a 60 min period, all the rats were given 1 mL of ethanol (80%). One hour after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacrificed.Results: At 5000 mg/kg, the extract produced (okra) no signs of toxicity in animals. Okra 500, 250, 100, Fam 20 and Que 75 inhibited ulcer formation by 81.0, 67.5, 67.0, 76.3 and 72.4%, respectively. Okra 500 significantly decreased edema, hemorrhage and inflammation scores compared with the ethanol group (p < 0.05). The oxidant levels decreased significantly in the all study groups compared within ethanol group (p < 0.001). Serum β-carotene and retinol levels significantly increased 40.2 and 45.4% in the okra 500 group. In okra 500, 250 and Fam 20 groups, apoptosis significantly decreased (p < 0.001), while okra 500, 250 and Fam 20 groups showed a higher percentage of cell proliferation compared with the ethanol group (p < 0.001).Discussion and conclusions: Our in vivo data indicate that okra has a gastroprotective effect against ethanol and could reduce the gastric ulcer as seen from biochemical and histopathological results. We suggest that okra could be a possible therapeutic antiulcer agent.

Provitamin A-biofortified maize consumption increases serum xanthophylls and 13C-natural abundance of retinol in Zambian children.

Plants that undergo C4 photosynthesis, such as maize, are enriched in the stable isotope of carbon (13C) compared with other dietary plants and foods. Consumption of maize that has been biofortified to contain elevated levels of provitamin A carotenoids (orange maize) increased the abundance of 13C in serum retinol of Mongolian gerbils. We evaluated this method in humans to determine if it has potential for further use in intervention effectiveness studies. A random subset of samples from a two-month randomized controlled feeding trial of rural three- to five-year old Zambian children were used to determine the impact of orange maize intake on serum carotenoid concentrations ( n = 88) and 13C-natural abundance in serum retinol ( n = 77). Concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin (a xanthophyll provitamin A carotenoid) and the dihydroxy xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, which do not have vitamin A activity, were elevated in children consuming orange maize compared with those consuming a white maize control ( P < 0.001), while β-carotene was not different ( P > 0.3). Furthermore, 13C natural abundance was higher after two months' intervention in the orange maize group compared with the white maize group ( P = 0.049). Predictions made from equations developed in the aforementioned gerbil study estimated that maize provided 11% (2-21%, 95% confidence interval) of the recent dietary vitamin A to these children. These results demonstrate that orange maize is efficacious at providing retinol to the vitamin A pool in children through provitamin A carotenoids, as monitored by the change in 13C enrichment, which was not reflected in serum β-carotene concentrations. Further effectiveness studies in countries who have adopted orange maize should consider determining differences in retinol 13C-enrichment among target groups in addition to profiling serum xanthophyll carotenoids with specific emphasis on zeaxanthin. Impact statement Maize biofortified with provitamin A carotenoids (orange) has been released in some African markets. Responsive and sensitive methods to evaluate dissemination effectiveness are needed. This study investigated methods to evaluate effectiveness of orange maize consumption using serum from Zambian children fed orange maize for two months. Many varieties of orange maize contain higher amounts of the xanthophyll carotenoids in addition to β-carotene compared with typical varieties. This study uniquely showed higher concentrations of the maize xanthophylls lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin in children who consumed orange maize compared with white. Furthermore, maize is a C4 plant and is therefore naturally enriched with 13C. Higher 13C was detected in the serum retinol of the orange maize consumers with no change in serum β-carotene concentration suggesting preferential bioconversion to retinol. The combined analyses of serum zeaxanthin specifically and 13C-natural abundance of retinol could prove useful in effectiveness studies between orange maize adopters and non-adopters.

Serum carotenoids and colorectal cancer risk: A case-control study in Guangdong, China.

Previous epidemiological studies on the association between circulating carotenoids and the risk of colorectal cancer drew inconclusive conclusions. This study aimed to examine serum carotenoids in relation to colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese population. One case-control study beginning from July 2010, consecutively recruited 538 eligible colorectal cancer cases and 564 age (5-year interval) and sex frequency-matched controls. Serum levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin were detected by HPLC. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence internal (CI) after adjusting for various confounders. Serum levels of α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene were found to be inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk. The adjusted ORs of the highest quartile relative to the lowest quartile serum level were 0.49 (95% CIs 0.33-0.72) for α-carotene, 0.44 (95% CIs 0.29-0.66) for β-cryptoxanthin, and 0.36 (95% CIs 0.24-0.54) for lycopene, respectively. The association between serum β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin and colorectal cancer risk was not statistically significant. The results indicated that the incidence of colorectal cancer was associated with lower serum levels of α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene among Chinese population residing in Guangdong.

Older Australians Can Achieve High Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet during a 6 Month Randomised Intervention; Results from the Medley Study.

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is thought to be achievable in non-Mediterranean regions, but this has yet to be investigated. We aimed to determine if an older Australian population could adhere to a MedDiet for six months. We conducted a randomised, parallel dietary intervention trial with two dietary arms: the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) group and the habitual diet (HabDiet) control group. A 15-point Mediterranean diet adherence score and food and nutrient intakes were estimated from three-day weighed food records collected at baseline, two and four months. Erythrocyte fatty acids, serum carotenoids and urinary metabolites were assessed at baseline, three and six months. We enrolled 166 participants; 152 commenced and 137 completed the study (70 in the MedDiet group, 67 in the HabDiet group). Adherence scores were significantly higher in the MedDiet group at two months (between group difference 2.2, 95% CI 1.3, 2.9) and four months (between group difference 2.6, 95% CI 1.9, 3.3). Consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, legumes, nuts and olive oil significantly increased in the MedDiet group compared to the control, and discretionary food intake decreased (p < 0.01). Measures of compliance including serum β-carotene, lycopene and erythrocyte monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in the MedDiet group at three and six months (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that a population of older Australians can adopt a Mediterranean diet over a six month period.

Association of serum carotenoid, retinol, and tocopherol concentrations with the progression of Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESA pivotal role of oxidative stress has been emphasized in the pathogenesis as well as in the disease progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed at investigating serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elucidating whether they could be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of PD.MATERIALS/METHODSSerum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, α- and β-carotenes, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were measured and compared between 104 patients with idiopathic PD and 52 healthy controls matched for age and gender. In order to examine the relationship between antioxidant vitamins and the disease progression, multiple group comparisons were performed among the early PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage I and II, N = 47), advanced PD (stage III and IV, N = 57) and control groups. Separate correlation analyses were performed between the measured antioxidant vitamins and clinical variables, such as Hoehn and Yahr stage and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score.RESULTSCompared to controls, PD patients had lower levels of α- and β-carotenes and lycopene. α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene levels were significantly reduced in advanced PD patients relative to early PD patients and were negatively correlated with Hoehn and Yahr stage and UPDRS motor score in PD patients. No significant differences were found in serum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, and other carotenoids between PD patients and controls. No significant correlations were found between these vitamin levels and clinical variables in PD patients.CONCLUSIONSWe found that serum levels of some carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene, were lower in PD patients, and that these carotenoids inversely correlated with clinical variables representing disease progression. Our findings suggest that decreases in serum α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene may be associated with the pathogenesis as well as progression of PD.

Maternal serum retinol and β-carotene concentrations and neonatal bone mineralization: results from the Southampton Women’s Survey cohort

Background: Studies in older adults and animals have suggested contrasting relations between bone health and different vitamin A compounds. To our knowledge, the associations between maternal vitamin A status and offspring bone development have not previously been elucidated.Objective: We examined the associations between maternal serum retinol and β-carotene concentrations during late pregnancy and offspring bone mineralization assessed at birth with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Design: In the Southampton Women’s Survey mother-offspring birth cohort, maternal health, lifestyle, and diet were assessed prepregnancy and at 11 and 34 wk of gestation. In late pregnancy, maternal serum retinol and β-carotene concentrations were measured. Offspring total body bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone area (BA) were measured within 2 wk after birth.Results: In total, 520 and 446 mother-offspring pairs had measurements of maternal serum retinol and β-carotene, respectively. Higher maternal serum retinol in late pregnancy was associated with lower offspring total body BMC (β = −0.10 SD/SD; 95% CI: −0.19, −0.02; P = 0.020) and BA (β = −0.12 SD/SD; 95% CI: −0.20, −0.03; P = 0.009) but not BMD. Conversely, higher maternal serum β-carotene concentrations in late pregnancy were associated with greater total body BMC (β = 0.12 SD/SD; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.21; P = 0.016) and BA (β = 0.12 SD/SD; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.22; P = 0.010) but not BMD.Conclusions: Maternal serum retinol and β-carotene concentrations had differing associations with offspring bone size and growth at birth: retinol was negatively associated with these measurements, whereas β-carotene was positively associated. These findings highlight the need for further investigation of the effects of maternal retinol and carotenoid status on offspring bone development.

Provitamin A–biofortified maize increases serum β-carotene, but not retinol, in marginally nourished children: a cluster-randomized trial in rural Zambia

Background: Vitamin A deficiency remains a nutritional concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Conventionally bred maize hybrids with high provitamin A carotenoid concentrations may have the potential to improve vitamin A status in maize-consuming populations.Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of regular provitamin A carotenoid–biofortified “orange” maizemeal (∼15 μg β-carotene/g) consumption in improving vitamin A status and reducing vitamin A deficiency in children.Design: This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial in the rural farming district of Mkushi, Zambia. All 4- to 8-y-old children in an ∼400-km2 area were identified and grouped by proximity into clusters of ∼15–25 children. We randomly assigned clusters to 1) orange maizemeal (n = 25), 2) white maizemeal (n = 25), or 3) a parallel, nonintervention group (n = 14). Children in intervention clusters (n = 1024) received 200 g maizemeal for 6 d/wk over 6 mo; the maizemeal was prepared according to standardized recipes and served in cluster-level kitchens. Staff recorded attendance and leftovers. We collected venous blood before and after the intervention to measure serum retinol, β-carotene, C-reactive protein, and α1-acid glycoprotein.Results: Intervention groups were comparable at baseline, and vitamin A status was better than anticipated (12.1% deficient on the basis of serum retinol <0.7 μmol/L). Although attendance at meals did not differ (85%), median daily maize intake was higher in white (154 g/d) than in orange (142 g/d) maizemeal clusters. At follow-up, mean serum β-carotene was 0.14 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.09, 0.20 μmol/L) higher in orange maizemeal clusters (P < 0.001), but mean serum retinol (1.00 ± 0.33 μmol/L overall) and deficiency prevalence (17.1% overall) did not differ between arms.Conclusion: In this marginally nourished population, regular biofortified maizemeal consumption increased serum β-carotene concentrations but did not improve serum retinol. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01695148.

Serum β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene derived from Satsuma mandarin and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity: The Mikkabi cohort study

Background and aimsFindings of observational studies suggest cardioprotective effects of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids. However, recent meta-analyses failed to show the beneficial effects of supplemental intake of antioxidants on cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to assess the association between CVD risk and β-cryptoxanthin in Japan, where Satsuma mandarin, a major source of β-cryptoxanthin, is widely consumed. Methods and resultsThis was part of the Mikkabi cohort study. Surveys were conducted at baseline, in 2003 and 2005, and on follow-up in 2006, 2009, and 2013. We examined brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) with a high cut-off value set at 18.3 m s−1. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for high baPWV were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model with adjustment for potential confounders. A total of 635 participants with baPWV of less than 18.3 m s−1 at baseline were included in the analysis. During the follow-up period of 57,921 person-months, 99 subjects developed high baPWV. After multivariate adjustment, the HR for high baPWV in the highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile was significantly low for β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and total carotenoids. Serum concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene were higher in people who ate Satsuma mandarin frequently. Compared with <1/d intake of Satsuma mandarin, 3–4/d was associated with a low risk of high PWV. ConclusionThis study indicated that β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene derived from Satsuma mandarin are candidate micronutrients for preventing arteriosclerosis development. Further longitudinal and interventional studies will be required to validate the effect on CVD.

Antioxidant status in a group of institutionalised elderly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important and prevalent diseases suffered by the elderly. Evidence exists that its onset and severity might be conditioned by antioxidant status. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between antioxidant status and COPD in institutionalised elderly people. In all, 183 elderly people aged >65 years (twenty-one had COPD and 160 healthy controls) were studied. The subjects' diets were investigated via the use of precise individual weighing for 7 d. Body weight, height, and biceps and triceps skinfold thickness were measured, and body fat (kg) and BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Serum retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and vitamin C levels were determined. Subjects with COPD ate less fruits than healthy controls (117 (sd 52) v. 192 (sd 161) g/d), their coverage of the recommended intake of vitamin C was smaller (150 (sd 45) v. 191 (sd 88) %; note that both exceeded 100 %) and their diets had a lower antioxidant capacity (6558 (sd 2381) v. 9328 (sd 5367) mmol trolox equivalent/d). Those with COPD had lower serum vitamin C and α-tocopherol concentrations than healthy controls (32·4 (sd 15·3) v. 41·5 (sd 14·8) µmol/l and 12·1 (sd 3·2) v. 13·9 (sd 2·8) µmol/l, respectively). In addition, subjects with α-tocopherol <14·1µmol/l (50th percentile) were at 6·43 times greater risk of having COPD than those subjects with ≥14·1µmol/l (OR 6·43; 95 % CI 1·17, 35·24; P<0·05), taking sex, age, use of tobacco, body fat and vitamin E intake as covariables. Subjects with COPD had diets of poorer antioxidant quality, especially with respect to vitamins C and E, compared with healthy controls.

Retinoid and carotenoid status in serum and liver among patients at high-risk for liver cancer.

BackgroundApproximately 2.7 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV patients with cirrhosis form the largest group of persons at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increased oxidative stress is regarded as a major mechanism of HCV-related liver disease progression. Deficiencies in retinoid and carotenoid antioxidants may represent a major modifiable risk factor for disease progression. This study aims to identify key predictors of serum antioxidant levels in patients with HCV, to examine the relationship between retinoid/carotenoid concentrations in serum and hepatic tissue, to quantify the association between systemic measures of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, and to examine the relationship between retinoids and stellate cell activation.MethodsPatients undergoing liver biopsy (n = 69) provided fasting blood, fresh tissue, urine and completed a diet history questionnaire. Serum and questionnaire data from healthy volunteers (n = 11), normal liver tissue from public repositories and patients without liver disease (n = 11) were also collected. Urinary isoprostanes, serum and tissue retinoid concentrations were obtained by UHPLC-MS-MS. Immunohistochemistry for αSMA was performed on FFPE sections and subsequently quantified via digital image analysis. Associations between urinary isoprostanes, αSMA levels, and retinoids were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients and non-parametric tests were utilized to test differences among disease severity groups.ResultsThere was a significant inverse association between serum retinol, lycopene, and RBP4 concentrations with fibrosis stage. Serum β-carotene and lycopene were strongly associated with their respective tissue concentrations. There was a weak downward trend of tissue retinyl palmitate with increasing fibrosis stage. Tissue retinyl palmitate was inversely and significantly correlated with hepatic αSMA expression, a marker for hepatic stellate cell activation (r = −0.31, P < 0.02). Urinary isoprostanes levels were inversely correlated with serum retinol, β-carotene, and RBP4.ConclusionsA decrease in serum retinol, β-carotene, and RBP4 is associated with early stage HCV. Retinoid and carotenoid levels decline as disease progresses, and our data suggest that this decline occurs early in the disease process, even before fibrosis is apparent. Measures of oxidative stress are associated with fibrosis stage and concurrent antioxidant depletion. Vitamin A loss is accompanied by stellate cell activation in hepatic tissue.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0432-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Acute intake of quercetin from onion skin extract does not influence postprandial blood pressure and endothelial function in overweight-to-obese adults with hypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

To determine whether postprandial metabolic and vascular responses induced by a high-fat and high-carbohydrate meal are attenuated by ingestion of the flavonol quercetin. Twenty-two overweight-to-obese hypertensive patients participated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover meal study. They consumed a test meal (challenge) rich in energy (4754kJ), fat (61.6g), saturated fatty acids (53% of total fatty acids), and carbohydrates (113.3g) with either placebo or 54mg quercetin. Blood pressure, reactive hyperemia index (RHI), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble endothelial-derived adhesion molecules, parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, and markers of antioxidant status were measured before the meal and at 2 and 4h postprandially. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly over time, but were not affected by treatment (placebo or quercetin). During both treatments, serum endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine slightly decreased over time, whereas RHI increased. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and insulin significantly increased, whereas HDL cholesterol and glucose significantly decreased over time, again with no effect of treatment. Plasma α-tocopherol significantly increased, and plasma Trolox equivalent antioxidative capacity decreased over time. Serum hs-CRP, plasma retinol, and β-carotene did not significantly change during the trial. In hypertensive patients, a high-energy meal did not lead to postprandial impairment of vascular endothelial function. Postprandial metabolic responses induced by the challenge, such as lipemia and insulinemia, were not attenuated by the concomitant ingestion of quercetin. This trial was registered at www.germanctr.de/ and http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/ as DRKS00000555.

High serum carotenoids are associated with lower risk for developing elevated serum alanine aminotransferase among Japanese subjects: the Mikkabi cohort study

Many recent studies have shown that antioxidant vitamins and/or carotenoids may reduce liver disease, but this association has not been well established with thorough longitudinal cohort studies. The objective of this study was to longitudinally investigate whether serum carotenoids at baseline are associated with the risk of developing elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) among Japanese subjects. We conducted a follow-up study of 1073 males and females aged between 30 and 79 years at baseline from the Mikkabi prospective cohort study. Those who participated in the baseline study and completed follow-up surveys were examined longitudinally. Exclusions included excessive alcohol consumption (≥60 g alcohol/d), hepatitis B and C and having a history of medication use for liver disease. A cohort of 213 males and 574 females free of elevated serum ALT (>30 IU/ml) at baseline was studied. Over a mean follow-up period of 7·4 (sd 3·1) years, thirty-one males and forty-nine females developed new elevated serum ALT. After adjustments for confounders, the hazard ratios for elevated serum ALT in the highest tertiles of basal serum β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and total provitamin A carotenoids against the lowest tertiles were 0·43 (95 % CI 0·22, 0·81), 0·51 (CI 0·27, 0·94) and 0·52 (CI 0·28, 0·97), respectively. For α-carotene and lycopene, borderline reduced risks were also observed; however, these were not significant. Our results further support the hypothesis that antioxidant carotenoids, especially provitamin A carotenoids, might help prevent earlier pathogenesis of non-alcoholic liver disease in Japanese subjects.

Validity and Reliability of Field Resonance Raman Spectroscopy for Assessing Carotenoid Status.

Carotenoids in fruit and vegetables are important for health, yet determining dietary intake is challenging. This study aimed to establish the validity and reliability of a portable field Resonance Raman Spectroscope (RRS) in reflecting human carotenoid status. A diagnostic accuracy study involving 81 healthy adults was conducted. The RRS was the index test. Serum carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and consumption of fruit and vegetables were primary and secondary reference standards respectively. Data were collected in two seasons. Validity was determined by the correlation between the RRS score and the two reference standards, and by diagnostic statistics comparing dichotomised RRS scores and serum β-carotene. Reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation from repeated observations within subjects and within repeated measurements using three devices. The RRS score was significantly correlated with the individual and summed serum carotenoids (r range 0.45 to 0.78; p always <0.001), and with fruit and vegetable intake (season one: r=0.38, p=0.016; season two: r=0.42, p<0.001). Sensitivity: 87.5%; specificity: 75.5%; positive and negative predictive values: 35.0% and 97.6% respectively. Within- and between-device reliability was high (r=0.98, p=0.004 and r=0.97, p=0.009 respectively). The RRS field model achieved criterion validity for assessing carotenoid status and fruit and vegetable intake, and also demonstrated reliability. It thus holds promise for the screening of carotenoid status and fruit and vegetable intake.

Long-term trends in the metabolic profile test results in German Holstein dairy herds in Thuringia, Germany

Systematic metabolic profile tests at regular intervals provide important information to meet the increasing challenges in managing dairy herds. This study aimed at deriving long-term trends from the results of metabolic profile tests in Thuringian German Holstein dairy herds. Blood and urine samples were collected from 710 fresh, high yielding, and dry cows, respectively, to monitor 13 parameters including the serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), bilirubin, β-carotene and urea concentrations, the serum of aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities, the serum concentrations of the minerals calcium, inorganic phosphate and selenium, the urine potassium and sodium concentrations, and the net acid-base excretion (NABE). A total of 17,070 group samples from 103 herds were collected during 1997-2014. Period prevalence of aberrant groups was calculated for each parameter and year accordingly. Using a linear regression model, a long-term trend of the period prevalence was determined. To account for the 15 aberrancies possible for each stage of lactation, seven significant trends were found for dry, nine for fresh, and ten for lactating cows. A decrease of the period prevalence was detected for increased NEFA, for low serum β-carotene, selenium, inorganic phosphate, and urea concentrations, for low sodium and high potassium urine concentrations, and for increased NABE. In contrast, period prevalence increased significantly for cases with increased serum aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities, increased bilirubin concentration, and low NABE. Metabolic profile tests enable a description of the herd health status using objectively measured data as a basis for the implementation of measures to optimize herd management to improve the herd health status.

Biofortified yellow cassava and vitamin A status of Kenyan children: a randomized controlled trial

Whereas conventional white cassava roots are devoid of provitamin A, biofortified yellow varieties are naturally rich in β-carotene, the primary provitamin A carotenoid. We assessed the effect of consuming yellow cassava on serum retinol concentration in Kenyan schoolchildren with marginal vitamin A status. We randomly allocated 342 children aged 5-13 y to receive daily, 6 d/wk, for 18.5 wk 1) white cassava and placebo supplement (control group), 2) provitamin A-rich cassava (mean content: 1460 μg β-carotene/d) and placebo supplement (yellow cassava group), and 3) white cassava and β-carotene supplement (1053 μg/d; β-carotene supplement group). The primary outcome was serum retinol concentration; prespecified secondary outcomes were hemoglobin concentration and serum concentrations of β-carotene, retinol-binding protein, and prealbumin. Groups were compared by using ANCOVA, adjusting for inflammation, baseline serum concentrations of retinol and β-carotene, and stratified design. The baseline prevalence of serum retinol concentration <0.7 μmol/L and inflammation was 27% and 24%, respectively. For children in the control, yellow cassava, and β-carotene supplement groups, the mean daily intake of cassava was 378, 371, and 378 g, respectively, and the total daily supply of provitamin A and vitamin A from diet and supplements was equivalent to 22, 220, and 175 μg retinol, respectively. Both yellow cassava and β-carotene supplementation increased serum retinol concentration by 0.04 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.00, 0.07 μmol/L); correspondingly, serum β-carotene concentration increased by 524% (448%, 608%) and 166% (134%, 202%). We found no effect on hemoglobin concentration or serum concentrations of retinol-binding protein and prealbumin. In our study population, consumption of yellow cassava led to modest gains in serum retinol concentration and a large increase in β-carotene concentration. It can be an efficacious, new approach to improve vitamin A status. This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01614483.

Vitamin A status and its relationship with serum zinc concentrations among pregnant women who have previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

To evaluate vitamin A status and its relationship with serum zinc concentrations among pregnant women who had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), correlating these measures with anthropometric maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes. An analytical prospective longitudinal study was conducted at a clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between March 3, 2008, and March 30, 2012, among women with singleton pregnancies who had previously undergone RYGB. Participants received daily oral supplementation with 5000 IU retinol and 15 mg zinc. Variables assessed included vitamin A status (serum retinol and β-carotene; gestational night blindness), serum zinc concentration, maternal anthropometry, complications during pregnancy, and perinatal outcomes. Overall, 30 women participated. In all trimesters, more than 60% had inadequate serum levels of retinol or β-carotene. Night blindness was reported by 17 (57%) women in each trimester. Only 6 (20%) women had zinc inadequacy in the first and third trimesters. No significant association was observed between serum retinol or zinc and maternal anthropometry and birth weight. Vitamin A deficiency was associated with urinary tract infection (first trimester, P=0.020) and dumping syndrome (third trimester, P=0.013). Despite RYGB and nutritional deficiencies (especially of vitamin A and zinc) increasing risks during pregnancy, there was no apparent fetal compromise when considering the analysis of birth weight and length of pregnancy at birth.