Population determinants of serum lycopene concentrations in the United States: data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994

Potential Benefits of Lycopene Consumption: Rationale for Using It as an Adjuvant Treatment for Malaria Patients and in Several Diseases

Malaria is a disease that affects thousands of people around the world every year. Its pathogenesis is associated with the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and lower levels of micronutrients and antioxidants. Patients under drug treatment have high levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in the body tissues, which limits the use of these drugs. Therefore, several studies have suggested that RONS inhibition may represent an adjuvant therapeutic strategy in the treatment of these patients by increasing the antioxidant capacity of the host. In this sense, supplementation with antioxidant compounds such as zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E has been suggested as part of the treatment. Among dietary antioxidants, lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant among the main carotenoids. This review aimed to describe the main mechanisms inducing oxidative stress during malaria, highlighting the production of RONS as a defense mechanism against the infection induced by the ischemia-reperfusion syndrome, the metabolism of the parasite, and the metabolism of antimalarial drugs. Furthermore, the effects of lycopene on several diseases in which oxidative stress is implicated as a cause are outlined, providing information about its mechanism of action, and providing an evidence-based justification for its supplementation in malaria.

A narrative review on the potential of tomato and lycopene for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

Oxidative stress is a major factor in aging and is implicated in the pathogenesis of tumors, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer Disease (AD). Bioactive constituents of tomato as polyphenols and carotenoids, among which lycopene (LYC) are effective in reducing markers of oxidative stress, and appear to have a protective modulator role on the pathogenetic mechanisms, cognitive symptoms and behavioral manifestations of these diseases in cell cultures and animal models. Epidemiological evidence indicates a consistent association between the intake of tomatoes and reduced cardiovascular and neoplastic risk. LYC deficiency is common in elders and AD patients and it is strongly predictive of mortality and poor cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Dietary intake of tomatoes seems to be more effective than tomato/LYC supplementation. Limited evidence from human intervention trials suggests that increasing tomato intake, besides improving CV markers, enhances cognitive performances. In this narrative review, we analyze the existing evidence on the beneficial effects of tomatoes on AD-related processes or risk factors. Results support the development of promising nutritional strategies to increase the levels of tomato consumption for the prevention or treatment of AD and other dementias. Extensive well-structured research, however, is mandatory to confirm the neuroprotective effects of tomato/LYC in humans.

A longitudinal study of pre-pregnancy antioxidant levels and subsequent perinatal outcomes in black and white women: The CARDIA Study

BACKGROUND

Although protective associations between dietary antioxidants and pregnancy outcomes have been reported, randomized controlled trials of supplementation have been almost uniformly negative. A possible explanation is that supplementation during pregnancy may be too late to have a beneficial effect. Therefore, we examined the relationship between antioxidant levels prior to pregnancy and birth outcomes.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Serum carotenoids and tocopherols were assayed in fasting specimens at 1985-86 (baseline) and 1992-1993 (year 7) from 1,215 participants in Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. An interviewer-administered quantitative food-frequency questionnaire assessed dietary intake of antioxidants. Pregnancy outcome was self-reported at exams every 2 to 5 years. Linear and logistic regression modeling was used to assess relationships of low birthweight (LBW; <2,500 g), continuous infant birthweight, preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks) and length of gestation with antioxidant levels adjusted for confounders, as well as interactions with age and race.

RESULTS

In adjusted models, lycopene was associated with higher odds of LBW (adjusted odds ratio for top quartile, 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.14, 3.92) and shorter gestational age (adjusted beta coefficient -0.50 weeks). Dietary intake of antioxidants was associated with lower birthweight, while supplement use of vitamin C was associated with higher gestational age (0.41 weeks, 0.01, 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher preconception antioxidant levels are not associated with better birth outcomes.

Prebiotic Effect of Lycopene and Dark Chocolate on Gut Microbiome with Systemic Changes in Liver Metabolism, Skeletal Muscles and Skin in Moderately Obese Persons

Lycopene rich food and dark chocolate are among the best-documented products with a broad health benefit. This study explored the systemic effect of lycopene and dark chocolate (DC) on gut microbiota, blood, liver metabolism, skeletal muscle tissue oxygenation and skin. 30 volunteers were recruited for this trial, 15 women and 15 men with a mean age of 55 ± 5.7 years and with moderate obesity, 30 < BMI < 35 kg/m². They were randomized and divided into five equal interventional groups: three received different formulations of lycopene, one of them with a 7 mg daily dose and two with 30 mg; another group was given 10 g of DC with 7 mg lycopene embedded into its matrix, and the last group received 10 g DC. The trial was double-blinded for the three lycopene groups and separately for the 2 DC groups; the trial lasted for 1 month. By the end of the trial there were dose-dependent changes in the gut microbiota profile in all three lycopene groups with an increase of relative abundance of, e.g., Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium longum. This was also accompanied by dose-dependent changes in the blood, liver metabolism, skeletal muscle and skin parameters. Consumption of DC resulted in increased relative abundance of, e.g., Lactobacillus and a reduction of corneocyte exfoliation. This is the first study which reports the prebiotic potential of lycopene and DC.

Lycopene presence in facial skin corneocytes and sebum and its association with circulating lycopene isomer profile: Effects of age and dietary supplementation

Lycopene is a dietary antioxidant known to prevent skin photodamage. This study aimed to examine age-dependent presence of this carotenoid on the surface of the facial skin and in the serum as well as to measure the same parameters during supplementation with lycopene. Serum samples and samples from facial skin surface were obtained from 60 young (under 25 years old) and 60 middle-aged (over 50 years old) volunteers. Similar samples were taken from 15 middle-aged subjects during 4-week supplementation with lycopene (7 mg/day). Serum lycopene levels and isomer profiles were analyzed by HPLC. Lycopene in desquamated corneocytes and the sebum from facial skin surface was determined using lycopene-specific fluorescent monoclonal antibodies. The results demonstrated that there was no age-related difference in serum lycopene levels, but a higher proportion of (all-E)-lycopene was detected in the "young" group (37.5% vs 26.2% in the "middle-aged" group; p < 0.0001). "Young" volunteers also had a higher lycopene level in both corneocytes (p = 0.0071) and the sebum (p = 0.0139) from the skin surface. Supplementation with lycopene resulted in a sharp increase of lycopene concentrations in both serum and skin surface samples. There was also a clear change in the pattern of lycopene isomers in the serum manifested by a significant increase in the proportion of (all-E)-lycopene (from 22.1% to 44.0% after supplementation, p < 0.0001). It can be concluded that dietary supplementation with lycopene results in its accumulation in the serum and skin. This process is accompanied by significant changes in the circulating lycopene isomer profile which becomes similar to that typical for young individuals.

Beneficial effects and potential risks of tomato consumption for human health: An overview

Tomato and its derived products have a very interesting nutritional value in addition to prominent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Tomatoes are generally quite safe to eat. However, overall consumption varies from individual to individual. Indeed, either beneficial or harmful effects of plants or their derived products are closely related to quality, including the presence of biologically active compounds. On the other hand, the synthesis and accumulation of these bioactive molecules depends on many other factors, such as environmental conditions. In this sense, this review briefly highlights the relationship between the chemistry of tomato and its derived products and their beneficial or harmful effects on human health, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn, allergies, kidney and cardiovascular disorders, prostate cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lycopenodermia, body aches, arthritis, and urinary problems.

Each meal matters in the exposome: Biological and community considerations in fast-food-socioeconomic associations

Advances in omics and microbiome technology have transformed the ways in which the biological consequences of life in the 'ecological theatre' can be visualized. Exposome science examines the total accumulated environmental exposures (both detrimental and beneficial) as a means to understand the response of the 'total organism to the total environment' over time. The repetitive stimulation of compensatory physiological responses (immune, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine) in response to stress - including sources of stress highly relevant to socioeconomic disadvantage - may lead to metabolic dysregulation and cellular damage, ultimately influencing behavior and disease. The collective toll of physiological wear and tear, known as allostatic load, is not paid equally throughout developed societies. It is paid in excess by the disadvantaged. In the context of fast-food, human and experimental research demonstrates that the biological response to a single fast-food-style meal - especially as mediated by the microbiome- is a product of the person's total lived experience, including the ability to buffer the fast-food meal-induced promotion of inflammation and oxidative stress. Emerging research indicates that each meal and its nutritional context matters. As we discuss, equal weekly visits to major fast-food outlets by the affluent and deprived do not translate into biological equivalency. Hence, debate concerning reducing fast-food outlets through policy - especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods where they are prevalent - requires a biological context. The fast-food establishment and fast-food meal - as they represent matters of food justice and press upon non-communicable disease risk - are far more than physical structures and collections of carbohydrate, fat, sugar and sodium.

Plasma Carotenoids, Tocopherols, and Retinol in the Age-Stratified (35-74 Years) General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Six European Countries

Blood micronutrient status may change with age. We analyzed plasma carotenoids, α-/γ-tocopherol, and retinol and their associations with age, demographic characteristics, and dietary habits (assessed by a short food frequency questionnaire) in a cross-sectional study of 2118 women and men (age-stratified from 35 to 74 years) of the general population from six European countries. Higher age was associated with lower lycopene and α-/β-carotene and higher β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, α-/γ-tocopherol, and retinol levels. Significant correlations with age were observed for lycopene (r = -0.248), α-tocopherol (r = 0.208), α-carotene (r = -0.112), and β-cryptoxanthin (r = 0.125; all p < 0.001). Age was inversely associated with lycopene (-6.5% per five-year age increase) and this association remained in the multiple regression model with the significant predictors (covariables) being country, season, cholesterol, gender, smoking status, body mass index (BMI (kg/m²)), and dietary habits. The positive association of α-tocopherol with age remained when all covariates including cholesterol and use of vitamin supplements were included (1.7% vs. 2.4% per five-year age increase). The association of higher β-cryptoxanthin with higher age was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for fruit consumption, whereas the inverse association of α-carotene with age remained in the fully adjusted multivariable model (-4.8% vs. -3.8% per five-year age increase). We conclude from our study that age is an independent predictor of plasma lycopene, α-tocopherol, and α-carotene.

Cardiovascular benefits of lycopene: fantasy or reality?

Epidemiological evidence indicates that high consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as CVD and cancer. Such potential benefits are often ascribed to high concentrations of lycopene present in tomato products. Mainly from the results of in vitro studies, potential biological mechanisms by which carotenoids could protect against heart disease and cancer have been suggested. These include cholesterol reduction, inhibition of oxidation processes, modulation of inflammatory markers, enhanced intercellular communication, inhibition of tumourigenesis and induction of apoptosis, metabolism to retinoids and antiangiogenic effects. However, with regard to CVD, results from intervention studies gave mixed results. Over fifty human intervention trials with lycopene supplements or tomato-based products have been conducted to date, the majority being underpowered. Many showed some beneficial effects but mostly on non-established cardiovascular risk markers such as lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidative damage, platelet activation and inflammatory markers. Only a few studies showed improvement in lipid profiles, C reactive protein and blood pressure. However, recent findings indicate that lycopene could exert cardiovascular protection by lowering HDL-associated inflammation, as well as by modulating HDL functionality towards an antiatherogenic phenotype. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicate that lycopene could modulate T lymphocyte activity, which would also inhibit atherogenic processes and confer cardiovascular protection. These findings also suggest that HDL functionality deserves further consideration as a potential early marker for CVD risk, modifiable by dietary factors such as lycopene.

Whole food versus supplement: comparing the clinical evidence of tomato intake and lycopene supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. A link between diet and CVD is well established, with dietary modification a foundational component of CVD prevention and management. With the discovery of bioactive components beyond the essential nutrients of foods, a new era of nutritional, medical, botanical, physiologic, and analytical sciences has unfolded. The ability to identify, isolate, purify, and deliver single components has expanded the dietary supplement business and health opportunity for consumers. Lycopene is an example of a food component that has attracted attention from scientists as well as food, agriculture, and dietary supplement industries. A major question, however, is whether delivering lycopene through a supplement source is as effective as or more effective than consuming lycopene through whole food sources, specifically the tomato, which is the richest source of lycopene in the Western diet. In this review, we examined clinical trials comparing the efficacy of lycopene supplements with tomato products on intermediate CVD risk factors including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, blood pressure, and lipid metabolism. Overall, the present review highlights the need for more targeted research; however, at present, the available clinical research supports consuming tomato-based foods as a first-line approach to cardiovascular health. With the exception of blood pressure management where lycopene supplementation was favored, tomato intake provided more favorable results on cardiovascular risk endpoints than did lycopene supplementation. Indeed, future research that is well designed, clinically focused, mechanistically revealing, and relevant to human intake will undoubtedly add to the growing body of knowledge unveiling the promise of tomatoes and/or lycopene supplementation as an integral component of a heart-healthy diet.

Race-ethnicity is a strong correlate of circulating fat-soluble nutrient concentrations in a representative sample of the U.S. population

Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors exert important influences on nutritional status; however, information on their association with biomarkers of fat-soluble nutrients is limited, particularly in a representative sample of adults. Serum or plasma concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E, carotenes, xanthophylls, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], SFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs, and total fatty acids (tFAs) were measured in adults (aged ≥ 20 y) during all or part of NHANES 2003-2006. Simple and multiple linear regression models were used to assess 5 sociodemographic variables (age, sex, race-ethnicity, education, and income) and 5 lifestyle behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, physical activity, and supplement use) and their relation to biomarker concentrations. Adjustment for total serum cholesterol and lipid-altering drug use was added to the full regression model. Adjustment for latitude and season was added to the full model for 25(OH)D. Based on simple linear regression, race-ethnicity, BMI, and supplement use were significantly related to all fat-soluble biomarkers. Sociodemographic variables as a group explained 5-17% of biomarker variability, whereas together, sociodemographic and lifestyle variables explained 22-23% [25(OH)D, vitamin E, xanthophylls], 17% (vitamin A), 15% (MUFAs), 10-11% (SFAs, carotenes, tFAs), and 6% (PUFAs) of biomarker variability. Although lipid adjustment explained additional variability for all biomarkers except for 25(OH)D, it appeared to be largely independent of sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. After adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and lipid-related variables, major differences in biomarkers were associated with race-ethnicity (from -44 to 57%), smoking (up to -25%), supplement use (up to 21%), and BMI (up to -15%). Latitude and season attenuated some race-ethnicity differences. Of the sociodemographic and lifestyle variables examined, with or without lipid adjustment, most fat-soluble nutrient biomarkers were significantly associated with race-ethnicity.

Race-ethnic, family income, and education differentials in nutritional and lipid biomarkers in US children and adolescents: NHANES 2003-2006

BACKGROUND

Children from ethnic minority and low-income families in the United States have higher rates of poor health and higher mortality rates. Diet, an acknowledged correlate of health, may mediate the known race-ethnic and socioeconomic differentials in the health of US children.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to examine the independent association of race-ethnicity, family income, and education with nutritional and lipid biomarkers in US children.

DESIGN

We used data from the NHANES 2003-2006 to examine serum concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, C, B-6, and B-12; serum concentrations of folate, carotenoids, and lipids; and dietary intakes of corresponding nutrients for 2-19-y-old children (n = ~2700-7500). Multiple covariate-adjusted regression methods were used to examine the independent and joint associations of race-ethnicity, family income, and education with biomarker status.

RESULTS

Non-Hispanic blacks had lower mean serum concentrations of vitamins A, B-6, and E and α-carotene than did non-Hispanic whites. Both non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican Americans had higher mean serum vitamin C, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein + zeaxanthin but lower folate and vitamin D concentrations compared with non-Hispanic whites. In comparison with non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks were less likely to have low serum HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides. Family income and education predicted few biomarker or dietary outcomes, and the observed associations were weak. Moreover, modification of race-ethnic differentials by income or education (or vice versa) was noted for very few biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

Race-ethnicity, but not family income or education, was a strong independent predictor of serum nutrient concentrations and dietary micronutrient intakes in US children and adolescents.

Low-serum carotenoid concentrations and carotenoid interactions predict mortality in US adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Evidence regarding the health benefits of carotenoids is controversial. Effects of serum carotenoids and their interactions on mortality have not been examined in a representative sample of US adults. The objective was to examine whether serum carotenoid concentrations predict mortality among US adults. The study consisted of adults aged ≥20 years enrolled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994, with measured serum carotenoids and mortality follow-up through 2006 (N = 13,293). Outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality. In adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, participants in the lowest total carotenoid quartile (<1.01 μmol/L) had significantly higher all-cause mortality (mortality rate ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.65; P = .005) than those in the highest total carotenoid quartile (>1.75 μmol/L). For α-carotene, the highest quartile (>0.11 μmol/L) had the lowest all-cause mortality rates (P < .001). For lycopene, the middle 2 quartiles (0.29-0.58 μmol/L) had the lowest all-cause mortality rates (P = .047). Analyses with continuous carotenoids confirmed associations of serum total carotenoids, α-carotene, and lycopene with all-cause mortality (P < .001). In a random survival forest analysis, very low lycopene was the carotenoid most strongly predictive of all-cause mortality, followed by very low total carotenoids. α-Carotene/β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene/lutein+zeaxanthin and lycopene/lutein+zeaxanthin interactions were significantly related to all-cause mortality (P < .05). Low α-carotene was the only carotenoid associated with cardiovascular disease mortality (P = .002). No carotenoids were significantly associated with cancer mortality. Very low serum total carotenoid, α-carotene, and lycopene concentrations may be risk factors for mortality, but carotenoids show interaction effects on mortality. Interventions of balanced carotenoid combinations are needed for confirmation.

Tomato Consumption and Health: Emerging Benefits

Tomatoes and tomato products are one of the most familiar vegetables in the American diet. Quantitatively, they are the most consumed nonstarchy vegetable and are the most significant source of dietary lycopene; a powerful antioxidant that has greater bioavailability after cooking and processing (eg, canning). A large body of research supports an inverse relationship between consuming tomatoes and tomato products and risk of certain cancers, while emerging research is exploring the protective relationship between tomato intake and a host of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, ultraviolet light—induced skin damage, and cognitive dysfunction. Initial studies of tomato consumption and disease risk reduction focused on lycopene and antioxidant activity. More recent hypotheses recognize the advantages of the whole tomato; and hence, research on the role of tomato products in health and disease risk reduction extends beyond antioxidant function to include other protective mechanisms such as antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory functions. Increasing daily vegetable intake in the American diet offers the potential to yield significant health benefits. In addition to the specific benefits of tomato consumption, encouraging greater tomato and tomato product consumption may help increase overall vegetable intake because of their wide availability, well-established acceptability, cost-effectiveness, and convenience of multiple forms. Leveraging emerging science about tomatoes and tomato products may be one simple and effective strategy to help individuals increase vegetable intake, leading to improved overall eating patterns, and ultimately, better health.

Absorption estimates improve the validity of the relationship between dietary and serum lycopene

OBJECTIVE

Studies show low correlations between dietary intake and serum concentrations of lycopene, which make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of dietary interventions with this phytonutrient. We hypothesized that 1) combining food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and 3-d diet records (3D-DRs) by the triads method would improve the validity of this relation and 2) correcting dietary information for differences in lycopene absorption from food matrices would further improve validity.

METHODS

We measured dietary intakes of lycopene from 49 adults by 3D-DR and FFQ. Serum lycopene was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Lycopene-containing foods were given absorption factors based on literature and laboratory values. Associations between dietary and serum lycopene were modeled using multiple regression. The triads method was used for validation of relations among FFQ, 3D-DR, and serum lycopene.

RESULTS

Raw data showed low correlations between dietary and serum lycopene (r=+0.15 for 3D-DR, +0.35 for FFQ). Mathematical modeling showed that the 3D-DR and FFQ methods must be used to collect accurate dietary information for lycopene. Validity coefficients calculated by the triads method were +0.34 for 3D-DR and +0.78 for FFQ. Correcting for absorption increased the validity coefficient to +0.72 for 3D-DR and from +0.45 to +0.66 for serum lycopene.

CONCLUSION

The relation between dietary intake and serum concentrations of lycopene and other carotenoids can be improved by collecting 3D-DR and FFQ data and by adjusting dietary information for nutrient absorption.

Socioeconomic status, antioxidant micronutrients, and correlates of oxidative damage: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether socioeconomic status (SES) (education, occupation, income), is associated both cross sectionally and prospectively with circulating concentrations of a) two correlates of oxidative damage, F(2)-isoprostanes (F(2)-IsoPs) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT); and b) antioxidant nutrients (ascorbic acid and carotenoids). We also examine whether the proposed associations are mediated by smoking, alcohol consumption, and depression. Risk for chronic disease increases with decreasing SES. One pathway by which low SES might influence disease risk is by promoting oxidative stress.

METHODS

Data from 1278 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study were used to examine the association of SES with oxidation correlates and antioxidant nutrients. Education, occupation, health behaviors, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed during Years 0, 10, and 15 of the study; income and depression were evaluated at Years 10 and 15. F(2)-isoprostanes were measured at Year 15, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) at Years 0 and 10, carotenoids at Years 0 and 15, and ascorbic acid at Years 10 and 15.

RESULTS

Cross sectionally, oxidation correlates decreased and antioxidant nutrients increased with increasing SES, estimated in several ways, independent of age, sex, race, and BMI. Prospectively, lower Year 0 education and occupation predicted greater increases in GGT and greater decreases in carotenoids over 10 to 15 years. Prospective associations of Year 0 SES with Year 15 carotenoids were independent of Year 15 SES. Smoking, drinking, and depression symptoms partially mediated these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating oxidation correlates increase and antioxidant nutrients decrease with decreasing SES, both cross sectionally and prospectively.

Dietary predictors of serum total carotene in low-income women living in São Paulo, south-east Brazil

Objective

Dietary intake and nutritional status of antioxidant vitamins have been reported to protect against some cancers. The objective of the present study was to assess the correlations between serum levels of carotenoids (including β-, α- and γ-carotene), lycopene, retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, and dietary intakes estimated by an FFQ, among low-income women in the Brazilian Investigation into Nutrition and Cervical Cancer Prevention (BRINCA) study.

Design

Cross-sectional study of data for 918 women aged 21–65 years participating in the BRINCA study in São Paulo city. Multiple linear regression models were used with serum nutrient levels as the dependent variable and dietary intake levels as the independent variable, adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

In energy-adjusted analyses, the intakes of dark green and deep yellow vegetables and fruits (partial R2 = 4·8 %), total fruits and juices (partial R2 = 1·8 %), vegetables and fruits (partial R2 = 1·8 %), carrots (partial R2 = 1·4 %) and citrus fruits and juices only (partial R2 = 0·8 %) were positively correlated only with serum total carotene levels, after adjusting for serum total cholesterol concentration, age, hospital attended, smoking status, BMI and presence of cervical lesions. Multiple-adjusted serum levels of carotenoids were positively correlated with intake quartiles of dark green and deep yellow vegetables and fruits and total fruits and juices independent of smoking status.

Conclusions

The intake of specific fruits and vegetables was an independent predictor of serum total carotene levels in low-income women living in São Paulo.

The relationship between total plasma carotenoids and risk factors for chronic disease among middle-aged and older men

Individual plasma carotenoids have been associated with various chronic diseases but little is known about the relationship between total plasma carotenoids and risk factors for chronic diseases. In the Physicians' Health Study, we examined 492 men free of CVD and cancer for the relationship between total plasma carotenoids (the sum of α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, lutein and β-cryptoxanthin) and a wide variety of factors that predict chronic disease. Multivariate linear and logistic regression was performed to calculate parameter estimates (95 % CI) and OR (95 % CI) for total plasma carotenoids. In linear regression models, BMI, hypertension, alcohol intake and plasma levels of each lipid parameter and α-tocopherol significantly predicted levels of total plasma carotenoids. Upon adjustment for multiple chronic disease risk factors, the OR for levels of total plasma carotenoids greater than or equal to the median ( ≥ 1·301 μmol/l) was statistically significant for current smoking (OR 0·21; 95 % CI 0·06, 0·77), weekly alcohol ingestion (OR 2·30; 95 % CI 1·06, 4·99), daily alcohol ingestion (OR 2·46; 95 % CI 1·29, 4·67), each 100 mg/l increase in total cholesterol (OR 0·73; 95 % CI 0·58, 0·91), LDL-cholesterol (OR 1·48; 95 % CI 1·17, 1·89) and HDL-cholesterol (OR 1·58; 95 % CI 1·26, 1·99), each 100 mg/ml increase in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (OR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·53, 0·93) and each 10 μmol/l increase in α-tocopherol (OR 1·33; 95 % CI 1·12, 1·57), using logistic regression. Few lifestyle and clinical risk factors appear to be related to levels of total plasma carotenoids; however, levels of biomarkers such as plasma lipids and α-tocopherol may be strongly related.

Neighborhood Deprivation is associated with lower levels of serum carotenoids among adults participating in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

This study tested the hypothesis that neighborhood deprivation will be associated with lower levels of serum carotenoids in comparison with wealthy residential areas.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, nationally representative survey data were used to assess the relationship between neighborhood level socioeconomic status and serum carotenoids.

SUBJECTS

Seventeen thousand two participants aged 17 years and older from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were linked with 1990 census data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Multivariate linear regression was used to model the association of serum carotenoids and neighborhood deprivation, which is a summary index of 11 indicators for tract level socioeconomic status. Adjustments are made for individual level age, sex, years of education, household income, employment, race/ethnicity, body mass index, serum cotinine, alcohol use, physical activity, and serum cholesterol.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis revealed a negative and statistically significant association between high levels of neighborhood deprivation and beta-carotene (beta=-2.98 microg/dL [-0.06 micromol/L], P=0.00), alpha-carotene (beta=-1.28 microg/dL [-0.02 micromol/L], P=<0.0001), lutein/zeaxanthin (-1.69 microg/dL [-0.03 micromol/L], P=0.00, beta-cryptoxanthin (beta=-1.34 microg/dL [-0.02 micromol/L], P<0.0001), and total carotenoids (beta=-8.20 microg/dL, P=<0.0001). Lycopene was not related to neighborhood deprivation. Adjusted mean levels of carotenoids for high deprivation neighborhoods were lower than neighborhoods with low deprivation: beta-carotene=8.72 microg/dL [0.16 micromol/L] vs 20.64 microg/dL [0.38 micromol/L], alpha-carotene=0.44 microg/dL [0.008 micromol/L] vs 5.56 microg/dL [0.10 micromol/L], lutein/zeaxanthin=13.79 microg/dL [0.24 micromol/L] vs 20.55 microg/dL [0.36 micromol/L], beta-cryptoxanthin=4.57 microg/dL [0.08 micromol/L] vs 9.93 microg/dL [0.18 micromol/L], lycopene=22.07 microg/dL [0.41 micromol/L] vs 25.63 microg/dL [0.48 micromol/L], and total=49.56 microg/dL vs 82.36 microg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

Neighborhood deprivation was associated with lower serum levels of carotenoids. There was a substantial disparity between low deprivation and high deprivation residential areas with respect to fruit and vegetable intake.

Long-term strict raw food diet is associated with favourable plasma beta-carotene and low plasma lycopene concentrations in Germans

Dietary carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Raw food diets are predominantly plant-based diets that are practised with the intention of preventing chronic diseases by virtue of their high content of beneficial nutritive substances such as carotenoids. However, the benefit of a long-term adherence to these diets is controversial since little is known about their adequacy. Therefore, we investigated vitamin A and carotenoid status and related food sources in raw food diet adherents in Germany. Dietary vitamin A, carotenoid intake, plasma retinol and plasma carotenoids were determined in 198 (ninety-two male and 106 female) strict raw food diet adherents in a cross-sectional study. Raw food diet adherents consumed on average 95 weight% of their total food intake as raw food (approximately 1800 g/d), mainly fruits. Raw food diet adherents had an intake of 1301 retinol activity equivalents/d and 16.7 mg/d carotenoids. Plasma vitamin A status was normal in 82% of the subjects (> or = 1.05 micromol/l) and 63% had beta-carotene concentrations associated with chronic disease prevention (> or = 0.88 micromol/l). In 77% of subjects the lycopene status was below the reference values for average healthy populations (< 0.45 micromol/l). Fat contained in fruits, vegetables and nuts and oil consumption was a significant dietary determinant of plasma carotenoid concentrations (beta-carotene r 0.284; P < 0.05; lycopene r 0.168; P = 0.024). Long-term raw food diet adherents showed normal vitamin A status and achieve favourable plasma beta-carotene concentrations as recommended for chronic disease prevention, but showed low plasma lycopene levels. Plasma carotenoids in raw food adherents are predicted mainly by fat intake.

Physiological dose of lycopene suppressed oxidative stress and enhanced serum levels of immunoglobulin M in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a possible role in the prevention of long-term complications

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant effects of lycopene in physiological doses and its possible effects on the immune response in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 35 patients with T2DM of both sexes aged 54+/-9 yr were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted for 2 months. After a 2-week lycopene-free diet washout period, patients were allocated to either lycopene supplementation group (10 mg/day) (no.=16) or placebo group (no.=19), which were age- and sex matched. Patients were instructed to keep their diet and physical activity as unchanged as possible.

RESULTS

While dietary intake of energy and body weight did not change, the ratio of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) to malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly in the lycopene group compared to the placebo group (p=0.007). Though a statistically significant increase in serum concentrations of lycopene (p<0.001) was not accompanied by enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity response, a significant negative correlation was found between serum levels of lycopene and immunoglobulin (Ig)G (r=-0.338, p=0.008). Interestingly, variations of serum levels of lycopene directly correlated with those of IgM (r=0.466, p=0.005). There was an insignificant decrement in serum anti-oxidized LDL IgG levels in the lycopene group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lycopene, probably by increasing TAC and inhibiting MDA-LDL formation, may attenuate T cell-dependent adaptive (pro-atherogenic) immune response. Meanwhile, with enhancement of innate immunity and hence prevention of ox-LDL uptake by macrophage and foam cell formation, lycopene may be effective in prevention of long-term diabetic complications, notably cardiovascular disease.

Ethnicity is an independent correlate of biomarkers of micronutrient intake and status in American adults

Diet may be among the factors that mediate the acknowledged ethnicity and socioeconomic differentials in health. Biomarkers of nutritional exposure avoid reliance on biased self-reports of diet and allow an objective assessment of dietary differentials associated with ethnicity and socioeconomic position. We used data from the NHANES III (n = 13113) and NHANES 1999-2002 (n = 7246) to examine ethnic, education, and income differentials in serum concentrations of nutrients of putative public health importance (vitamins C, D, and E, folate, carotenoids, selenium, and ferritin) in U.S. adults. Multiple regression methods were used to adjust for covariates and complex survey design to examine these associations. The serum beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein + zeaxanthin concentrations, adjusted for education and income, were higher in nonwhites (P < 0.0001) relative to non-Hispanic whites. Non-Hispanic blacks had lower serum vitamins C and D, folate, and selenium concentrations relative to non-Hispanic-whites. The biomarker profile (except vitamin D, and folate and ferritin in women) of Mexican-Americans was comparable or better relative to non-Hispanic-whites. Ethnicity associations with mean biomarker concentrations generally paralleled these associations with the proportion of the population at risk of marginal concentrations. Education was an independent positive predictor of serum concentrations of several carotenoids and vitamin C (P Collapse

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MESH Headings

• Adult
• Biomarkers/blood
• Black People
• Ethnicity
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Mexican Americans
• Micronutrients/blood
• Nutritional Status
• Regression Analysis
• Socioeconomic Factors
• United States
• Black or African American

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Grants

• CA108274 NCI NIH HHS
• Intramural NIH HHS

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Affiliation(s)

Ashima K Kant Department of Family, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, Queens College of the City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
Barry I Graubard

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Acculturation in the United States Is Associated with Lower Serum Carotenoid Levels: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

This study examined the association of acculturation in the United States and serum carotenoid levels. The design was a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of 16,539 participants, 17 years of age and older, from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The main outcome measures were serum levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids. Multivariate linear regression was used to model the association of serum carotenoids and country of birth, language of interview, and years in the United States. Adjustments were made for age, sex, years of education, race/ethnicity, body mass index, alcohol use, physical activity, serum cotinine, serum cholesterol, and vitamin/mineral usage. Individuals born in the United States who speak English had the lowest levels of carotenoids, and individuals born in Mexico had the highest levels of carotenoids, with the exception of lycopene. Years of residence in the United States was associated with lower alpha-carotene (4.18 vs 1.51), beta-carotene (20.21 vs 14.87), beta-cryptoxanthin (12.51 vs 8.95), lutein/zeaxanthin (25.15 vs 18.03), and total carotenoids (88.79 vs 75.44). Years residence in the United States was positively associated with higher lycopene levels (26.69 vs 32.03). Acculturation in the United States was associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake, as measured by serum carotenoid levels.