Carotenoids

There have been identified some 600 different carotenoids, and they have shown in research significant antioxidant potential and many of them also have provitamin A activity.

In terms of anti aging regimens, the antioxidant research on these compounds has been of particular interest.

In this regard, there are several of carotenoids that have shown much promise.

One is lycopene, carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color, being particularly effective at quenching the destructive potential of singlet oxygen (Di Mascio et al. 1989).

Lutein and zeaxanthin, found in corn and in leafy greens, on the other hand, have shown promise as protective antioxidants in the macular region of the human retina (Snodderly 1995).

Finally, Astaxanthin, found in salmon, shrimp, and other seafoods, is another carotenoids with potent antioxidant properties (Di Mascio et al. 1991).

Other health benefits identified as potential in research for carotenoids include enhancement of immune system function, protection from sunburn, and inhibition of the development of certain types of cancers.

Carotenoids - Studies

Bendich, A. (1989). Carotenoids and the immune response. J. Nutr., 119:112-115.

Britton, G. (1995). Structure and properties of carotenoids in relation to function. FASEB J., 9:1551-1558.

Britton, G., S. Liaaen-Jensen, and H. Pfander. (1995). Carotenoids today and challenges for the future. In: Britton, G., S. Liaaen-Jensen, and H. Pfander [eds], Carotenoids vol. 1A: Isolation and Analysis. Basel: Birkhäuser.

Di Mascio, P., Kaiser, S., and Sies, H. (1989) Lycopene as the most efficient biological carotenoid singlet oxygen quencher. Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 274:532-538.

Di Mascio, P., M. E. Murphy, and H. Sies. (1991) Antioxidant defense systems: the role of carotenoids, tocopherols, and thiols. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 53:194S-200S.

Mangels, A.R., J.M. Holden, G.R. Beecher, M.R. Forman, and E. Lanza. (1993). Carotenoid content of fruits and vegetables: an evaluation of analytic data. J. Am. Diet. Assoc., 93:284-296.

Mathews-Roth, MM. (1990) Plasma concentration of carotenoids after large doses of beta-carotene. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., Sep 52:3, 500-1

Mercadante, A. (1999) New carotenoids: recent progress. Invited Lecture 2. Abstracts of the 12th International Carotenoid Symposium, Cairns, Australia, July 1999.

Nishino, H. (1998) Cancer prevention by carotenoids. Mutat. Res., 402:159-163.

Ong, A.S.H., and E.S. Tee. (1992) Natural sources of carotenoids from plants and oils. Meth. Enzymol., 213: 142-167.

Pfander, H. (1992) Carotenoids: an overview. Meth. Enzymol., 213: 3-13.

Snodderly, D.M. (1995) Evidence for protection against age-related macular degeneration by carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 62(suppl):1448S-1461S.


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