Risk assessment of lutein and lycopene.
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Carotenoids↗
Biomedical subjects
B Olmedilla
Publications and source records attributed to B Olmedilla.
Bioavailability of carotenoids and tocopherols from broccoli: in vivo and in vitro assessment.
Fruits and vegetables are the major sources of biologically active compounds, and carotenoids and tocopherols constitute important groups in human diets. Bioavailability is a critical feature in the assessment of the role of micronutrients in human health, and the approaches to this issue include in vitro and in vivo methods. Our aim was to evaluate the bioavailability of carotenoids and tocopherols present in broccoli and to compare in vitro and in vivo approaches. Fourteen apparently healthy volunteers consumed 200 g broccoli once a day for seven days. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and after intervention to determine changes in lutein, beta-carotene, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol as relevant phytochemicals provided with this vegetable. Broccoli also was subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion to assess changes related to preabsorptive processes. Analytes in serum and at each phase of the digestion were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. During the intervention, the amounts supplied daily ranged from 2.4 to 3.1 mg lutein, 1.4 to 1.8 mg beta-carotene, 4.5 to 6.8 mg alpha-tocopherol, and 0.8 to 1.8 mg gamma-tocopherol. Significant changes in serum in both men and women were observed only for lutein, whereas for gamma-tocopherol a significant change was detected in women. No changes were observed for alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, the alpha-tocopherol-to-cholesterol ratio, or serum lipids. Using the in vitro model, more than 75% of lutein, beta-carotene, gamma-tocopherol, and alpha-tocopherol remained at the duodenal phase, whereas incorporation into the supernatants accounted for <20% of the initial content in food. Regular consumption of broccoli at dietary levels increased serum concentrations of lutein and gamma-tocopherol without affecting alpha-tocopherol or beta-carotene status in serum. The behavior of these phytochemicals under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions does not fully explain the changes observed in vivo.
Adult↗
Carotenoid depletion in serum of young type-1 diabetics fed low-carotenoid diets.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Type-1 diabetics have been considered to be at risk for increased oxidative stress which has been implicated in the development of long-term diabetes complications. Evidence suggests that antioxidant activity may be an important mechanism by which carotenoids could confer protection in human health. Our aim was to compare the serum carotenoid depletion rate in type-1 diabetics and control subjects consuming low-carotenoid diets. METHODS: Ten type-1 diabetics and 8 controls followed a very low-carotenoid diet for 21 days. Dietary intake was recorded daily and fasting blood samples collected at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 21 days. Individual carotenoids in serum were analyzed by a validated HPLC method. RESULTS: In both groups, carotenoid intake was less than 5% of the season-adjusted carotenoid reference intake. These diets resulted in decreased serum carotenoid levels in both groups, although depletion curves, final mean concentrations and the estimated half-life of carotenoids in serum revealed no differences between type-1 diabetics and controls. Levels of other minor serum carotenoids, cis-isomers and keto-carotenoids, also decreased whereas serum retinol and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol did not change during the study. CONCLUSION: Upon a low-carotenoid intake, the depletion rate of carotenoids in serum in young type-1 diabetics does not differ from that observed in matched related controls.
Adult↗
Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of long-term antioxidant supplementation (lutein and alpha-tocopherol) on serum levels and visual performance in patients with cataracts. METHODS: Seventeen patients clinically diagnosed with age-related cataracts were randomized in a double-blind study involving dietary supplementation with lutein (15 mg; n = 5), alpha-tocopherol (100 mg; n = 6), or placebo (n = 6), three times a week for up to 2 y. Serum carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations were determined with quality-controlled high-performance liquid chromatography, and visual performance (visual acuity and glare sensitivity) and biochemical and hematologic indexes were monitored every 3 mo throughout the study. Changes in these parameters were assessed by General Linear Model (GLM) repeated measures analysis. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of lutein and alpha-tocopherol increased with supplementation, although statistical significance was reached only in the lutein group. Visual performance (visual acuity and glare sensitivity) improved in the lutein group, whereas there was a trend toward the maintenance of and decrease in visual acuity with alpha-tocopherol and placebo supplementation, respectively. No significant side effects or changes in biochemical or hematologic profiles were observed in any of the subjects during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Visual function in patients with age-related cataracts who received the lutein supplements improved, suggesting that a higher intake of lutein, through lutein-rich fruit and vegetables or supplements, may have beneficial effects on the visual performance of people with age-related cataracts.
Age Factors↗
Retinol and alpha-tocopherol in serum of type 1 diabetic patients with intensive insulin therapy: a long term follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of intensive insulin therapy and glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes on biochemical markers of vitamin A and E. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with type 1 diabetes were enrolled in a follow-up study for 3 to 33 mo. At entrance, all patients were on conventional insulin therapy or recently had been diagnosed with the disease. Intensive insulin therapy (multiple daily glycemia records and at least three insulin doses daily) was established, and every 3 to 6 mo patients were screened for clinical, biochemical, and hematologic indexes. Biochemical markers of vitamin A and E nutrition status were measured at each visit by a quality-controlled high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: At entrance, serum retinol concentrations, but not the ratio of alpha-tocopherol to cholesterol, showed a negative correlation with increasing values of HbA1c and insulin dose, neither of which was significant in multiple regression models. With intensive insulin therapy, a trend to normalize parameters of glycemic control (HbA1c and fructosamine) was observed within subjects and on a group level. However, no significant changes were observed in serum retinol or alpha-tocopherol:cholesterol ratio according to the metabolic control of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 1 diabetes under intensive insulin therapy tend to normalize the clinical parameters of glycemic control, although this improvement does not significantly affect biochemical markers of vitamin A and E status.
Adolescent↗
Nutritional and clinical relevance of lutein in human health.
Lutein is one of the most widely found carotenoids distributed in fruits and vegetables frequently consumed. Its presence in human tissues is entirely of dietary origin. Distribution of lutein among tissues is similar to other carotenoids but, along with zeaxanthin, they are found selectively at the centre of the retina, being usually referred to as macular pigments. Lutein has no provitamin A activity in man but it displays biological activities that have attracted great attention in relation to human health. Epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent associations between high intake or serum levels of lutein and lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease, several types of cancer, cataracts and age-related maculopathy. Also, lutein supplementation has provided both null and positive results on different biomarkers of oxidative stress although it is effective in increasing macular pigment concentration and in improving visual function in some, but not all, subjects with different eye pathologies. Overall, data suggest that whereas serum levels of lutein have, at present, no predictive, diagnostic or prognostic value in clinical practice, its determination may be very helpful in assessing compliance and efficacy of intervention as well as potential toxicity. In addition, available evidence suggests that a serum lutein concentration between 0.6 and 1.05 micromol/l seems to be a safe, dietary achievable and desirable target potentially associated with beneficial impact on visual function and, possibly, on the development of other chronic diseases. The use of lutein as a biomarker of exposure in clinical practice may provide some rationale for assessing its relationship with human health as well as its potential use within the context of evidence-based medicine.
Biological Availability↗
Serum depletion and bioavailability of lutein in type I diabetic patients.
BACKGROUND: Lutein, a non-provitamin A carotenoid, is frequently consumed in the human diet. It is distributed preferentially in certain human tissues (i. e., retina) and shows a high antioxidant activity. Type 1 diabetic patients have been considered to be at risk of increased oxidative stress that may contribute to accelerated atherogenesis and to the microangiopathic complications of the disease. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the influence of type 1 diabetes mellitus on the serum depletion rate and bioavailability of lutein. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten type 1 diabetics and eight controls consumed a low carotenoid diet for 21 days and the bioavailability study was performed in 7 diabetics and 5 controls on day 15 with the administration of a capsule of lutein esters from marigold extract. Samples were collected at baseline and on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 15 (eight times during 9 h), 16, 17 and 21. Lutein and other carotenoids were determined by HPLC in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fractions and plasma or serum. RESULTS: Serum depletion curve, area of concentrations under time curve (AUC) and final concentration percentages were similar in diabetics and controls. In the bioavailability study, all-trans-lutein increased in both groups and AUC, maxima concentrations in TRL and serum and time required for maxima concentration in serum were similar in diabetics and controls. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in the group of patients assessed, type 1 diabetes mellitus does not apparently influence the absorption and depletion rate of lutein in serum.
Adult↗
Plasma status of retinol, alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, and main carotenoids to first myocardial infarction: case control and follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE: Epidemiologic studies have suggested that dietary intake and plasma concentrations of antioxidants have an inverse relation with coronary heart disease. To test whether fat-soluble antioxidants can play a role against the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), we measured plasma levels of retinol, tocopherols, and individual carotenoids in MI patients. METHODS: A case-control and follow-up study of patients in the Móstoles area (Madrid, Spain). One hundred six patients (62 after 1 y) and 104 control subjects participated in the study. Blood samples were collected after overnight fast or during the first 24 h of MI onset for biochemical profiles of retinol, alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, and carotenoid by means of a quality-controlled high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: During the acute phase after MI onset, plasma levels of retinol, gamma-tocopherol, and xanthophylls (lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin) decreased, whereas alpha-tocopherol, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene showed levels similar to those of control subjects. Logistic regression analysis showed low concentrations of gamma-tocopherol (and retinol) in plasma as the only statistically significant factor associated with MI, after adjusting for traditional risk factors. However, 1 y later, the MI patients showed a general improvement in plasma lipids and fat-soluble antioxidant status, and none of the analytes was associated with MI. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased plasma status of retinol, gamma-tocopherol, and xanthophylls during the acute phase of MI normalized the year after the MI event, suggesting that most subjects had followed an overall healthier lifestyle and dietary pattern. The results also raise concerns on the usefulness of these plasma compounds as specific, relevant, and predictive markers in relation to coronary heart disease.
Acute-Phase Reaction↗
Vitamin A and E content in dairy products: their contribution to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for elderly people.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the vitamin A, E and individual carotenoid content in dairy products and to assess their potential contribution to Recommended Dietary Intakes in elderly persons. METHODS: Dairy products frequently consumed were analyzed: whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk, vitamin-fortified milk, dry powder milk, yoghourt, cream, smelted and grated cheese, custard, butter, margarine and dairy-based probiotic products. Analysis were performed by HPLC as previously described. Accuracy and precision were assessed using Reference / Certified Materials. RESULTS: Vitamin A occurs as ester forms (mostly retinyl palmitate) whereas vitamin E is present as free form (mainly a-tocopherol). In supplemmented / fortified products they are added as ester forms, namely retinyl and tocopheryl acetate, respectively. b-carotene was the only carotenoid quantifiable in most products. Based on recommended intakes for dairy products in Spain, the consumption of three standard portions / day provide about 16% and 3% of the RDI for vitamin A (1000 ug/d) and E (15 mg/d), respectively. The same consumption but using fortified/ supplemented milk and yoghourt, may increase the contribution up to 39% (vitamin A) and 24% (vitamin E) of the RDI for elderly subjects. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of fortified dairy products in the diet may be a practical, sustainable and cost-effective approach for improving vitamin intake and status in the elderly.
Aged↗
Serum status of carotenoids and tocopherols in patients with age-related cataracts: a case-control study.
BACKGROUND: Cataract is an important health problem that increase with age, causes decreased visual acuity and constitute a major cause of disability in the elderly. Epidemiological studies have shown that elevated serum levels and / or intake of several antioxidants, such as carotenoids, vitamin E and ascorbic acid, are associated with a diminished risk for cataracts. OBJECTIVE: To assess the serum fat-soluble antioxidant status in patients with cataracts and its relationship with visual function. METHODS: One hundred thirty eight patients with senile cataracts, classified according to visual acuity, and 110 age and sex-matched controls were studied for individual carotenoids and tocopherols in serum by a quality-controlled HPLC method. One-way ANOVA analysis and logistic regression analysis were applied. RESULTS: Higher serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin were associated as risk factors for cataract while b-cryptoxanthin and g-tocopherol appeared as protective variables. Higher levels of zeaxanthin and lower concentrations of b-cryptoxanthin were associated with cataracts in people < 61y whereas only lower levels of g-tocopherol were shown in subjects >61y. No significant correlations (adjusted for sex and age) were found between visual acuity and serum concentrations of carotenoids or tocopherols. CONCLUSION: Although the relation between carotenoids and cataracts is biologically plausible, serum carotenoid levels are highly dependent on dietary intake and thus may not be clinically relevant biomakers for cataracts risk.
Age Factors↗
Serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins A, E, and C in control subjects from five European countries.
High intakes of fruits and vegetables, or high circulating levels of their biomarkers (carotenoids, vitamins C and E), have been associated with a relatively low incidence of cardiovascular disease, cataract and cancer. Exposure to a high fruit and vegetable diet increases antioxidant concentrations in blood and body tissues, and potentially protects against oxidative damage to cells and tissues. This paper describes blood concentrations of carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and retinol in well-defined groups of healthy, non-smokers, aged 25-45 years, 175 men and 174 women from five European countries (France, UK (Northern Ireland), Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands and Spain). Analysis was centralised and performed within 18 months. Within-gender, vitamin C showed no significant differences between centres. Females in France, Republic of Ireland and Spain had significantly higher plasma vitamin C concentrations than their male counterparts. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol levels were similar between centres, but gamma-tocopherol showed a great variability being the lowest in Spain and France, and the highest in The Netherlands. The provitamin A: non-provitamin A carotenoid ratio was similar among countries, whereas the xanthophylls (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin) to carotenes (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene) ratio was double in southern (Spain) compared to the northern areas (Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland). Serum concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin were highest in France and Spain; beta-cryptoxanthin was highest in Spain and The Netherlands; trans-lycopene tended to be highest in Irish males and lowest in Spanish males; alpha-carotene and beta-carotene were higher in the French volunteers. Due to the study design, the concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins A, C and E represent physiological ranges achievable by dietary means and may be considered as 'reference values' in serum of healthy, non-smoking middle-aged subjects from five European countries. The results suggest that lutein (and zeaxanthin), beta-cryptoxanthin, total xanthophylls and gamma-tocopherol (and alpha- : gamma-tocopherol) may be important markers related to the healthy or protective effects of the Mediterranean-like diet.
Adult↗
A European carotenoid database to assess carotenoid intakes and its use in a five-country comparative study.
A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with information on alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin was prepared and used to compare the carotenoid intakes in five European countries: UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, France and The Netherlands. Eighty, age- (25-45 years) and sex-matched volunteers were recruited in each of the five countries. A FFQ and carotenoid database was prepared of the most commonly consumed carotenoid rich foods in the participating countries and the information was used to calculate frequency and intake of carotenoid-rich foods. The median total carotenoid intake based on the sum of the five carotenoids, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in France (16.1 mg/day) and lower in Spain (9.5 mg/day,) than the other countries, where the average intake was approximately 14 mg/day. Comparison of dietary source of carotenoids showed that carrots were the major source of beta-carotene in all countries except Spain where spinach was most important. Likewise, carrots were also the main source of alpha-carotene. Tomato or tomato products, were the major source of lycopene. Lutein was mainly obtained from peas in Republic of Ireland and the UK, however, spinach was found to be the major source in other countries. In all countries, beta-cryptoxanthin was primarily obtained from citrus fruit. Comparing the data with that from specific European country studies suggests that the FFQ and carotenoid database described in the present paper can be used for comparative dietary intake studies within Europe. The results show that within Europe there are differences in the specific intake of some carotenoids which are related to different foods consumed by people in different countries.
Adult↗
No significant effects of lutein, lycopene or beta-carotene supplementation on biological markers of oxidative stress and LDL oxidizability in healthy adult subjects.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of individual carotenoid supplementation on biochemical indices of oxidative status in apparently healthy adult males. METHODS: The study was a placebo controlled single blind study. Healthy male volunteers (n= 175) were assigned to four groups. They received daily supplements of beta-carotene (15 mg), lutein (15 mg), lycopene (15 mg) and placebo for three months. The effects of the supplementation on antioxidant status were monitored by plasma carotenoid, vitamin C and A levels, glutathione (GSH and GSSG) concentrations, protein SH groups. erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities (Cu-Zn SOD, Se-GSH-Px) and susceptibility of LDL to copper-induced oxidation. RESULTS: beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein supplementation led to significant plasma and LDL increases in each of these carotenoids, without modifications of other carotenoid levels in plasma or in LDL. The supplementation failed to enhance the resistance of LDL to oxidation or to modify the LDL polyunsaturated/ saturated fatty acid ratio. Vitamin C, GSH, protein SH groups and antioxidant metalloenzyme activities were also unchanged. CONCLUSION: We did not observe beneficial or adverse effects of lutein, lycopene or beta-carotene supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress. In apparently healthy subjects, carotenoid supplementation does not lead to significantly measurable improvement in antioxidant defenses.
Adult↗
Carotenoids and retinol-equivalents in food composition tables from European countries (EPIC study)
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Carotenoids↗
Growth and micronutrient needs of adolescents.
OBJECTIVE: This paper focuses on micronutrients in relation to needs throughout adolescence, a period which involved growth and development that occur through a complex interaction of genetic instructions, hormones and environmental influences, many of them of dietary origin. In the context of micronutrient 'needs' it is of special importance to differentiate between the 'nutritional needs' and 'metabolic needs'. Two main questions arise in relation to the micronutrient needs: (1) why are micronutrients necessary? and (2) how are their needs assessed? RESULTS: The 'necessary' amount will differ according to the objectives pursued: (a) to achieve a satisfactory rate of growth and development; and (b) to maintain 'optimal health'. The assessment of micronutrient needs and status has proved to be difficult, but when elucidating and establishing them, it is imperative to arrive at the estimates in the light of their interdependent role in metabolism and functions. The knowledge of micronutrient metabolic needs can be approached through epidemiological observations, bioavailability studies and clinical trials. However, there is a nearly total absence of reports on the particular metabolic and dietary needs of adolescents. CONCLUSION: Thus more studies are required in relation to the effect of features associated with adolescence on 'needs', evaluating their impact on bioavailability and turnover (storage and losses), and the interactions among micronutrients in the assessment of metabolic and nutritional needs. Another aim should be to establish static and functional indexes, reference values and cut-off points in adolescence, to be used in clinical and epidemiological studies. Future studies should focus on needs to determine those required to maintain 'optimal functions' and regarding the potential prevention of chronic adult diseases.
Adolescent↗
FENS Program for nutrition education in medical schools. Federation of European Nutrition Societies.
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Education, Medical↗
Carotenoids, retinol and tocopherols in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and their immediate relatives.
1. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are classified among the groups at risk for low vitamin status, and recent studies suggest that some degree of supplementation with antioxidants may be beneficial in helping to prevent certain long-term complications of diabetes mellitus. Our objective was to compare the status of the fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidant-related compounds in patients with well-defined insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with that of their first-degree relatives, controlling seasonal and analytical variability as factors influencing the interpretation of the data. 2. Fifty-four patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 214 non-diabetic, first-degree relatives (controls) and 236 unrelated controls were analysed for retinol, tocopherols (alpha and gamma) and main carotenoids in serum (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene) by means of a validated HPLC method. 3. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was associated with lower retinol levels and higher levels of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin than sex-matched, first-degree relatives. alpha-Tocopherol, the alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio, gamma-tocopherol, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene showed no differences. Retinol and beta-carotene were the variables most closely associated with diabetes. 4. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus showed lower serum retinol status together with higher concentrations of provitamin-A carotenoids. Serum fat-soluble antioxidant levels were greater than or equal to those in controls. According to the serum status observed, individuals with diabetes do not require supplementation with alpha-tocopherol or carotenoids, although the need for retinol supplementation in patients with marginal serum levels should be evaluated.
Adolescent↗
Serum carotenoids and oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes.
Carotenoids are thought to act as antioxidants in vivo, decreasing oxidative damage to biomolecules and thus protecting against coronary heart disease and cancer. However, human intervention studies with beta-carotene have given equivocal results in terms of cancer incidence. In an alternative molecular epidemiological approach, we have employed the 'comet assay' (single cell alkaline gel electrophoresis) to measure strand breaks, oxidized pyrimidines and altered purines in the DNA of lymphocytes from volunteers supplemented with alpha/beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene or placebo. In addition, we measured concentrations of the main serum carotenoids, and vitamins E and C, by HPLC. We report a significant negative correlation between basal concentrations of total serum carotenoids and oxidized pyrimidines. A similar correlation was seen between individual carotenoids (notably lutein and beta-carotene) and oxidized pyrimidines. However, carotenoid supplementation did not have a significant effect on endogenous oxidative damage. This suggests that there are some factors in the basal diet, probably found in fruit and vegetables, that decrease oxidative damage to DNA. In this case, basal serum carotenoids may simply be markers of consumption of fruit and vegetables, they themselves having little or no protective value.
Adult↗