The Carotenoids

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The Carotenoids

 

Carotenoids, of which beta-carotenes are the most popular, are found

in many fruits and vegetables, animals, plants and microorganisms.

The body converts beta carotene into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-

soluble vitamin essential for vision, growth, cell division,

reproduction and immunity. Among the 600 or more carotenoids in

foods, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are well-known leaders in

the fight to reduce the damage from free radicals.

 

Some studies have shown that beta-carotene may be an effective ally

against prostate cancer. A recent study found men with the lowest

level of beta-carotene in their blood were at the greatest risk of

developing this cancer. [1].

 

 

 

Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, is one of the most powerful

antioxidants. Lycopene is the most predominant carotenoid in human

plasma. Lycopene presents naturally in greater amounts than beta-

carotene and other dietary carotenoids. Lycopene levels are affected

by several biological and lifestyle factors. Because of its

lipophilic nature, lycopene concentrates in low-density lipoprotein

portions of the serum. Lycopene is also found in the adrenal, liver,

testes, and prostate. However, unlike other carotenoids, lycopene

levels in serum or tissues do not correlate with overall intake of

fruits and vegetables. [2].

 

Research shows that lycopene can be absorbed more efficiently by the

body after it has been processed into juice, sauce, paste, or

ketchup. [2]. In fresh fruit, lycopene is enclosed in the fruit

tissue. Therefore, only a portion of the lycopene that is present in

fresh fruit is absorbed.

 

Lycopene appears to protect against many diseases, including cancers

of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum. [2].

 

Another study showed that women with the highest levels of lycopene

in their blood were five times less likely to develop precancerous

signs of cervical cancer than women with the lowest levels. [3].

 

 

 

Lutein is another carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. Lutein

acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects

of free radicals. The central area of the retina in humans and

primates is called the macula and contains lutein as the primary

carotenoid.

 

Lutein acts to filter and shield harmful blue light from the eye and

may decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration, the eye

disease that afflicts one in three people over age 65. [4].

 

Smokers who consumed the most beta-carotene and flavonoids from food,

also appeared to cut their Alzheimer's risk. [5]. Yet, smokers who

take excessive beta carotene supplements may increase their risk of

lung cancer. [6].

 

A recent study has also shown the risk of osteoperosis with excessive

Vitamin A. Retinol is the direct form of vitamin A found in most

multivitamins, cod liver oil, liver, fortified foods, and whole milk

products. Dietary retinol is associated with fractures, beta carotene

is not. Beta carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A by the body,

is not associated with any increased risk of fracture. [7]. This

study has shown that intake of vitamin A or beta carotene, can be

best obtained by eating more red and yellow vegetables than taking

supplements.

 

The recommended safe upper limit of retinol is 3000 mcg (9900 IU) per

day. This includes all sources of retinol, including foods such as

liver, dietary supplements such as cod liver oil and vitamin A

supplements, fortified foods such as cereals, and multivitamins.

 

Foods high in carotenoids include red, orange, deep-yellow, and some

dark-green leafy vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, cantaloupe,

pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squash, brussel sprouts, spinach,

kale and broccoli.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

 

 

References

 

1. Heinonen OP, Albanes D, Virtamo J, Taylor PR, Huttunen JK,

Hartman AM, Haapakoski J, Malila N, Rautalahti M, Ripatti S, Maenpaa

H, Teerenhovi L, Koss L, Virolainen M, Edwards BK. Prostate cancer

and supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene:

incidence and mortality in a controlled trial. Department of Public

Health, University of Helsinki, Finland. Journal National Cancer

Institute. 1998 Mar 18;90(6):440-6, 441-7.

 

2. Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA,

Willerr WC. Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of

prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 87:1767-1776, 1995

 

3. Dorgan JF, Sowell A, Swanson CA, Potischman N, Miller R.

Schussler N, Stephenson HEJr. Relationships of serum carotenoids,

retinol, a-tocopherol and selenium with breast cancer risk: results

from a prospective study in Columbia, Missouri (United States).

Cancer Causes Control 9:89-97, 1998

 

4. Antioxidants and age-related macular degeneration. Age-Related

Macular Degeneration Study Group. Journal of the American Optometric

Association. January 1996--Vol 67, No. 1.

 

5. Dr. Marianne J. Engelhart of the Erasmus Medical Center in

Rotterdam, the Netherlands: Those with the highest intake of vitamin

C and vitamin E from food appeared to be the least likely to develop

Alzheimer's disease. The Journal of the American Medical Association.

6/26/03

 

6. Albanes D, Heinonen OP, Taylor PR, Virtamo J, Edwards BK,

Rautalahti M, Hartman AM, Palmgren J, Freedman LS, Haapakoski J,

Barrett MJ, Pietinen P, Malila N, Tala E, Liippo K, Salomaa ER,

Tangrea JA, Teppo L, Askin FB, Taskinen E, Erozan Y, Greenwald P,

Huttunen JK. Beta Carotene and Lung Cancer., J Natl Cancer Inst.

1996 Nov 6;88(21):1560-70.

 

7. Serum retinol levels and the risk of fracture. K. Michaëlsson, H.

Lithell, B. Vessby, et al., New Engl J Med, 2003, vol. 348, pp. 287—

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