Obesity in childhood sets the stage for lifelong health challenges such as diabetes and heart disease.
A new nationwide study has found that children and adolescents with higher levels of carotenoids – naturally occurring compounds found in colourful fruits and vegetables – are significantly less likely to be obese.
A team of researchers from China investigated the relationship between six major serum carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin and lycopene) and adiposity outcomes, including body mass index (BMI) and obesity status.
The analysis drew on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which combines interviews and physical examinations to assess population health.
This cross-sectional study involved 1329 participants aged 6–19 years from the NHANES 2017–2018 cycle with complete serum carotenoid and BMI data.
Key findings include the following:
- obese children had significantly lower carotenoid levels than their healthy weight peers
- five serum carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and combined lutein/zeaxanthin) were strongly and negatively associated with obesity prevalence; conversely, serum lycopene levels showed no significant link
- according to weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression results, β-carotene had the strongest influence, showing the greatest association with lower BMI and reduced obesity risk
- higher combined carotenoid levels overall were linked to a lower BMI and a reduced likelihood of obesity.
“This study underscores the importance of improving dietary quality early in life. Carotenoids can’t be produced by the body, so we have to obtain them from our diet,” said Dr Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist at PhytoGaia.
“This finding suggests that higher carotenoid levels, particularly β-carotene, are associated with significantly lower rates of obesity in children.”
“Beyond their well-known role in eye and skin health, carotenoids may also support healthier weight and metabolic balance.”
The association between carotenoid intake and the prevention or management of overweight and obesity is supported by multiple epidemiological studies. This growing evidence presents a compelling opportunity for the nutraceutical industry.
These findings are consistent with earlier clinical evidence. A 2017 pilot study, “Effects of Mixed Carotenoids on Adipokines and Abdominal Adiposity in Children,” demonstrated that supplementation with mixed carotenoids improved adipokine profiles and reduced abdominal adiposity in children.
Together, these studies highlight the potential role of carotenoids in supporting metabolic health and weight management from an early age.
“This new study reinforces what earlier research has suggested … that carotenoids play a meaningful role in supporting healthy metabolism and weight management from an early age,” added Mr Bryan See, Vice President of PhytoGaia.
“For the nutraceutical industry, this opens new opportunities for science-backed innovation. PhytoGaia’s CaroGaia, a natural mixed-carotene complex extracted from sustainably sourced palm fruits, is rich in α-carotene and β-carotene, making it an ideal choice for multicarotenoid or multivitamin formulations."
"We look forward to partnering with brand owners to create innovative, science-driven products using CaroGaia.”
