High dietary intake of multi-carotenoids including alpha-carotene and beta-carotene reduces risks of AMD
Cohort study reveals that high intakes of carotenoids are associated with decreased risks of advanced age-related macular degeneration
A recent cohort study reveals that high intakes of carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, together with alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, are associated with decreased risks of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
A total of 63,443 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and 38,603 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) were monitored from 1984 until 31 May 2010 and from 1986 until 31 January 2010, respectively. Their plasma carotenoid scores were predicted from food intakes and repeated food frequency questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. The validated regression model was used to determine the association of predicted plasma carotenoid scores and AMD.
Results show that the predicted plasma carotenoid scores for lutein and zeaxanthin demonstrated a 40% risk reduction, whereas that for alpha-carotene and beta-carotene demonstrated 25-35% lower risks of developing advanced AMD.
Carotenoids such as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene are potent antioxidants that reduce systemic oxidative stress, which affects the macula indirectly. Therefore, a high dietary intake of carotenoids can protect macula from light-induced oxidative damage and free radicals production.
'Some carotenoids, particularly alpha- and beta-carotene, are pro-vitamin A, and are essential in preventing vitamin A deficiency/night blindness. This large and long study confirms that alpha- and beta-carotene play an important role in supporting eye health (AMD), when taken together with lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin,' says CheeYen Lau, Nutritionist at ExcelVite.
'It is very interesting and encouraging, especially for those who would like to formulate a natural multi-carotenoids product or to reformulate their current lutein/zeaxanthin product to include alpha- and beta-carotene. ExcelVite’s EVTene natural palm mixed carotene complex is the only true mixed carotene in the market that provides the highest level of alpha-carotene,' added Lau.
'EVTene is a potent natural mixed carotenoid complex, concentrated from the fruit of oil palm. It contains mainly alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and a small amount of other carotenoids (such as gamma-carotene, lycopene). What is unique is that EVTene carotenoid composition is similar to what is found in carrots. Hence, it is the only true natural alpha- and beta-carotene from a vegetable source/food that we eat,' said Bryan See, Regional Product Manager, ExcelVite.
Furthermore, EVTene has the highest percentage of alpha-carotene (approximately 35%) compared with other commercial carotenoid sources with negligible levels of alpha-carotene,' added See.
