The cross-sectional study conducted on 747 subjects in a Chinese urban population (Beijing, China) investigated the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and the risk for diabetes mellitus and diabetes retinopathy.
It’s a joint research between the popular Beijing Tongren Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou.
In this study, 272 diabetic retinopathy patients, 190 diabetic patients without retinopathy and 285 non-diabetes mellitus healthy control were assessed for their history of diabetes, lifestyle information as well as health status information.
They also underwent ocular and anthropometric examinations and laboratory test. Fasting blood samples were collected from all participants to check for the carotenoid levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The levels of ß-carotene were statistically significantly lower in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.
Meanwhile, lower concentrations of alpha-carotene were displayed in diabetic retinopathy non-smoker group, which is also backed up with statistical significance.
The level of ß-cryptoxanthin and lycopene were also lower in the diabetes mellitus and diabetes retinopathy group, respectively, although both are not statistically significant. This study demonstrates the protective effect of ß-carotene on diabetes mellitus and alpha-carotenes on diabetes retinopathy, which is inferred to arise from its antioxidant properties.
Prior to the above findings, this group of researchers has revealed that a diet rich in carotenoids could contribute in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, provided a non-smoking healthy lifestyle is also observed.
“Micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition have become significant issues. These are mainly derived from lifestyle changes, lack of exercise and a poor diet – all of which contribute to the increased incidence of diabetes worldwide."
"Hence, supplementation with natural carotenes plays an important role in providing a sufficient carotene intake, which can help to promote healthy metabolite function. EVTene is a natural non-GMO mixed-carotene complex that contains significant amounts of ß-carotene and alpha-carotene. It’s the perfect and most natural carotene for your formula!” says Ms Diyanah Roslan, Nutritionist at ExcelVite.
“One in every 11 adults is now suffering from diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. That figure is 10 million more than the number in 2015. Urgent action has to be taken to control this alarming increase of diabetic patients," added Bryan See, Business Development Manager, ExcelVite.
"Back in 2016, a cohort study was published in British Medical Journal’s Open Diabetes Research and Care that demonstrated that the long-term consumption of carotenoids, especially provitamin A carotenoids, could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle aged and older Japanese patients. We welcome this research, which further supports the protective effect of ß-carotene and alpha-carotene on diabetes mellitus and diabetes retinopathy, respectively,” he concluded.
