carotenoids Flashcards
Carotenoids
4 types
b-carotene, lycopene – hydrocarbon carotenoids in yellow and orange coloured fruits and vegetables
Lutein, zeaxanthin – oxygenated carotenoids in dark-green leafy vegetables
Pro-vitamin A - , , ,-carotenes, cryptoxanthin
Yellow to deep-red pigments Accessory pigments in plant photosynthesis Approx 600 different plant carotenoids If non-oxygenated = carotenes If oxygenated = xanthophyls
Sources:
B-carotene:
carrots, peaches, apricots, mango, papaya, sweet potatoes, spinach, collards, pumpkin, cantaloupe
A -carotene:
pumpkin, carrots
B -cryptoxanthin:
citrus fruits
Lutein/zeaxanthin
kale, collards, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, red peppers, okra, romaine lettuce, corn
Lycopene:
tomato, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, red peppers
B-carotene most studied
Hydrophobic - absorbed with lipids
Levels in blood related to levels in diet
Carotenodermia (yellowing of skin) seen with increased consumption of carrots
Important singlet oxygen quenchers
Light &/or chemicals convert normal O2 to reactive singlet oxygen (1O2) – electron excited to higher energy
UV + O2 1O2
carotenoid + 1O2 O2 + carotenoid + heat
Carotenoids and Cardiovascular Disease
Carotenoids decrease LDL oxidation thus potentially decrease plaque formation
Role in decreased CVD risk?
no +ve evidence in intervention studies
Carotenoids & Cancer
Some models show beneficial effects with respect to carotenoids & cancer initiation, progression & proliferation
Cell culture, epidemiology, blood levels risk
Possible protectors from DNA damage
Source of vitamin A – inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation
But, intervention trials mostly negative
Possible negative effect in smokers and asbestos workers:
Some studies suggest increased lung cancer with -carotene supplementation
J Natl Cancer Inst. 1996; 88:1550-9,1560-7
JAMA 2003; 290: 476-85
However only with high-dose -carotene supplementation (not physiological levels or dietary carotenoids)
Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(6):767-74
Lycopene and prostate cancer
Some +ve evidence:
decrease risk with high tomato/lycopene consumption
blood lycopene decrease risk
intervention studies (lycopene or tomatoes) -> decrease prostate cancer growth
Possible negative effect in smokers and asbestos workers:
Some studies suggest increased lung cancer with -carotene supplementation
J Natl Cancer Inst. 1996; 88:1550-9,1560-7
JAMA 2003; 290: 476-85
However only with high-dose -carotene supplementation (not physiological levels or dietary carotenoids)
Lycopene and prostate cancer
Some +ve evidence:
decrease risk with high tomato/lycopene consumption
blood lycopene decrease risk
intervention studies (lycopene or tomatoes) -> decrease prostate cancer growth
Carotenoids & Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Progressive retinal disease for which no cure or treatment available
20% of age > 65 years have clinical evidence
Lutein & zeaxanthin in macula lutea of retina (other carotenoids no)
Lutein & zeaxanthin may help prevent AMD by
Acting as optical filters to prevent photochemical damage
Acting as antioxidant
Supported by epidemiology and some intervention trials
Carotenoids & Skin Protection
UV-irradiation photooxidative damage ( erythema (redding of skin- sunburn), skin aging, photodermatoses, skin cancer)
Carotenoids lost from skin on UV exposure (especially lycopene)
Several intervention studies show protection against UV-induced erythema
Carotenoid supplements
Tomato paste
BioPhotonic scanner – Pharmanex / NU SKIN
- 2001 granted 20 year patent
- based on resonance Raman spectrometry
- used for macula carotenoids (102 higher than skin)
- 475 nm excitation, 511 nm emission
- measures total carotenoids in skin
- carotenoid supplementation can increase score
- validity between individuals?
- based on resonance Raman spectrometry