Boosting Multi Carotenoids Intake May Reduce the Risk of Obesity

Jan 31^st, 2023 – New York, USA. The escalating prevalence of obesity raises a critical public health concern due to its association with the development of various comorbidities. Obese individuals are more susceptible to metabolic alterations leading to condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Moreover, obesity has been linked to depression, affecting both longevity and quality of life. According to predictions from researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (US), by the year 2030, nearly half of the global adult population is expected to be impacted by obesity¹.

Research studies suggest that alongside genetic and environmental factors, dietary nutritional factors are linked to obesity. Limited research has explored the connection between dietary multi carotenoids and obesity. In order to fill this gap, a team of Chinese researchers from Qingdao Central Hospital and Qingdao University, China, conducted an assessment to evaluate the association between the risk of adult obesity and the intake of total mixed carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein+zeaxanthin.

This cross-sectional study, recently published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, was carried out based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018, involving a total of 25,868 adults aged 20 and above². Information about carotenoid intake was collected through two 24-hour nutritional recall interviews. Daily total carotenoid intake, comprising the sum of five carotenoids per day, was the focus of the investigation. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were employed to examine the associations between carotenoid intake and obesity.

The results revealed that dietary intakes of total multi carotenoids and lutein+zeaxanthin at 2400 ug/1000 kcal/d and 80 ug/1000 kcal/d, respectively, have a significant protective impact against obesity. A noteworthy reduction in the risk of obesity were observed with the consumption of 50 ug/1000 kcal/d of dietary beta-carotene and 17 ug/1000 kcal/d of beta-cryptoxanthin. Additionally, exceeding the threshold of 10 ug/1000 kcal/d for alpha-carotene intake demonstrated a decrease in the risk of obesity. These findings indicated that consumption of a total multi carotenoids complex such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein+zeaxanthin were inversely associated with the risk of obesity.

Similarly, other published research has indicated that the consumption of multi carotenoids aids in the management of obesity. In a cross-sectional study involving non-diabetic obese men and women, it was found that those with a higher intake of mixed carotenoids from fruits and vegetables exhibited elevated levels of adiponectin. This increase in adiponectin levels correlated with improved insulin sensitivity and a decrease in body weight³.

Another comparable effect was observed in a six-month randomized, double-blind study conducted by Canas et al. in 2017⁴. The study focused on obese children aged 8–11 years and found that supplementation with mixed carotenoids had notable benefits in the management of obesity and associated comorbidities. The researchers established a connection between reduction of body adiposity and increased concentration of beta-carotene. Studies have indicated that elevated consumption of multi carotenoids or an increased concentration

of these compounds in the body are associated with a reduced body fat content⁵. This multi carotenoid complex exerts a direct influence on adipose tissue, effectively regulating adiposity and fat stores within the body.

“What is most interesting about this new large cross-sectional study is that it sheds light on the significant protective impact of multi carotenoids against obesity. The findings highlight the inverse association between total multi carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein+zeaxanthin, and the risk of obesity. These results are crucial in understanding the potential role of dietary interventions in managing obesity and its associated health risks. As we navigate the complexities of modern lifestyles, incorporating carotenoid-rich foods may prove to be a valuable strategy in promoting metabolic health”, said Dr. Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist at PhytoGaia.

 “Formulators and Brands now have an unprecedented opportunity to create a ‘Multi Carotenoids diet or supplement’ enriched with plant derived carotenoids. In nature (fruits and vegetables), carotene does not exist as a single entity. It always exists as carotenoid complex with various isomers of carotene – alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, etc. As such, mimicking nature is the best way for carotenoid supplementation. For instance, by incorporating nature’s powerful elements like tomatoes’ lycopene, marigold extract’s lutein/zeaxanthin, and PhytoGaia’s CaroGaia^TM (rich in alpha-carotene and beta-carotene), it offers a unique blend that not only supports overall health but also addresses the critical issue related to obesity. This innovative and nature-intended combination provides a versatile foundation for crafting multivitamins, multi-carotenoids, or weight management formulas, presenting an enticing prospect for those aiming to create products that prioritize holistic well-being and nutrition, and importantly product differentiation”, commented Mr. Bryan See, Vice President of PhytoGaia.

 References

1. Ward, ZJ et al. 2019. Projected U.S. State-Level Prevalence of Adult Obesity and Severe Obesity. N Engl J Med. doi:10.1056/NEJMsa1909301
2. Yu, X. et al. 2023. Association of Dietary Carotenoids Intakes with Obesity in Adults: NHANES 2007-2018.  Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol, 69(6), 402–411. doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.69.402
3. Amara, B. et al. 2015. Independent positive association of plasma β-carotene concentrations with adiponectin among non-diabetic obese subjects. Eur J Nutr54, 447–454. org/10.1007/s00394-014-0728-6
4. Canas, JA. et al. 2017. Effects of Mixed Carotenoids on Adipokines and Abdominal Adiposity in Children: A Pilot Study. J Clin Endocrinol. Metab.102(6), 1983–1990. org/10.1210/jc.2017-00185
5. Mounien L, et al. 2019. Anti-Obesity Effect of Carotenoids: Direct Impact on Adipose Tissue and Adipose Tissue-Driven Indirect Effects. Nutrients. 11(7):1562. org/10.3390/nu11071562