Plasma carotenoid response to chronic intake of selected foods and beta-carotene supplements in men.
We determined serial changes in four major plasma carotenoid fractions (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene) in 30 men consuming defined daily doses of carotenoids from foods (broccoli, carrots, or tomato juice) or from purified beta-carotene in capsules (12 or 30 mg) for 6 wk while fed a controlled diet. Compared with baseline, beta-carotene increased in the 30- and 12-mg-capsule and carrot groups whereas alpha-carotene increased in the carrot group and lutein increased in the broccoli group. Lower lutein concentrations in recipients of beta-carotene capsules suggested an interaction between these two carotenoids. Lycopene declined in all groups except the tomato-juice group. Total carotenoid concentration changes only reflected the large increases in beta-carotene concentrations and not the smaller changes observed in other individual carotenoids. Overall, purified beta-carotene produced a greater plasma response than did similar quantities of carotenoids from foods sources. However, some foods increased plasma concentrations of certain carotenoids.
Micozzi
M S
MS
National Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC.
Brown
E D
ED
Edwards
B K
BK
Bieri
J G
JG
Taylor
P R
PR
Khachik
F
F
Beecher
G R
GR
Smith
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*; D004435:Eating; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000097:blood; D000077276:Lycopene; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D014675:Vegetables; D019207:beta Carotene
D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids; C041635:alpha-carotene; D000077276:Lycopene; D014975:Lutein