Carotenoid

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Carotenoids are a class of natural fat-soluble pigments found in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. Humans, and all other animals, appear to be incapable of synthesizing carotenoids, however many obtain carotenoids from the diet, for example betacarotene, lycopene, and lutein. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants.

ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:

Carotenoids have several important functions in humans. The most widely studied and wellunderstood nutritional role for carotenoids is their provitamin A activity. Deficiency of vitamin A is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing nations. However, the body can synthesize Vitamin A from some carotenoids, namely beta-carotene. Other provitamin A carotenoids include alphacarotene (found in carrots, pumpkin, and red and yellow peppers) and cryptoxanthin (from oranges, tangerines, peaches, nectarines, and papayas). Carotenoids also act as potent antioxidants, protecting cells and tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals, thus protecting the body from cancer and other diseases whose pathogenesis is concerned with oxidative damage. Carotenoids have been linked to a decreased risk of premenopausal breast cancer, lung cancer, and cervical study. .Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, is of particular benefit to humans because it is an important free radical scavenger. Results of a recent study of more than 47,000 men by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health revealed that men who consumed the greatest amounts of lycopene were 23% less likely to develop prostate cancer, compared with men who consumed the least lycopene. Carotenoids may also help to prevent against macular degeneration, as both lutein and zeaxanthin, xanthophylls found in corn and in leafy greens such as kale and spinach, are thought to protect the macular region of the human retina from damaging free radicals.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Not applicable

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

People who eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day should obtain plentiful supplies of carotenoids from their diet. However some experts recommend that most people would benefit from a daily supplement of up to 15mg (25,000 I.U) of beta-carotene, and 6 mg each of alpha-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. Note: only take natural beta-carotene. Smokers are currently advised not to take any supplementary beta-carotene as it has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers.

 MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS: None known