Carotenoids

Carotenoids As Antioxidants

Did you know that these nutrients are a group of over 750 fat-soluble plant pigments responsible for bright red, yellow, and orange hues in many fruits and vegetables? These fat-soluble compounds occur naturally in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. The conventional human diet contains roughly 40-50 carotenoids including; α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, some of which are provitamin A, meaning that they can be converted to vitamin A (retinol) inside the body. Since we cannot synthesize them (or vitamin A) on our own, we must obtain them from diet and/or supplementation.

Interestingly, each one of these nutrients has an organ or tissue specificity and will offer its own distinct health benefits. For instance, carotenoids from rich orange and red pigments provide beta-carotene, which is especially adept at supporting immunity, reproduction health, and vision. Carotenoids from yellow pigments on the other hand, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, have a particular affinity for eye health and the maintenance of brain integrity and cognitive function.

Natural food sources of these nutrients include: bell peppers, berries, cantaloupe, carrots, citrus fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, mangoes, tomatoes, watermelon, and tomatoes. Because carotenoids also accumulate in animal tissues, foods such as butter, egg yolks, and salmon are also excellent sources. No matter the source, all antioxidants provide robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits; therefore, can help protect overall health, and prevent the development of disease.

Benefits of Carotenoids

• Boost Immune Function
• Help Control Inflammation Inside the Body
• Maintain Brain Health
• Provide Antioxidant Protection

Who Benefits From Carotenoids?

Everyone should be consuming carotenoids via their diet to support overall health and wellness, as well as to help prevent the development of age and lifestyle-related diseases

These supplements have the distinct advantage of supplying a far higher concentration of carotenoids, so offers greater antioxidant protection.

Carotenoid Supplements

These supplements are widely available either featuring one standalone carotenoid or far more frequently, as blends of carotenoids. Carotenoids are also commonly added to multivitamin and mineral blends and can be purchased in capsules and tablets, as well as in concentrated powder form and in phospholipid-stabilized triglyceride emulsion for enhanced absorption. Potencies will vary greatly and be a function of which ones are present in the formula. Please refer to the individual carotenoid for more information on optimal dosing or consult the product label for further details.

Final Thoughts

Carotenoids, no matter their source, require fats to be absorbed properly. This is why you should take this complex with a fat-containing meal or snack such as nuts, olive oil avocadoes, and fatty fish. Diets that restrict or prohibit fats will impact how well your body can absorb and use the carotenoids in both foods and supplements.