Plasma carotenoid response to chronic intake of selected foods and β-carotene supplements in men

Abstract

We determined serial changes in four major plasma carotenoid fractions (α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene) in 30 men consuming defined daily doses of carotenoids from foods (broccoli, carrots, or tomato juice) or from purified β-carotene in capsules ( 12 or 30 mg) for 6 wk while fed a controlled diet. Compared with baseline, β-carotene increased in the 30- and 12-mg-capsule and carrot groups whereas α-carotene increased in the carrot group and lutein increased in the broccoli group. Lower lutein concentrations in recipients of β-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 β-carotene concentrations and not the smaller changes observed in other individual carotenoids. Overall, purified β-carotene produced a greater plasma response than did similar quantities of carotenoids from foods sources. However, some foods increased plasma concentrations of certain carotenoids.