Articles tagged with Carotenoids
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how bananas produce and store carotenoids, which are converted into vitamin A in the liver. The findings could lead to the development of banana varieties with enhanced health benefits to combat vitamin A deficiency., which causes blindness in millions of children worldwide.
A University of Tsukuba study found that astaxanthin promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus and elevates learning and memory capacity. The research discovered specific molecular pathways contributing to improved memory capacity, paving the way for targeted mechanisms in medical food development.
Researchers discovered a key event in cyanobacterial photoprotection, where the carotenoid protein shifts from orange to red state through a large-scale movement. This mechanism triggers nonphotochemical-quenching, safely dissipating excess solar energy as heat.
A team of scientists has discovered a new enzyme that plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of vitamin A in plants and its unexpected dependence on heme iron. The findings could help increase the levels of provitamin A carotenoids in food crops, reducing global vitamin A deficiency.
A study found that carotenoid levels in breast milk differ significantly by country, with Chinese women's milk having the highest levels of lutein and fatty acids. The US lagged behind China and Mexico due to lower fruit and vegetable consumption.
Research from Purdue University found that adding eggs to a salad with raw vegetables significantly improves the absorption of carotenoids. This is due to the lipid content in whole eggs, which enhances the absorption of these fat-soluble nutrients.
Scientists found that oranges are packed with nutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids, which can help lower cancer risk and cardiovascular disease. However, juicing oranges may slightly lower nutrient levels but significantly improve their bioaccessibility.
Avivagen has discovered a natural compound, OxC-Beta, that can support immune function and prevent disease in livestock. The product is formed by the full oxidation of beta-carotene and has been shown to be effective against bacterial infections.
Researchers found that male bluefin killifish use their fins to signal different information, including social standing and health. The colorful fins display messages to other fish about the fish's aggression level, body condition, and parasite infection status.
Researchers identified a set of genes that can be used to naturally boost the provitamin A content of corn kernels, enabling biofortified orange corn production. This could help combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries and macular degeneration in the elderly, with potential applications for farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that consuming a whole fresh avocado with tomato sauce or raw carrots significantly enhanced the absorption and conversion of provitamin A to an active form of vitamin A. This can help support reproductive health, skin health, immune function, and vision.
A University of Toronto-led study reveals how carotenoid pigments capture blue/green light and pass the energy to chlorophylls, absorbing red light. The research sheds light on a previously unknown 'dark state' in carotenoids that acts as a mediator to efficiently transfer energy.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that diets high in carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene and lutein, were linked to reduced risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The researchers also discovered that individuals with higher intake of antioxidants had a lower ALS risk.
Researchers from Singapore found that carotenoids decrease hip fracture risk in lean, elderly Chinese men. Low BMI is a stronger risk factor for hip fractures in men compared to women, according to the study.
Researchers found altered gut microbiota in healthy subjects compared to stroke patients, with increased carotenoid-producing genes and higher blood levels. The study suggests a potential role for probiotics in preventing cardiovascular disease.
A pooled analysis of eight cohort studies found that women with higher circulating carotenoid levels had statistically significantly lower breast cancer risk. The inverse association was strongest for estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancers, highlighting carotenoids as a potential modifiable risk factor.
ARS scientists bred yellow potatoes with enhanced carotenoid levels, doubling their nutritional value compared to Yukon Gold. The new varieties have shown promise in improving eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation.
A Purdue University study found that monounsaturated fat-rich dressings promote equivalent carotenoid absorption at low and high levels of fat. In contrast, saturated fat dressings required higher amounts of fat for the same benefit, while polyunsaturated fat dressings were highly dependent on dose.
Women who exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have a significantly longer life expectancy than those who don't. The study found that the most physically active and fruit/vegetable-consumption groups were eight times more likely to survive a five-year period, with death rates being up to 71% lower.
Researchers found that male guppies' coloration has remained stable despite long periods of evolution, due to females preferring a specific orange hue. The study reveals that genetic changes counteract environmental variations in pigment ratios, maintaining the consistent color.
New research shows older adults are consuming higher levels of carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytonutrients, with up to 80% higher intakes found among those aged 65+, compared to their younger peers. This increase in phytonutrient intake may offer protective health benefits for women, including breast and ovarian cancer prevention.
A new study reveals that female striped plateau lizards' colorful patches during reproduction season boost yolk antioxidants in their eggs, resulting in healthier offspring. The research suggests that females with more vibrant coloration may be more attractive to males and produce higher-quality offspring.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that consuming fruit and vegetables rich in carotenoids can produce a healthier golden glow. Eating more portions per day can result in a more attractive skin color, as people tend to prefer this appearance over suntans.
University of Illinois scientists have developed a new tool to study the metabolism of carotenoids in tomatoes, which are believed to provide cancer-preventive benefits. The researchers will use isotopic labeling to trace the absorption and metabolism of three carotenoid compounds in human bodies.
Researchers developed a model to mimic the stickleback's visual system, allowing them to determine what 'colors' the fish see. The results show that females can assess the quantity of carotenoids in males' signals, which is linked to his parenting ability.
A new report by The Nutrilite Health Institute found that only about a third of American women meet their fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, leading to potential health issues. Older women have higher total carotenoid intakes compared to younger women after accounting for caloric differences.
A naturally occurring variant of cassava has been found to accumulate high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, offering a potential solution to vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. Transgenic approaches can also be used to increase the enzyme phytoene synthase, leading to increased carotenoid synthesis and biofortification of co...
Aphids have evolved two unique traits: producing essential carotenoids and breaking genetic barriers between kingdoms. They acquired carotenoid-producing genes from fungi through a rare gene transfer process.
Researchers discovered that aphids can produce carotenoids, essential nutrients crucial for vision, skin health, and bone growth. The yellowish-green aphid strain produced carotenoids by acquiring a fungal gene through lateral transfer, challenging conventional wisdom on animal nutrient production.
Fresh spinach leaves stored under continuous light exposure show significantly higher levels of vitamins C, K, E, and folate, as well as healthful carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Continuous light exposure after nine days increases folate levels by up to 100% and vitamin K levels by 50-100%
Researchers found that barn swallows with positive antioxidant balance produced the most young, suggesting a link between antioxidant levels and reproductive success. The study, published in PLoS One, suggests that maintaining a balanced diet, exercise, and reduced stress can improve bird health and reproduction.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study found that North American barn swallows with high levels of natural antioxidants maintain better reproductive performance, producing more offspring and guarding nests more effectively. The study tracked concentrations of carotenoids in wild birds over the breeding season.
Research reveals that broccoli contains abundant levels of the carotenoid lutein, an antioxidant linked to improved eye health and reduced risk of cancer. Lutein levels are influenced by genetics, not environment, making it a promising target for breeding programs aimed at producing higher-lutein broccoli varieties.
Researchers have developed a less-expensive method to measure carotenoids in pumpkins and squash, which are rich in antioxidants. The study found strong correlations between colorimetric values and carotenoid content, enabling breeders to create new varieties with improved nutritional value.
The use of weed killers in farmers' fields significantly increases the amount of key nutrients termed carotenoids in sweet corn kernels. Herbicide applications boosted levels by up to 15 percent, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, linked to reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and other diseases.
Researchers from Queen's University Belfast have developed an antioxidant supplement that may slow down sight loss in elderly people. The CARMA supplement, containing carotenoids and co-antioxidants, was shown to preserve macular pigments and slow down progression from early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to late AMD.
Researchers found carotenoids produced in the liver of Common Crossbills, contradicting previous assumptions about skin synthesis. The discovery highlights inter-specific variation in mechanisms of color production, shedding light on evolutionary pathways involved in color signaling.
Researchers found that carotenoids may improve male sperm quality, promote healthy offspring development, and enhance color vision in birds. They also propose a positive fitness feedback loop where high carotenoid accumulation improves an individual's state and mate selection.
A new study found that chickens have a different version of a gene that codes for white skin, but the yellow-skin variant is present in a completely different wild species, grey junglefowl. This discovery contradicts Charles Darwin's theory that all chickens came from a wild red junglefowl species.
Researchers developed a new treatment strategy for serious Staph infections by blocking the production of a golden pigment that allows Staph to evade immune cells. The compound, BPH-652, is a cholesterol-lowering agent that targets a similar enzyme in humans.
A new study reveals how a fungus uses its circadian clock to control carotenoid production, protecting against sun damage. The discovery may also shed light on the regulation of human sleep cycles.
Researchers discovered that eating spaghetti with sauce made from orange-colored Tangerine tomatoes increased levels of cis-lycopene, a beneficial compound, in participants' blood. The study found that the body absorbed more cis-lycopene from Tangerine tomatoes than from red tomatoes.
A study found that women younger than 75 years with high dietary intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin may have a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. The antioxidants may protect against AMD by absorbing blue light, preventing free radicals from damaging eye cells, and strengthening eye cell membranes.
Researchers at Arizona State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of photoprotection, finding that carotenoids can neutralize excess sunlight energy without oxidation. By measuring the electrical conductance within biomolecules, the team found that carotenoids can handle electron overload in a neutral state.
Research found that beta carotene slows the decline in lung power, a critical indicator of lung function, associated with aging. The study showed that higher levels of beta carotene and vitamin E in the blood reduced the rate of decline in lung function, particularly in smokers.
Gold-colored bacteria, protected by pigmented carotenoids, evade immune attack and become vulnerable when synthesizers are inhibited. This finding suggests potential new treatments for antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infections.
Researchers found that storing spinach at 39 degrees Fahrenheit slows down nutrient loss compared to warmer temperatures. The study's findings have implications for the shipping process, where produce is often kept at warm temperatures for extended periods.
Researchers at University of Utah discovered a gene, BPS1, in plant roots that sends chemical signals controlling leaf growth. The study found that manipulating this gene can change the way leaves develop, even when plants have enough food and water.
A recent study found that fruit consumption was inversely associated with risk of neovascular ARM, a more severe type of vision loss. Participants who ate three or more servings per day had a 36% lower risk compared to those eating less than 1.5 servings.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that rats fed whole tomato powder had a 26% lower risk of prostate cancer death compared to those on control diets. The researchers suggest that whole tomato products and energy balance may offer independent benefits against prostate cancer.
New research links bright beak colors to healthier immune systems in male birds, with carotenoids playing a key role in conveying individual health. The studies provide the first direct evidence that males' flashy features accurately indicate their fitness.
A study found that household exposure to passive smoke is associated with lower serum concentrations of carotenoids and other micronutrients in non-smokers. This depletion may be due to cigarette smoke exposure, rather than shared inadequate diets, suggesting a possible causal link between passive smoking and nutrient deficiencies.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of carotenoids, have a protective effect against colon cancer. The antioxidants in these compounds help neutralize oxygen radical species and reduce the risk of colon cancer, particularly in younger individuals.