The Complete Book of Alternative NutritionSelene Y. Craig, Jennifer Haigh, Sari Harrar and the Editors of PREVENTION Magazine Health Books
See book keywords and concepts |
| Known as the compound that puts the color in cantaloupe and carrots, beta-carotene—the most abundant carotenoid in foods—has enjoyed immense popularity and remains one of the best-selling supplements.
Scientists have discovered, however, that while beta-carotene is still the king of the carotenoids, there are others that flex a considerable amount of antioxidant muscle. Many deserve credit for scooping up cell-damaging free radicals. In fact, some of the other carotenoids may be even better than beta-carotene when it comes to fighting certain cancers. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Lycopene (page 548) is a carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelon, and several other foods. The concentration of lycopene in the blood has been found to be significantly lower in women with preeclampsia than in healthy pregnant women. In a double-blind trial, supplementation of pregnant women with lycopene significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 51.4%, compared with a placebo.74 The amount of lycopene used was 2 mg twice a day; treatment was begun between the sixteenth and twentieth week of pregnancy and was continued until delivery. |
| Other members of the antioxidant carotenoid family include cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein (page 548), and lycopene (page 548). However, unlike beta-carotene, most of these nutrients are not converted to vitamin A in significant amounts.
Where is it found?
Dark green and orange-yellow vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene. It is also available in supplements. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Yellow xanthophylls such as lutein, a type of carotenoid found in such foods as egg yolks and yellow squash, help protect the delicate retinal membrane from ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. Interestingly, carotenoid deficiency leads to a reduction in fertility, a classic Yin deficiency disease.
Various carotenoid supplements, especially red lycopene, have shown benefit in double-
In one interesting case, a 20-year-old Japanese woman who wanted to lose weight ate almost nothing except carotene-rich pumpkins for 2 years. |
Richard Beliveau, Ph.D. and Denis Gingras, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Source: USDA Database for the carotenoid Content of Selected Foods, 1998
Table 16 the place occupied by tomatoes in diet: Asian cuisines do not as a rule include tomatoes, and Asians do not as a group suffer from high prostate cancer rates. The data has, however, incited scientists to try to establish a link between the development of prostate cancer and dietary intake of tomatoes. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Although no association between atherosclerosis and blood level of any other carotenoid (page 488) (e.g., beta-carotene [page 469]) was found, the results of this study suggested a protective role for lycopene. Lycopene is present in high amounts in tomatoes.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful
Many actions associated with herbal supplements may help prevent or potentially alleviate atherosclerosis. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 Annatto oil is an emollient, and its high carotenoid content provides beneficial antioxidant properties.16 In body care products, annatto oil provides antioxidant benefits while adding a rich, sunny color to creams, lotions, and shampoos.
In South America, a standard leaf decoction is prepared. One-half cup amounts are taken two or three times daily with meals for various conditions. Ground annatto seed powder is also used in small dosages (of 5-20 mg daily).
The seed extract was reported to elevate blood sugar levels in dogs, and it is therefore contraindicated for people with diabetes. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Beta carotene supplementation may also decrease blood levels of lutein (page 548), another carotenoid.19
Warning: Synthetic beta-carotene has now been linked to increased risk of lung cancer (page 298) in smokers. Until more is known, smokers should avoid all beta-carotene supplements.
Preliminary studies in animals indicate that beta-carotene supplementation, when combined with heavy alcohol (page 12) consumption, may enhance liver toxicity.20 Until more is known, alcoholics and persons who consume alcohol on a daily basis should avoid supplementing with beta-carotene. |
Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH
See book keywords and concepts |
 The patient were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 was given 10 mg of lutein (a carotenoid that prevents oxidative damage to the retina); group 2 was given 10 mg of lutein and additional broad spectrum supplementation with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; and group 3 was given a placebo. The results of this study were once again excellent, with lutein or the lutein/broad spectrum group having a marked improvement in visual function (positive changes in macular pigment density, Snellen visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity). Patients who were on placebo had no significant changes. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Spinach, collard greens, and other dark-green leafy vegetables are rich sources of lutein, a carotenoid that may prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration.8 9 (See chapter on macular degeneration for more information.) Blueberries and grapes contain flavonoids called anthocyanosides, which may help prevent varicose veins and improve visual function.
Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods are good sources of dietary fiber. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Interestingly, carotenoid deficiency leads to a reduction in fertility, a classic Yin deficiency disease.
Various carotenoid supplements, especially red lycopene, have shown benefit in double-
In one interesting case, a 20-year-old Japanese woman who wanted to lose weight ate almost nothing except carotene-rich pumpkins for 2 years. Her skin, of course, turned bright yellow, and she sustained some liver damage. Fortunately, she was able to regain her health quickly after adjusting her diet. It seems it takes a very large amount of carotenoids to hurt you. blind studies against oral lesions. |
Joseph E. Mario
See book keywords and concepts |
 Fat-Substitute Olestra is a non-absorbed fat, blocks carotenoid absorption, and Lutein 40%,
Anti-Fungus drugs For finger- or toenail fungus infections, ketoconazole and griseofulvinhavesideeffectsofhepatitisandliver ailments, especiallyintheelderly.
Fialuridine(FIAl J) Given forhepatitis-B has killed five patients with liverand kidney failure, even after 1 i ver transplants forthree ofthe victims (by September 1993).
Glucocorticoids Reduce Vitamins D. Calcium (osteoporosis). Potassium, and C. SEE Cortisone. |
Dianne Onstad
See book keywords and concepts |
 A member of the carotenoid family, lutein is found in deep green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and turnip greens.
Lycopene The pigment that gives tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guavas their red color. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant telated to beta carotene. A carotenoid (as is beta carotene), lycopene serves as an antioxidant, blocks UVA and UVB rays, and is strongly suspected of arresting the growth of cancer cells, especially of the prostate. |
Ben-Erik van Wyk
See book keywords and concepts |
 Notes The orange-red pigment is a carotenoid called bixin, which occurs in the seed coat. Annatto extracts are used in soaps and cosmetics. As a textile dye it has been replaced with synthetic dyes.
Description This is a distinctive shrub or small tree with large, heart-shaped leaves and attractive pink flowers borne in clusters on the branch tips. The fruits are pointed spiny capsules, each containing numerous bright red seeds. Origin & history Indigenous to tropical America. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Lutein is the primary carotenoid present in the central area of the retina called the macula.
Lutein may act as a filter to protect the macula from potentially damaging forms of light. Consequently, lutein appears to be associated with protection from age-related macular degeneration (page 303) (the leading cause of blindness in older adults).
Lutein has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Rating Health Concerns kkti Macular degeneration (page 303) Cataracts (page 101)
Who is likely to be deficient? |
Joseph E. Mario
See book keywords and concepts |
| Durabrite Oleoresin Paprika, Annatto extract, and Oleoresin Carrot pigment food colors are stable, lessen the oxidation of carotenoid pigment colors and off-flavors,extendingcolorstability from the prior 1 monthlengthoftime,to9months; Oleoresin Paprika lasts five times longer than synthetic antioxidants BHT, TBHQ, or BHA (even at 150 times its maximum permitted dose).
•Commercial antioxidant (not fit for human consumption): To protect gasoline from oxidating to gums with BHT, 1/2 pound to 1100 gallons, or l/4tsp.pergallon stores well over two years. |
| LUTEIN A carotenoid forming the yellow in corn and marigolds, found in green leafy vegetables, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, and brussels sprouts (in five times the concentration of Beta-Carotene). With Zeaxanthin forms eye macular pigment in the retina cavity, protects against Aging Macular Degeneration of the eye (AMD), the main cause of blindness after age 40 (use with Bilberry).
•ASTAXANTHIN Maybe lOOtimesbetterAntioxidantthanalpha-Tocopherol, against singlet oxygen and peroxyl radicals; can cross the Brain Blood Barrier; enhances Immunoglobulin antibodies. |
| SEE carotenoid antioxidants Canthaxanthin and Lycopene under Vitamin A.
Allicin and AHylic Sulfides in Garlic and Onions, anti-microbial against bacteria, fungus and viruses; protects from stomach cancer by spurring cells enzymes to neutralize and block carcinogens, used early; inhibit skin and stomach cancers, detoxify cancerous chemicals, researched in China. Other Phytochemicals in Garl ic lower cholesterol, enhance Immunity, counter rheumatoid and arthritis conditions. |
Jean Carper
See book keywords and concepts |
 It is a synthetic carotenoid, beta carotene—naturally abundant in carrots—that scientists funded by the National Cancer Institute have handed out in capsules to select groups in the hope of blocking cancer. How did that happen? Because originally somebody noticed that people who eat carrots and other foods rich in carotenoids have less cancer. It is science's attempt to convert the observed powers of the food pharmacy into a pharmaceutical reality.
Trying to clarify the carrot factor has been a rocky intellectual ride with lots of twists and surprises, and it is far from over. |
C. P. Khare
See book keywords and concepts |
 Active principles and pharmacology
The dried ripe fruits contain alkaloids (including capsaicin); carotenoid pigments (including cap-santhin, capsorubin), flavonoids; ascorbic acid; volatile oil. Steroidal saponins (only in seeds).
Capsaicin is known to mimic the effect of some of the prostaglandins.
Capsaicin makes the fruit a most powerful and persistent heart stimulant. It increases arterial force, enlarges its calibre and slightly increases its frequency. Its influence is quite pronounced and reaches every organ through its primary influence upon the circulation. |
David Heber, M.D., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 These provide (5-cryptothanxin, a minor carotenoid that accounts for only 0.03 milligram of the 6 milligrams per day intake of all carotenoids by the average American. As a practical matter, 87 percent of (3-cryptoxanthin comes from orange juice, oranges, and tangerines. Other fruits providing smaller amounts include peaches, papayas, and nectarines. These fruits obviously have other benefits and are a separate group to be used primarily to stimulate more diversity in your diet. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
See article keywords and concepts |
 And certainly as with everyone, it's a great source of antioxidant carotenoid.
Mike: So, just back to that vitamin B-12, to let people know, that's more traditionally derived from animal proteins.
Gerry: That's correct.
Mike: And as a complete protein, spirulina beats beans or rice or other protein sources that don't have all the amino acids.
Gerry: That's correct.
Mike: I don't mean to be putting words in your mouth, Gerry, I'm just trying to explain to everyone why that's such a big deal.
Gerry: No, I appreciate your input.
Mike: Thanks. |
Steven G. Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews
See book keywords and concepts |
 In another large European study that compared carotenoid levels among patients from ten different countries, lycopene was found to be the most protective against heart attack.
Tomatoes are also a good source of potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate—a great heart-healthy combination of nutrients. Potassium-rich foods play a positive role in cardiovascular health, being especially effective in helping to achieve optimal blood pressure. Niacin is commonly used to lower elevated blood cholesterol levels. |
Peter Pringle
See book keywords and concepts |
 The company had a catchall patent covering "a transgenic plant which produces seed having altered carotenoid levels." Although it was a different experiment, using different genes put into rapeseed, not rice, the patent as written seemed to apply.
The liability for the user was often hard to assess. Everyone was stunned to find out that Potrykus and Beyer could have infringed a grand total of seventy patents belonging to thirty-two different corporations, whose permission would have to be granted before any golden grains could be given away. |
Ruth Winter, M.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 One of the most widespread carotenoid alcohols (a group of red and yellow pigments) in nature. Provisionally listed for use in food. Although carotenoids can usually be turned into Vitamin A, xanthophyll has no Vitamin A activity.
XANTHOXYLUM AMERICAN UM • See Zanthoxylum. XERODERMA • Dry skin.
XIMENIA AMERICANA • A widely distributed family of tropical shrubs and trees. An essential oil, it has a scent like sandalwood (see) and is used in fragrances. XYLENE • Since xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon, as is chlorine, it warrants further investigation as a cancer-causing ingredient. |
Mark Bricklin
See book keywords and concepts |
 Saffron contains several other substances, with crocin being recognized as the major yellowish red pigment, or carotenoid. Crocin is actually a mixture of glycosides. More specifically, the two major principles are known as crocetin, a carotenoid-dicarboxylic acid and a-crocin, a di-gentiobiose ester of crocetin. These are also known as flavonol glycosides. While primarily found in abundance in the stigmas and top of the styles of the crocus, these substances also have been described in other species of crocus in the Iridaceae family and in gardenias. |
Dianne Onstad
See book keywords and concepts |
| Xanthophyll This carotenoid, found in spinach and collard greens, appears to protect against age-related macular degeneration.
Zeaxanthin Found in green leafy vegetables, this antioxidant is also found in the macula of the eye and is believed to help pteserve good vision. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
See book keywords and concepts |
 Significantly lower levels of this carotenoid were found in the cancer group. The same study demonstrated a marked increase in beta-carotene levels in cervicovaginal cells for all subjects after oral supplementation. The findings support a previous hypothesis that beta-carotene deficiency may have an etiologic role in the development of cervical cancer.13
It has been demonstrated both in experimental and clinical applications that carotenoids and retinoids (the form of vitamin A released from the liver) inhibit carcinogenesis in the promotional stage. |
| Carotenoids protect the epithelial tissue (skin, stomach, and lungs) from becoming cancerous. The carotenoid lycopene has been shown to be useful in treating pancreatic cancer9 and in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.10
Beta-carotene and canthaxanthin have been shown to protect animals against three types of tumors: UV-induced skin tumors, carcinogen-induced skin tumors, and UVplus carcinogen-induced skin tumors. |
Email this page to a friend
