A diet rich in carotenoids, the pigments found in plant-based foods, appeared to offer a protective effect against obesity, according to an analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data gathered from 2007 to 2018.
 
A team of Chinese researchers from Qingdao Central Hospital and Qingdao University, China, used the dietary recalls of 25,868 adults, and calculated the sum of their daily intakes of five carotenoids, which included alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin. Information about carotenoid intake and overall diet was gathered from two 24-hour recall interviews.
 
After ruling out for other cofounding factors, it was determined that the amount of carotenoids consumed in a given caloric volume seemed to offer a protective effect against obesity.
 
Dietary intake of a combination of multiple carotenoids at 2,400 mcg/1,000 calories, and of lutein/zeaxanthin at 80 mcg per 1,000 calories had a significant protective effect against obesity. Reductions were also observed in participants who exceeded thresholds of 50 mcg per day of beta-carotene, 17 mcg of beta-cryptoxanthin, and 10 mcg of alpha carotene per 1,000 calories. There was overall an inverse association between carotenoids consumed per a fixed number of calories and obesity.
 
“What is most interesting about this new large cross-sectional study is that it sheds light on the significant protective impact of multi carotenoids against obesity. The findings highlight the inverse association between total multi carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, and the risk of obesity,” said Ariati Aris, PhD, scientific affairs specialist at PhytoGaia, a supplier specializing in palm fruit extracts including tocotrienols, mixed carotenoids, and more. “These results are crucial in understanding the potential role of dietary interventions in managing obesity and its associated health risks. As we navigate the complexities of modern lifestyles, incorporating carotenoid-rich foods may prove to be a valuable strategy in promoting metabolic health.”
 
“Formulators and brands now have an unprecedented opportunity to create a multi carotenoids diet or supplement enriched with plant-derived carotenoids. In nature, carotene does not exist as a single entity. It always exists as carotenoid complex with various isomers of carotene: alpha-carotene; beta-carotene; lycopene; lutein; et cetera,” said Bryan See, vice president of PhytoGaia. “As such, mimicking nature is the best way for carotenoid supplementation. For instance, by incorporating nature’s powerful elements like tomatoes’ lycopene, marigold extract’s lutein/zeaxanthin, and PhytoGaia’s CaroGaia, it offers a unique blend that not only supports overall health but also addresses the critical issue related to obesity. This innovative and nature-intended combination provides a versatile foundation for crafting multivitamins, multi-carotenoids, or weight management formulas, presenting an enticing prospect for those aiming to create products that prioritize holistic well-being and nutrition, and importantly, product differentiation.”