High Carotenoids Associated with Lower Obesity Risk in Adolescents: Study

Higher levels of serum carotenoids, a class of antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables, were associated with a reduced prevalence of obesity in adolescents, according to an observational study published in BMC Pediatrics.

The findings highlight the potential role of diet quality, and fruits and vegetables in particular, in addressing the growing rate of childhood obesity.

The cross-sectional study involved 1,329 participants between the ages of 6 and 19 from the NHANES 2017-2018 cycle with complete serum carotenoid and BMI data.

Six carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and combined lutein/zeaxanthin) were strongly and negatively associated with obesity prevalence. However, serum lycopene levels showed no significant difference. Compared to all other carotenoids, high levels of β-carotene were most strongly associated with lower obesity risks and BMI. Higher combined carotenoid levels overall were linked to lower BMI and a reduced likelihood of obesity, the researchers concluded.

“This study underscores the importance of improving dietary quality early in life. Carotenoids can’t be produced by the body, we have to obtain them from our diet. This finding suggests that higher carotenoid levels, particularly β-carotene, are associated with significantly lower rates of obesity in children. Beyond their well-known role in eye and skin health, carotenoids may also support healthier weight and metabolic balance,” said Ariati Aris, PhD, scientific affairs specialist at PhytoGaia, an ingredient manufacturer specializing in palm-derived nutrients. “The association between carotenoid intake and the prevention or management of overweight and obesity is supported by multiple epidemiological studies. This growing evidence presents a compelling opportunity for the nutraceutical industry.

These findings are consistent with earlier clinical evidence. A 2017 pilot study demonstrated that supplementation with mixed carotenoids improved adipokine profiles and reduced abdominal adiposity in children.

Together, these studies highlight the potential role of carotenoids in supporting metabolic health and weight management from an early age, PhytoGaia reported.

“This new study reinforces what earlier research including a 2017 clinical trial on mixed carotenoids in children, has suggested that carotenoids play a meaningful role in supporting healthy metabolism and weight management from an early age. For the nutraceutical industry, this opens new opportunities for science-backed innovation. PhytoGaia’s CaroGaia, a natural mixed-carotene complex extracted from sustainably sourced palm fruits, is rich in α-carotene and β-carotene, making it an ideal choice for multi-carotenoid or multi-vitamin formulations. We look forward to partnering with brand owners to create innovative, science-driven products using CaroGaia,” said Bryan See, vice president of PhytoGaia.