Carotenoid supplements provide protection against DNA damage

New research published in the January 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that carotenoid supplementation is protective against DNA damage.

Researchers randomly assigned study subjects to one of three treatments: A daily dose of mixed carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene: 4 mg each), a 12 mg single carotenoid (beta-carotene, lutein or lycopene) or a placebo. In addition, the subjects were instructed to limit carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetables from two weeks prior to the study until completion. Following the supplementation period, researchers analyzed plasma carotenoid concentrations and lymphocyte DNA damage. Each carotenoid group exhibited significantly reduced DNA damage compared to baseline, whereas the placebo group showed no such improvement. Both the mixed carotenoid and the beta-carotene groups further displayed significantly less oxidative DNA damage as early as 15 days into supplementation.

The results indicate that carotenoid supplementation, whether in combination at moderate doses or individually at higher doses, provides protection against DNA damage.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 83, No. 1, 163-169, January 2006