Researchers reviewed studies investigating the effects of carotenoids on women’s health outcomes.
They found that higher carotenoid intake may reduce the risk of developing multiple health conditions.
They concluded that given the high probability to help and low probability of harm, approaches targeting carotenoid intake in women could be beneficial. Although women tend to have longer lifespans than men, they also have more health conditions. Likewise, while women tend to have more robust immune systems Trusted Source than men, they also account for 80%Trusted Source of autoimmune conditions. Many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease Trusted Source and age-related macular degeneration, are more common in women than men.
Some research Trusted Source suggests that these differences may arise from different levels of exposure to oxidative stress, Both from lifestyle factors and internal factors such as endocrine differences. If this is the case, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements in the diet may be a benign way to reduce oxidative and inflammatory stress and thus improve health. Recently, researchers reviewed studies investigating the effect of diet on autoimmune conditions in women. They found that intake of pigmented carotenoids may be important for preventing visual and cognitive loss.
Evidence on carotenoids’ health benefits
In the review, the researchers noted that low bone mineral density can be detected in females in their 30s and accelerates Trusted Source after menopause. Studies have shown that some carotenoids may slow bone loss. These include lycopene — found in tomatoes, as well as beta-carotene and lutein (L), and zeaxanthin (Z) which are found in leafy greens and eggs. The researchers also noted that higher levels of L and Z are linked to lower incidence and prevalence of cataracts Trusted Source and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Previous research suggests that carotenoids inhibit Trusted Source brain beta-amyloid deposition and slow down fibril formation, both of which are associated with dementia. They further noted that L and Z increase cellular efficiency Trusted Source and improve cognitive function in children, young adults, older adults, and those with cognitive impairment.
Other research shows that L and Z are crucial for infant development. One study found that women in the highest quartile of L and Z intake had children with a 38% lower risk Trusted Source of poor vision when assessed three years later.
The researchers added that other studies demonstrate that high levels of serum carotenoids have also been linked to a reduced risk of: Ovarian and breast cancer Trusted Source, sarcopenia Trusted Source, skin wrinkling Trusted Source, Inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis.
How carotenoids improve health
“The old adage that you are what you eat is literally true. What you eat influences the composition of your brain and the chemicals called neurotransmitters and hormones that are involved in its function.” He explained that the brain is composed of around 60% fat, which makes it especially vulnerable to oxidative stress. To counteract any potential damage, our brains typically incorporate lipid-soluble antioxidants from foods like eggs and leafy greens to protect the brain. Problems arise as modern diets tend to contain less of these antioxidants than needed.
While carotenoids consumed from food may improve health outcomes, research Trusted Source suggests that supplemental versions of these nutrients may not yield the same effect. This is because individual nutrients may not affect the body in the same way as when consumed as part of a fruit or vegetable. The researchers concluded that given the high probability to help and low probability of harm, approaches targeting L and Z intake in women could be beneficial.
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