More beta-carotene in your blood, longer life

Study

The Finnish study's original aim was to find out whether supplements with high amounts of synthetic versions of vitamin E and beta-carotene could protect smokers from lung cancer. This was not the case. Supplementation was even stopped after a few years, because beta-carotene actually increased the risk of lung cancer.

Since then, supplement companies have reduced the amount of beta-carotene in their products. Beta-carotene in foods does not increase the risk of lung cancer, and does seem to protect against a variety of diseases.









Results

After the Americans, using statistical tricks, had polished away as many disruptive factors as possible, they saw that the men's mortality rate was lower as the concentration of beta-carotene in their blood was higher. This was beta-carotene from regular foods, not from supplements. The researchers determined the concentration when the study began.

A high beta-carotene level reduced the risk of death from cancer, diabetes, accidents [weird but true] but especially the mortality from cardiovascular factors.

















Mechanism

"Studies have shown that beta carotene is mostly associated with LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) and oxidative conversion of LDL is considered to have an important role in atherogenesis", speculate the researchers. "Thus, as one of the antioxidants, beta carotene may play a role in the modification of LDL oxidation and lipid peroxidation, consequently lowering CVD risk and mortality."

Conclusion

"This study provides evidence that higher beta carotene biochemical status is associated with lower [...] of mortality. The dose-response associations over a 30-year period were not attenuated by adjustment for other important risk factors and support greater fruit and vegetable consumption as a means to increase beta carotene status and promote longevity."

Source:

Circ Res. 2018 Dec 7;123(12):1339-49.

More:

Coffee - a superfood that reduces mortality 01.12.2018

Yogurt protects against heart attack, milk does not 06.11.2018

Fit already? Become super fit, and you will live even longer 30.10.2018



Archives:

Beta-carotene & other carotenoids

Longevity

