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Rising Atmospheric CO 2 Lowers Concentrations of Plant Carotenoids Essential to Human Health: A Meta‐Analysis
Author(s) -
Loladze Irakli,
Nolan John M.,
Ziska Lewis H.,
Knobbe Amy R.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.201801047
Subject(s) - carotenoid , human health , arabidopsis thaliana , chemistry , food science , biology , botany , biochemistry , gene , medicine , environmental health , mutant
Plant and human tissues (e.g., leaves, retina) share the need for carotenoids to protect against light‐induced and other oxidative stresses. While plants synthesize carotenoids de novo, humans must obtain them primarily through plant‐based foods. In plants, elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO 2 ) decrease the concentrations of essential minerals, including magnesium and zinc (essential for brain and eye health), but the overall effect of globally rising CO 2 levels on carotenoids is unknown. Here, investigation is sought on how eCO 2 affects carotenoids in plants. A meta‐analysis of 1026 experimental observations from 37 studies shows that eCO 2 decreases plant carotenoid concentrations by 15% (95% CI: −26% to −6%). The meta‐analysis of available gene expression data for Arabidopsis thaliana points to a potential CO 2 ‐induced downregulation of carotenoid biosynthesis (Log2 fold‐change −13%, 95% CI: −17% to −9%). Some other stoichiometric and biochemical mechanisms related to CO 2 ‐induced changes in carotenoids are also highlighted. While overall eCO 2 decreases carotenoid concentrations, individual CO 2 studies report variable responses, including increases in carotenoid levels, especially in abiotically stressed plants. The initial assessment raises a novel question about the potential effects of rising CO 2 on human health through its global effect on plant carotenoids.