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Improvement in Skin Carotenoid Levels Assessed by Reflectance Spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Talbott Shawn,
Quan Danyi,
Xiong Wade
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.lb283
Subject(s) - carotenoid , lutein , lycopene , antioxidant , chemistry , beta carotene , food science , emulsion , medicine , biochemistry
BACKGROUND Carotenoids have been directly associated with health benefits, including lutein (eye health), lycopene (cardiovascular and prostate health), and beta‐carotene (ultraviolet skin protection). Various biophotonic spectroscopy techniques are accurate and noninvasive methods of detecting skin carotenoid levels and assessing change in antioxidant levels over time. OBJECTIVE We used Reflectance Spectroscopy to measure skin carotenoid levels following two supplementation regimens. METHODS Sixty‐six healthy volunteers were supplemented with: Group A = 15mg/day of mixed carotenoids (9mg beta‐carotene, 4mg lycopene, and 2mg lutein in a proprietary nano‐emulsion); Group B = 18mg/day of natural beta‐carotene; or Group C = placebo containing no carotenoids. Skin carotenoid levels were measured at Baseline and Weeks 8 & 16. RESULTS Skin carotenoid levels were increased 59% and 57% in Group A, and 37% and 36% in Group B at weeks 8 and 16, respectively, compared to Control. CONCLUSION These results show, via Reflectance Spectroscopy, that skin carotenoid levels are significantly increased by supplementation with natural beta‐carotene (18mg/d) or a proprietary nano‐emulsion (15mg/d). The magnitude of skin carotenoid increase was greater with the nano‐emulsion, suggesting a possible enhancement of absorption, delivery, deposition, or retention in the body.