Plasma Carotenoids and Polyphenols and Their Association with MetS: The Need for Nutritional Interventions

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased pro-oxidative stress and a chronic inflammation state and their consequent alterations. Several studies have highlighted the protective effect of carotenoids and polyphenols in MetS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma level of selected carotenoids and polyphenols and to determine their relationship with MetS severity, MetS components, and inflammatory markers in Polish adults with metabolic disorders. It was designed as a cross-sectional study. The final study group comprised 275 adults, including 158 women and 117 men. Data were collected on the frequency of consumption of selected food groups. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of carotenoids, polyphenols, and indicators (parameters) of metabolic disorders. Plasma concentrations of selected carotenoids and polyphenols were low in adults with MetS. The highest concentrations of carotenoids and polyphenols in the blood were observed for lutein and phenolic acids (including gallic and p-coumaric acids). Nevertheless, a correlation was found between the individual bioactive compounds and MetS components. In terms of the lipid profile, our study showed that the plasma of the selected carotenoids and polyphenols positively correlated with HDL cholesterol (zeaxanthin; total carotenoids), LDL cholesterol (chlorogenic acid), triglycerides (lycopene), and the total cholesterol (kaempferol). We found that the level of CRP as a marker of inflammation negatively correlated with the concentration of zeaxanthin. In our study group, no relationship was found between the dietary antioxidant intensity and the variables studied, which may be attributed to the low frequency of consumption of the sources of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, but also to the metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether these associations are causally related to the metabolic syndrome or are a result of the pathologies of the syndrome or improper diet with a low intake of vegetables and fruit.

Changes in Plasma Carotenoid Concentrations during the AntioxObesity Weight Reduction Program among Adults with Excessive Body Weight

“…Similar results were presented by Matsumoto et al [71], indicating that higher levels of lutein and β-carotene in serum were only associated with lower levels of visceral fat area in women, while the observed positive correlation between lycopene and visceral fat (in men) could be explained by the low level of dietary intake and the influence of other nutrients in dishes. Plasma levels of most carotenoids were inversely correlated with fat mass and general and central obesity [61,72], and with weight loss, serum lutein, and zeaxanthin concentrations increase [23]. This is also corroborated by our results, where the increase in plasma lutein concentration during the weight loss program was higher than that of β-carotene and lycopene.…”

Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017–2020

“…Carotenoids are a class of lipophilic pigments that are primarily present in vegetables and fruits, which cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained from dietary intake. Carotenoids have antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as the potential to reduce markers associated with metabolic syndrome 61 . Another prospective study from China explored the relationship between serum carotenoids and NAFLD in middle-aged and older adults and indicated that higher concentrations of serum carotenoids may improve NAFLD by reducing inflammation, insulin resistance, triglycerides, and BMI 62 .…”

“…Carotenoids are a class of lipophilic pigments that are primarily present in vegetables and fruits, which cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained from dietary intake. Carotenoids have antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antiinflammatory activities, as well as the potential to reduce markers associated with metabolic syndrome 61 62 . In addition, oral supplementation with vitamin C may also improve liver function and glucose in patients with NAFLD, especially 1000 mg/day, and these findings are consistent with our research results 63 .…”

Plasma Concentration of 36 (Poly)phenols and Prospective Body Weight Change in Participants from the EPIC Cohort

“…This has been a way of reducing the potential bias from dietary questionnaire-based data. While the evidence on the determination of plasma (poly)phenols is not extensive, a recent review described the common analytical technique utilizing LC-MS/MS [53]. However, the use of differential isotope labelling in our methodology is an extra advantage.…”