Serum Carotenoid Concentrations in Postmenopausal Women from the United States with and without Osteoporosis

Abstract

Antioxidant defenses may be compromised in osteoporotic women. Little is known about fruit and vegetable or carotenoid consumption among postmenopausal women. The primary carotenoids in human serum are alpha- and beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. This study investigated the interrelationships among serum carotenoid concentrations, fruit and vegetable intake, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (n = 59, 62.7 +/- 8.8 y). Bone density was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and osteoporosis diagnosis was based upon T-scores. Serum samples (n = 53) and three-day diet records (n = 49) were analyzed. Logistic regression analyzed differences between carotenoids after adjusting for serum retinol; supplement usage; milk, yogurt, fruit, and vegetable intake; and body mass index (BMI). Pearson statistics correlated carotenoids with specific fruit or vegetable intake. Serum lycopene concentrations were lower in the osteoporosis group than controls (p = 0.03). Beta-cryptoxanthin intake was higher in the osteoporosis group (p = 0.0046). Total fruit and vegetable intakes were correlated with serum lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin (p = 0.03, 0.006, respectively). Serum alpha-carotene concentration was associated with carrot intake, and zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin with lettuce intake. Carotenoids that may have beneficial skeletal effects are lower in women with osteoporosis. Research is needed to identify potential protective mechanisms or utilization of carotenoids during osteoporosis.

Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Vegetables: A Review

“…Several research investigations have shown an inverse relationship between plasma/serum lycopene concentrations and risk of some cancers [142][143][144][145][146][147][148]. Similar associations have been reported for markers of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive function, and body weight [149][150][151][152][153][154][155][156]. Moreover, relationships between dietary intakes of tomato products or tomato extract supplements have been observed in epidemiological studies and clinical trials examining markers of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and ultraviolet light-induced skin erythema [157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168][169][170][171][172].…”

Nutrient Intake in Postmenopausal Rheumatoid Arthritis Women with Osteoporosis: Results from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…Park et al [20] reported that carotene consumption was associated with reduced risk of OP after adjusting for age, BMI, hormone replacement therapy, and total caloric intake. Recent studies have also confirmed that carotenoid or carotene plays an important role in preventing bone loss [20][21][22]. Carotene's direct effect on bone health is largely derived from its antioxidant attributes [21].…”

“…Carotene's direct effect on bone health is largely derived from its antioxidant attributes [21]. Yang et al [22] suggested that lycopene and β-carotene, the primary forms of carotene in our body or diet contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis. This is because antioxidants can donate electrons to free radicals, leading to the elimination of oxidative stress [22,23].…”

“…Yang et al [22] suggested that lycopene and β-carotene, the primary forms of carotene in our body or diet contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis. This is because antioxidants can donate electrons to free radicals, leading to the elimination of oxidative stress [22,23]. In vitro studies [24] also revealed that lycopene hinders the formation of osteoclasts.…”

Integrated Medicine with vegetable derived antioxidant and vitamin D : effects on oxidative stress and bone mineral metabolism of aged patients with renal disease

“…Osteoporosis is considered the result of an imbalance in bone remodeling by inadequate osteoblasts activity and / or excessive osteoclasts activity, the cells responsible for bone resorption [30]. Calcitriol and PTH are closely related hormones in the context of bone physiology and pathophysiology, in calcium homeostasis and in bone mineralization.…”