Beta-Cryptoxanthin, Lutein Heart Healthy

SINGAPOREThe carotenoids beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein have cardioprotective properties, according to a recent study from the National University of Singapore (Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2010 Mar 11). Both the carotenoids were associated with decreased risk of acute myocardial infarction in humans.

Researchers examined the associations between plasma concentrations of specific carotenoids and incidence of acute myocardial infarction in 280 incident cases of acute myocardial infarction and 560 matched controls within the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort of 63,257 Chinese men and women aged 45 to 74 years old enrolled in 1993 to 1998 in Singapore. Retinol and carotenoids in prediagnostic plasma were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography.

High levels of plasma beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein were associated with decreased risk of acute myocardial infarction after adjustment for multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease. For beta-cryptoxanthin, the odds ratio for the highest (Q5) versus the lowest (Q1) quintile was 0.67 (0.37-1.21) (P=0.03). For lutein, the odds ratios for the combined Q2-Q3 and the combined Q4-Q5 versus Q1 were 0.71 (0.45-1.12) and 0.58 (0.35-0.94) respectively (P=0.03). There was no statistically significant association between other carotenoids or retinol and risk of acute myocardial infarction.

Lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin are two of more than 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, lutein is an antioxidant better known for its role in eye health. Beta-cryptoxanthin, classified chemically as a xanthophyll, is one of the most abundant carotenoids in the North American diet. It is a "provitamin A" compound, one of approximately 50 carotenoids able to be converted in the body into retinol, an active form of vitamin A. Food sources of beta-cryptoxanthin include red bell peppers, papaya, cilantro, oranges, corn, watermelon, serrano pepper, avocadoes and grapefruit.