A new discovery has been made in anti-aging. This natural plant pigment can actually delay biological aging!

Recently, a research team from West China Hospital of Sichuan University conducted an in-depth analysis of 19,280 participants based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2009 to 2018. The results show that carotenoids have a significant effect on slowing down the acceleration of phenotypic aging, among which β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin are particularly prominent, indicating the great potential of this natural pigment in the field of anti-aging.

Source: Springer

1  The higher the carotenoids, the more significant the anti-aging effect.

Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments that are widely found in algae, fungi, bacteria and plants. So far, more than 700 natural carotenoids have been discovered. According to different chemical structures, they can be divided into two categories. One category only contains two elements: carbon and hydrogen, without oxygen elements (such as α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene); the other category is its oxidized Derivatives include hydroxyl, ketone, carboxyl, methoxy and other oxygen-containing functional groups (such as lutein, zeaxanthin, etc.). Among them, 6 types, including α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin, account for more than 95% of the carotenoids circulating in human blood.

This study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), examined the relationship between dietary carotenoid intake and the biological aging process. Carotenoid intake was obtained by analyzing dietary data, and biological age was assessed using the PhenoAge and Klemera-Doubal (KDM) method^[1].

Research results show that higher dietary carotenoid levels are significantly associated with slower biological aging, suggesting that carotenoids have potential anti-aging effects. Further analysis found that the association between carotenoids and biological age acceleration showed significant nonlinear characteristics, indicating that its protective effect was enhanced at higher intake levels.

Restrictive relationship between carotenoids and phenotypic age acceleration^[1]

According to research results, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin are particularly effective in anti-aging. In addition, the anti-aging effects of carotenoids vary among different groups. Young people (less than 60 years old), women, patients with hypertension and patients with diabetes benefit more significantly from high levels of carotenoids intake, which helps To slow down the process of biological aging.

       The anti-aging effects of different carotenoids^[1]

2  Anti-aging research on carotenoids

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions and increased susceptibility to disease. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key factors driving aging.

Carotenoids contain numerous conjugated double bonds in their molecular structure. They have strong antioxidant capabilities by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation, and can effectively remove reactive oxygen species (such as peroxide free radicals and singlet oxygen) in the body. , thus playing a key role in promoting healthy aging.

The anti-aging potential of carotenoids is primarily based on their ability to promote the migration of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) into the nucleus. After Nrf2 migrates to the nucleus, it initiates the transcription of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. In addition, as cells divide, their telomeres shorten until they die, and ROS and inflammation accelerate telomere shortening. It has been reported that high dietary β-carotene intake is associated with longer telomere length^[2].

3  More benefits of carotenoids

Carotenoids are widely used in various fields because of their strong coloring power and stable and uniform color, such as as food colorants in beverages, candies, and nutritional compatibility with children's food. Carotenoids have various effects such as vitamin A activity, protection of cardiovascular health, skin health, etc., and have important physiological regulation and disease prevention effects on the human body.

1. Protect cardiovascular health

Carotenoids can prevent the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, as well as preventing oxidative damage to vascular cells and maintaining vascular function. Among them, carotenoids such as lycopene and lutein have key benefits in this regard. One meta-analysis found that individuals who consumed lycopene in their diet had a 17% lower risk of cardiovascular disease^[3]. The effect of lutein is 15 times that of lycopene and 10 times that of β-carotene^[4], and it can effectively prevent lipid peroxidation.

2. Skin health

Photoaging is mainly caused by environmental factors and manifests as decreased skin elasticity, abnormal pigmentation, dryness and itching. Ultraviolet rays are a key inducement. By promoting the generation of ROS, they destroy the skin's protective and repair functions, thereby causing skin and epidermal damage and accelerated aging. Studies have shown that carotenoid supplementation can effectively prevent UV-induced ROS formation.

For example, astaxanthin can improve skin health by inhibiting oxidative damage and exerting anti-photoaging effects. It can inhibit melanin synthesis, reduce pigmentation, increase skin moisture, and improve dry skin. Research shows that oral administration of astaxanthin can reduce age spots and wrinkles, and improve skin hydration and elasticity. In addition, astaxanthin can reduce skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays, reduce water loss and rashes, and protect skin health^[2].

3. Protect liver

Dietary carotenoid intake is considered an essential strategy for the prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lycopene has hepatoprotective properties against a variety of liver diseases, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The liver protective effect of lycopene is mainly due to its powerful antioxidant properties, which can effectively inhibit cell damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

In addition, studies have pointed out that beta-carotene, as one of the most abundant carotenoids in the liver, exhibits significant hepatoprotective effects. Increasing β-carotene intake through dietary routes can significantly reduce the risk of hepatic steatosis and free radical-mediated hepatocellular damage^[5].

4. Improve age-related macular degeneration(AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common vision disorder caused mainly by degenerative damage to photoreceptors in mature individuals and has become the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65. It is predicted that the number of patients with AMD worldwide will increase to nearly 288 million by 2040^[6].

The initial manifestations of AMD are decreased vision, reduced contrast sensitivity, and diminished visual acuity, which are characterized by a progressive decline in functional vision. Carotenoids play a key role in maintaining macular health and function.           Among many carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to cross the blood-retinal barrier and accumulate in the retina to form macular pigments, a process that is critical for the protection of the macula.

In addition, astaxanthin, as a member of the lutein family, is mainly found in marine organisms and is considered to have a potential protective effect in preventing light-induced retinal damage and dysfunction. Because of its unique molecular structure, astaxanthin can cross the double-layer membrane of cells and effectively remove reactive oxygen species in the inner and outer layers of cells, thereby providing the retina with a defense mechanism against oxidative stress^[2].

Reference sources:

[1]https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10522-024-10160-4

[2]https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/20/15199

[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28318092/

[4]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31605782/

[5]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31904420/

[6]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34829613/