Research indicates that carotenoids play a significant role in slowing down accelerated phenotypic aging, with β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin demonstrating particularly remarkable effects. These findings underscore the vast potential of these natural pigments in the anti-aging domain.The higher the carotenoid concentration, the more remarkable its anti-aging benefits.
Carotenoids are natural, fat-soluble pigments found abundantly in algae, fungi, bacteria, and plants. To date, over 700 types of natural carotenoids have been discovered. These can be classified into two categories based on their chemical structure:
Carotenes (Hydrocarbons): These contain only carbon and hydrogen, with no oxygen.
Xanthophylls (Oxygenated Derivatives): These include oxygen-containing functional groups such as hydroxyl, keto, carboxyl, or methoxy groups .
Among them, six carotenoids-α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin-account for over 95% of the carotenoids found circulating in human blood.
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Research shows that β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin are particularly effective in combating aging. Moreover, the anti-aging effects of carotenoids vary among different groups. Younger individuals (under 60), women, and those with hypertension or diabetes experience more pronounced benefits from higher carotenoid intake, which aids in slowing the biological aging process.
More Benefits of Carotenoids
Protecting Cardiovascular Health
Carotenoids can help prevent the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as preventing oxidative damage to vascular cells and maintaining vascular function. Lycopene and lutein, among other carotenoids, play key roles in this process. A meta-analysis found that individuals who consumed lycopene had a 17% lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lutein's effect is 15 times stronger than lycopene's and 10 times stronger than β-carotene's, effectively preventing lipid peroxidation.
Skin Health
Photoaging, primarily caused by environmental factors, is characterized by reduced skin elasticity, abnormal pigmentation, dryness, and itching. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a key trigger, promoting ROS formation, damaging skin protection and repair functions, and accelerating skin aging. Studies show that carotenoid supplementation can effectively prevent UV-induced ROS formation.
For instance, astaxanthin helps improve skin health by inhibiting oxidative damage and providing protection against photoaging. It suppresses melanin synthesis, reduces pigmentation, increases skin hydration, and improves dry skin. Research has shown that oral astaxanthin can reduce age spots and wrinkles while enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. Additionally, astaxanthin can reduce skin damage caused by UV rays, minimize moisture loss and rashes, and protect skin health.
Liver Protection
Dietary carotenoid intake is considered a fundamental strategy for preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lycopene has hepatoprotective properties against various liver diseases, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver. Its liver-protecting effects are mainly due to its strong antioxidant properties, which effectively inhibit oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. Furthermore, studies show that β-carotene, one of the most abundant carotenoids in the liver, demonstrates significant liver protection. Increasing β-carotene intake through diet can significantly reduce the risk of hepatic steatosis and liver cell damage caused by free radicals.
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/