Latest Carotene Stories

Two Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are part of an international team that has found a way to boost the nutritional value of corn. This has the potential to reduce the number of children in developing countries who lose their eyesight, become ill or die each year because of vitamin A deficiencies.Corn contains carotenoids, some of which the body can convert to vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the best vitamin A precursor, but only a very small percentage of corn varieties have...

Study supported by Nutrilite Health Institute presented at Experimental Biology MeetingTopping that bowl of cereal with raspberries instead of strawberries, or sautéing kale instead of spinach for dinner can boost phytonutrient intake, which may help decrease risk for certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.A study, supported by the Nutrilite Health Institute and presented at the Experimental Biology Meeting, April 25, in Anaheim, California, found...

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Topping that bowl of cereal with raspberries instead of strawberries, or sauteing kale instead of spinach for dinner can boost phytonutrient intake, which may help decrease risk for certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. A study, supported by the Nutrilite Health Institute and presented at the Experimental Biology Meeting, April 25, in Anaheim, California, found that despite the availability of a wide...

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- We've all heard that "you are what you eat." There are few instances where that is more relevant than in the case of your eyesight. And yet, a study finds that many people do not make a conscious connection between healthy eyesight and a balanced, nutritious diet. The study, which surveyed consumers in the United Kingdom, was conducted by Transitions Optical, the leading global provider of photochromic eyeglass lenses. Results revealed that 43...

Decreasing or increasing the function of a newly discovered gene in corn may increase vitamin A content and have significant implications for reducing childhood blindness and mortality rates, according to a Purdue University-led study.Torbert Rocheford, the Patterson Endowed Chair of Translational Genomics and professor of agronomy at Purdue, led the study that made findings in yellow and particularly orange corn, a type he said likely originated in the Caribbean and is popular in some Asian...

Almost half of UK women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A due to a previously undiscovered genetic variation, scientists at Newcastle University have found.The team, led by Dr Georg Lietz, has shown that almost 50 per cent of women have a genetic variation which reduces their ability to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A from beta-carotene.Vitamin A "“ also known as retinol "“ plays a vital role in strengthening our immune system, protecting us against common infections...

Health/wellness expert Amy Hendel available for interviewsHoping to keep the flu at bay? A strong immune system helps. Enjoying the bounty of colorful fruits and vegetables available right now can be an important step toward supporting your family's immune system this cold/flu season.In addition to vitamins, minerals and fiber, fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, believed to come from the com-pounds that give these foods their vibrant colors. These phytonutrients provide a wide...

Breeders can enhance nutritional value using inexpensive colorimeter methodCarotenoids, the family of yellow to red pigments responsible for the striking orange hues of pumpkins and the familiar red color of vine-ripe tomatoes, play an important role in human health by acting as sources of provitamin A or as protective antioxidants. Pumpkins and squash, available in a wide range of white, yellow, and orange colors, are excellent sources of dietary carotenoids, particularly lutein,...

Report by Nutrilite Health Institute is first major analysis of NHANES fruit and vegetable consumption by colorWhile it is a well-known fact that most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, a new report shows the color of fruits and veggies eaten can be as important as the quantity. Eight in 10 Americans are missing out on the health benefits of a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, resulting in a phytonutrient gap with potential health consequences, according to...

Antioxidant supplements do not appear to increase risk of melanoma, as previously suspected, according to a new report.Findings in a recent randomized trial of antioxidants for cancer prevention seemed to suggest daily supplementation with nutritionally appropriate doses of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc increased the risk of melanoma in women four-fold. Because an estimated 48 to 55 percent of U.S. adults use vitamin or mineral supplements regularly, the potential for...