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Relationship between serum carotenoids and hyperglycemia: a population-based cross-sectional study
Koji Suzuki1, Yoshinori Ito, Sayuri Nakamura
1Department of Public Health, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan.
Journal of Epidemiology
|October 25, 2002
Summary
Consuming vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids may protect against hyperglycemia. High intake of carrots and pumpkins, and higher serum carotenoid levels, were linked to lower odds of high hemoglobin A1c.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hyperglycemia, including diabetes mellitus (DM), is a significant global health concern.
- Dietary factors, particularly fruit and vegetable intake, are increasingly recognized for their role in metabolic health.
- Carotenoids, potent antioxidants found in colorful produce, warrant investigation for their potential impact on glycemic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hyperglycemia (high hemoglobin A1c and diagnosed DM) and serum carotenoid levels.
- To explore the relationship between hyperglycemia and the intake frequency of fruits and vegetables.
- To identify specific carotenoid-rich foods or serum carotenoids that may offer protection against hyperglycemia.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Hokkaido, Japan, involving participants with high hemoglobin A1c (n=151) or DM (n=133) and matched healthy controls.
- Dietary intake was assessed via a questionnaire focusing on fruit and vegetable consumption frequency.
- Serum carotenoid levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Main Results:
- A high intake frequency of carrots and pumpkins was associated with reduced odds of high hemoglobin A1c (OR=0.49).
- Elevated serum levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin were significantly associated with lower odds of high hemoglobin A1c.
- No significant associations were found between high hemoglobin A1c and intake of other vegetables/fruits, or between DM and the dietary/serum factors studied.
Conclusions:
- Intake of carotenoid-rich vegetables like carrots and pumpkins may be a protective factor against developing hyperglycemia.
- Higher serum concentrations of specific carotenoids are linked to a lower likelihood of elevated hemoglobin A1c.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and confirm these findings in diverse populations.