Moderate carotenoid intakes protect against sarcopenic obesity among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional study

Carotenoids have been recognized for their potential health benefits due to their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, evidence regarding the specific relationship between carotenoid intake and sarcopenic obesity (SO) remains limited. We hypothesized that moderate carotenoid intake was associated with a lower SO risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 10,060 adults aged 18 to 59 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018. Whole-body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while carotenoid intake was obtained through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Weighted logistic regression models, stratified analyses, restricted cubic spline analyses, and sensitivity analyses were utilized for this study. The weighted prevalence of SO was 7.51%. Weighted logistic regression revealed that dietary α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin intake was inversely associated with SO risk after accounting for various variables. Age-stratified analyses revealed a significant inverse association between α-carotene intake and SO risk among adults aged 40 to 59, whereas β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin exhibited similar inverse relationships in the 18 to 39 age group. The sex-stratified analysis demonstrated that the highest tertile of α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin intake was inversely correlated with the risk of SO among females. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis revealed a U-shaped association between dietary intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin with SO risk, particularly in 40-59-year-olds and females. In conclusion, moderate dietary α-carotene (0.77 mg/day), β-carotene (3.93 mg/day), and β-cryptoxanthin (0.19 mg/day) consumption was associated with a lower SO risk. The relationship between these carotenoids and SO was nonlinear, particularly among individuals aged 40 to 59 years and in females.