Dietary carotenoids and risk of dyslipidemia among adult participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Recently, particular attention has focused on the potential cardio-protective properties of dietary carotenoids. Here we aimed to evaluate the association between dietary intakes of carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and β-cryptoxanthin) and risk of dyslipidemia (elevated levels of total cholesterol (HTC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HLDL), triglycerides (HTG), or reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LHDL)) among adult participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The present prospective cohort study was conducted in four separate analyses, HTG analysis with 1305 healthy adults, HLDL analysis with 1326 healthy adults, HTC analysis with 1311 healthy adults, and LHDL analysis with 711 healthy adults from the participants of the third phase (2006-2008) of the TLGS. Dietary intake of carotenoids was estimated using a validated 168-items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, at baseline. Adjusted Hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of HTC, HTG, LHDL, and HLDL were calculated in tertile categories of dietary carotenoids. Participants in the second tertile of β-cryptoxanthin intake, had a 24% lower risk of HLDL (HR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.60-0.96), and an 18% lower risk of HTC (HR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.66-0.98), compared to the participants in the first tertile. Also, participants in the second tertile of lycopene intake, compared to those in the first tertile had a 23% lower risk of HTG (HR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.63-0.97). There was no significant association between other dietary carotenoids and dyslipidemia. The results indicated beneficial effects of dietary β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene for lipid profile. However, more research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms and to determine optimal nutritional sources and amounts of carotenoids for cardiovascular benefits.