Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of β-Cryptoxanthin Supplementation in Healthy Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Nutrients. 2023 May 16;15(10):2325. doi: 10.3390/nu15102325.

Abstract

Background: β-cryptoxanthin is a dietary carotenoid for which there have been few studies on the safety and pharmacokinetics following daily oral supplementation.

Methods: 90 healthy Asian women between 21 and 35 years were randomized into three groups: 3 and 6 mg/day oral β-cryptoxanthin, and placebo. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks of supplementation, plasma carotenoid levels were measured. The effects of β-cryptoxanthin on blood retinoid-dependent gene expression, mood, physical activity and sleep, metabolic parameters, and fecal microbial composition were investigated.

Results: β-cryptoxanthin supplementation for 8 weeks (3 and 6 mg/day) was found to be safe and well tolerated. Plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentration was significantly higher in the 6 mg/day group (9.0 ± 4.1 µmol/L) compared to 3 mg/day group (6.0 ± 2.6 µmol/L) (p < 0.03), and placebo (0.4 ± 0.1 µmol/L) (p < 0.001) after 8 weeks. Plasma all-trans retinol, α-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin levels were not significantly changed. No effects were found on blood retinol-dependent gene expression, mood, physical activity and sleep, metabolic parameters, and fecal microbial composition.

Conclusions: Oral β-cryptoxanthin supplementation over 8 weeks lead to high plasma concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin, with no impact on other carotenoids, and was well tolerated in healthy women.

Keywords: Asian women; carotenoids; fecal microbiome; gene expression; mood; physical activity.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Beta-Cryptoxanthin*
  • Carotenoids
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lutein
  • Vitamin A*
  • Zeaxanthins
  • beta Carotene

Substances

  • Vitamin A
  • Beta-Cryptoxanthin
  • Carotenoids
  • beta Carotene
  • Lutein
  • Zeaxanthins