Abstract
We examined the plasma levels of carotenoids in young adults after a dietary intervention composed of increased intakes of fruits and stir-fried vegetables from a Taiwanese mixed diet. Thirty-four apparently healthy, non-smoking subjects who normally ingested less than two and a half servings of fruits and vegetables daily were selected for the study. Meals changed were lunch and dinner on weekdays for a period of 4 weeks. The test meal consisted of three servings of stir-fried vegetables and two servings of fresh fruits. Plasma carotenoid levels in subjects significantly increased from 19%-32% for β-carotene, 15%-47% for lycopene and 59%-88% for β-crytoxanthin (p <0.05) from week 1 to 4. However, these concentrations of ?-carotene and lycopene significantly decreased after stopping the consumption of the test meals. This study reveals the importance of a continuous consumption of carotenoid rich foods in order to maintain high levels of plasma carotenoids for the potential prevention of chronic diseases in individuals.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 616-623 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2007 |
Keywords
- β-carotene β-crytoxanthin
- Fruits
- Lycopene
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Young adults
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)