Edison, NJ —Serum β-carotene and α-carotene may help protect against Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Diabetes Retinopathy (DR), according to a new study published inCurrent Molecular Medicine.

 In the cross-sectional study conducted in Beijing, China, 272 diabetic retinopathy patients, 190 diabetic patients without retinopathy and 285 healthy patients were evaluated. Researchers found the following:
  • Levels of β-carotene were  significantly lower in patients suffering from DM.
  • Lower concentrations of α-carotene were displayed in non-smoking patients with DR. 
  • The level of β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene were also lower in the DM and DR group.
Researchers implied the effects were due to the antioxidant properties of the carotenoids.

This same group of researchers also found in prior studies that diets rich in carotenoids could contribute towards the prevention of type 2 diabetes, provided subjects refrained from smoking and followed healthy lifestyles.

“Micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition have become significant issues recently. These are mainly due to lifestyle changes, lack of exercise, and imbalanced diet / fruits and vegetables – which could contribute to the increased incidence of diabetes worldwide. Hence, supplementation of natural carotenes play an important role to provide sufficient carotene intake which would help to promote healthy metabolite function,” says Diyanah Roslan, nutritionist at ExcelVite.

“One in every 11 adults is now suffering from diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. That figure is 10 million more than the number in 2015. An urgent action has to be taken to control this alarming increase of diabetic patients. Back in 2016, a cohort study was published inBritish Medical Journal’s Open Diabetes Research and Care that demonstrated a long term high consumption of carotenoids, especially pro-vitamin A carotenoids, could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle aged and older Japanese patients. We welcome this research which further supports the protective effect of α-carotene and β-carotene on diabetes mellitus and diabetes retinopathy respectively,” added Bryan See, business development manager, ExcelVite.

Incorporated in Malaysia in 2013, ExcelVite produces natural full spectrum tocotrienol / tocopherol complex, natural mixed-carotene complex, phytosterol complex, and red palm oil concentrate.