Mixed Carotenoids
Four synergistic carotenoids: beta-carotene (provitamin A), lycopene (cardiovascular), lutein and zeaxanthin (macular pigment, visual health). Provided as natural matrix for synergistic absorption. Mixed carotenoids avoid the excess beta-carotene risks seen in smokers.
Mechanism
The four carotenoids in this formula serve complementary roles: beta-carotene converts to vitamin A (retinol) as needed; lycopene accumulates in the prostate and vascular endothelium with antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties; lutein and zeaxanthin concentrate in the macula of the retina as macular pigment optical density (MPOD), filtering high-energy blue light and reducing photooxidative stress.
Mixed carotenoids have a critical safety advantage over isolated beta-carotene: high-dose isolated beta-carotene has been studied with mixed safety outcomes in smokers in smokers in the ATBC and CARET trials. Mixed carotenoids - as found in whole foods - have no such association. The matrix also allows competitive absorption, preventing any single carotenoid from dominating at the expense of others.
Key Benefits
- Beta-carotene: provitamin A (converts to retinol as needed)
- Lycopene: antioxidant in vascular endothelium and prostate tissue
- Lutein + zeaxanthin: macular pigment for visual health
- Mixed form avoids isolated beta-carotene risks in smokers
- Synergistic absorption in natural carotenoid matrix
The Research
Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.
Mixed Carotenoids
750mcg RAEBeta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin - natural matrix
Take with food containing fat - carotenoids are fat-soluble. Simultaneous fat consumption increases absorption 3-4×.