Beta-carotene and lycopene, but not lutein, supplementation changes the plasma fatty acid profile of healthy male non-smokers

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are highly susceptible to free radical attack. In vitro studies of carotenoids—including β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein—have shown then to be effective quenchers of singlet oxygen, to have good radical-trapping properties, or to be effective peroxyl radical scavengers (or to have a combination of these qualities). If carotenoids act as antioxidants in vivo, then arguably, plasma PUFA should be conserved. The objective of the current study was to answer the question “Does supplementation with β-carotene, lycopene, or lutein, at dietarily achievable levels, over a time period known to significantly increase circulating carote concentrations, lead to an observable increase in fasting plasma PUFA?” The normal diets of human volunteers were supplemented with either 15 mg/day β-carotene (n = 25), lycopene (n = 23), or lutein (n = 21) for 26 days in three independent double-blind, placebo-controlled supplementation studies. Supplementation with β-carotene increased plasma linoleic acid but left the polyunsaturated:saturated (P:S) fatty acid ratio unaltered. In contrast, supplementation with lycopene reduced linoleic acid, which resulted in a large decrease in the P:S ratio. Lutein supplementation had no effect. It was concluded that neither β-carotene, lycopene, nor lutein supplementation engender antioxidant effects that lead to the widespread general conservation of plasma PUFAs. β-Carotene and lycopene supplementation appear to interact with the metabolism of linoleic acid, the “essential” fatty acid, resulting in either an increase (β-carotene) or decrease (lycopene) in its plasma concentration. Alterations in plasma 18:2 or P:S ratios could ultimately lead to changes in tissue cellular membrane composition and hence to alterations in membrane fluidity and cell-surface protein expression.