Carotenoid supplements reduce DNA damage

The results of a double-blind study published in the January 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that postmenopausal women given mixed carotenoids or single carotenoids had less damage to their DNA than those administered a placebo over an eight week period. Carotenoid supplements contained beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene.

By the fifteenth day of the study, there was significantly less endogenous DNA damage among women who received mixed carotenoids or beta-carotene alone compared to that measured at the beginning of the study. By the study's conclusion all groups who received carotenoid supplements showed less hydrogen-peroxide induced DNA damage, and significantly less endogenous DNA damage compared to presupplementation levels.

Read further study results here.