Beta Carotene News and Research

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Beta-Carotene / ß-Carotene is an organic compound and classified as a terpenoid. It is a strongly-coloured red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits.

Your skin may offer clues about how many fruits and vegetables you eat

In an exploratory study of 137 Australian adults, skin yellowness measured by reflectance spectroscopy was associated with combined fruit and vegetable intake, fruit intake alone, total carotenoid intake, body fat percentage and skin color. The findings suggest skin measurements could provide an objective dietary biomarker, but the researchers caution that skin color, ethnicity and other individual characteristics may influence how the measurements are interpreted.

30 Aug 2026

Egg yolk peptides protect brain cells from oxidative stress

As the human lifespan increases, so too does the risk of developing neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety and depression.

27 Aug 2026

This edible flower could do more than brighten a plate

A review of 76 publications finds that pot marigold contains more than 500 reported secondary metabolites, along with natural pigments, antioxidants, and substantial dietary fiber. Early food studies report promising results in yogurt, bread, pasta, and edible oils, but limited product trials and no clinical evidence currently prevent human health claims.

28 Jul 2026

Maternal diet may subtly shape breast milk immune signals

Research indicates that maternal dietary patterns can subtly affect the immune composition of breast milk, with implications for infant immune development.

9 Jul 2026

National study maps where food additives come from in children’s and adults’ diets

By analysing nationally representative diet data, researchers show that food additives rarely occur alone, with children and teenagers experiencing the highest exposure to complex additive mixtures largely driven by ultra-processed foods.

9 Dec 2025

What makes truffles more than a delicacy? They’re packed with bioactive compounds

Italian researchers reviewed the chemical composition and biological potential of truffles, identifying them as rich sources of antioxidants, polysaccharides, sterols, and vitamins. The review highlights their promise as functional foods and natural therapeutics, while emphasizing the need for sustainable cultivation and clinical validation.

11 Nov 2025

Scientists explore why black rice deserves a bigger place in modern diets

Researchers reviewed the nutritional composition, therapeutic benefits, and industrial uses of black rice, highlighting its potential as a functional food. The study highlights the role of black rice in managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation, while also advocating for more robust human trials and sustainable cultivation methods.

2 Nov 2025

Plant-based diets could curb climate change and infectious diseases, experts say

A new review in Open Forum Infectious Diseases links animal agriculture to climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and infectious disease spread. The authors urge healthcare providers to promote plant-based diets as a practical step to protect planetary and public health.

28 Oct 2025

Can strawberries help prevent diabetes? New trial shows promising results in prediabetic adults

Daily consumption of freeze-dried strawberries for 12 weeks improved antioxidant defense, reduced inflammation, and lowered fasting glucose in adults with prediabetes. The randomized crossover trial highlights strawberries’ potential as a simple, food-based strategy to enhance metabolic and vascular health.

21 Oct 2025

Scientists test whether chaya leaves can lower blood sugar in diabetes

Researchers reviewed current evidence on the chaya plant (Cnidoscolus chayamansa), highlighting its nutritional profile, hypoglycemic activity in animal models, and potential as a complementary aid for diabetes management. While promising, safety, dosage, and interaction studies remain essential before clinical use.

29 Sep 2025

Can cereal microgreens become the next sustainable superfood?

Rich in vitamins and minerals, cereal microgreens offer superior nutritional benefits over mature grains, supporting health and addressing dietary deficiencies.

5 Sep 2025

Scientists map the genes behind diet and dementia risk

Researchers established a high-quality genetic dataset from the MIND diet trial, enabling new studies of gene–diet interactions in cognitive health. This resource allows deeper investigation into why individuals respond differently to dietary interventions targeting dementia risk.

6 Aug 2025

Tomato and fruit juice improve quality of life for kids with asthma

Study suggests these antioxidant-rich juices may be a well-tolerated, practical addition to standard childhood asthma management.

6 May 2025

Marigold flowers: A potential new superfood

Packed with nutrients, marigolds offer antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, highlighting their potential as functional foods for enhanced health benefits.

12 Feb 2025

Nutraceuticals: exploring potential benefits and challenges of an unregulated healthcare frontier

Nutraceuticals offer potential health benefits, from migraine relief to cognitive support, but safety and regulatory issues must be addressed for effective use.

18 Dec 2024

How does a vegan diet in pregnancy affect mother and baby?

A systematic review explores the impact of a vegan diet on maternal and fetal outcomes, revealing mixed results on birth weight and nutrient intake, calling for further research.

2 Oct 2024

Phytoene increases lifespan, reduces oxidative stress and amyloid toxicity

Research indicates phytoene from microalgae protects against oxidative stress and beta-amyloid toxicity, suggesting its potential in promoting healthy aging.

30 Sep 2024

Daily supplement may help preserve vision in people with late-stage dry AMD

In a new analysis of data, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that taking a daily supplement containing antioxidant vitamins and minerals slows progression of late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), potentially helping people with late-stage disease preserve their central vision.

16 Jul 2024

Eating baby carrots three times a week raises skin carotenoid levels in young adults

A new study found that eating a snack of baby carrots just three times a week significantly increased skin carotenoids in young adults.

30 Jun 2024

Diets rich in protein and anti-inflammatory foods may guard against cognitive decline

Researchers evaluate the effects of a protein-enriched and anti-inflammatory diets on cognitive impairment in older adults in China.

30 Apr 2024