Inverse association of serum carotenoid levels with prevalence of hypertension in the general adult population

Abstract

Carotenoid levels are inversely associated with blood pressure (BP). This study focused on the effects of individual and combined serum carotenoids on BP and hypertension, which have not been established to date. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2006 were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Multivariate logistic, linear, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses were applied to explore the associations of six serum carotenoids (α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, trans-lycopene, trans-β-carotene, and cis-β-carotene), individually and in combination, with BP/hypertension. The linearity of correlations was further assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. A total of 11,336 adults were included for analysis. Data from multivariate models showed that all six carotenoids were independently and negatively associated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; all p < 0.05). Compared to the first quartile, the fourth quartile of α-carotene (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64 [0.52–0.77]), β-cryptoxanthin (OR = 0.74 [0.60–0.90]), trans-β-carotene (OR = 0.50 [0.40–0.61]), and cis-β-carotene (OR = 0.47 [0.35–0.64]) were significantly and inversely related to hypertension (all p < 0.05). Moreover, WQS analysis revealed that the combination of all six serum carotenoids was negatively associated with BP and hypertension (all P<0.001), among which trans-β-carotene was the most significant contributor to the protective effect against hypertension (weight, 59.50%). Dose-response analyses demonstrated a linear inverse association of all carotenoids with hypertension (p for non-linearity > 0.05). Our collective findings indicate that higher levels of all six mixed serum carotenoids are correlated with decreased prevalence of hypertension, among which β-carotene exerts the most significant effect, which may provide a basis and direction for further studies.

Metabolomic Profiles Associated With Blood Pressure Reduction in Response to the DASH and DASH-Sodium Dietary Interventions

“… 5 Consistent with our observation, serum β-cryptoxanthin has been negatively correlated with SBP in a nationally representative sample of US adults. 33 In the DASH-Sodium trial, urine 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid was higher in individuals consuming the DASH versus control diet, and urine levels of theobromine and 3-methylxanthine were lower in individuals consuming the DASH versus control diet. Urine 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid has been proposed as a biomarker of whole grain intake.…”

Association of multiple serum minerals and vitamins with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018

“…It may function as an antioxidant to decrease serum CRP levels and individual inflammatory burden ( 56 ). Researchers showed that a mixture of carotenoids was inversely associated with blood pressure, among which, trans-β-carotene had the most substantial contribution ( 57 ). Moreover, trans-β-carotene, as a provitamin A, could decrease children’s body mass index (BMI), truncal fat mass, and total body fat mass, while vitamin A exhibited the opposite effects ( 58 ).…”

Association between urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio within normal range and hypertension among adults in the United States: Data from the NHANES 2009–2018

“…The drinking status was divided into three categories: never (less than 12 drinks in a year), former (more than 12 drinks in a year but no longer drinking), and current (more than 12 drinks in a year but still drinking) 20 . Physical activity status was classified as vigorous, moderate and inactive 21 . Diabetes was defined as being informed by doctor/health professional about the diagnosis of diabetes and/or a glycosylated hemoglobin measurement of ≥6.5% 22…”

“… 20 Physical activity status was classified as vigorous, moderate and inactive. 21 Diabetes was defined as being informed by doctor/health professional about the diagnosis of diabetes and/or a glycosylated hemoglobin measurement of ≥6.5%. 22 …”