Clinical Research Update

Beta-Carotene
International Clinical Trial Sponsored by Nutrilite Shows that Antioxidant Status is Improved in People at Risk for Heart Disease Following Supplementation with Natural Beta-Carotene

AT A GLANCE:
Study Goal: To evaluate the effect of natural beta-carotene supplementation on the oxidation of LDL (a.k.a. bad cholesterol) in adults who have a high risk of heart disease. Study Results: After 45 days of supplementation, LDL oxidation significantly decreased in the high-risk group. Conclusion: Natural beta-carotene supplementation may help to normalize the levels of oxidized LDL frequently seen in people at risk for heart disease.

eta-carotene is an antioxidant nutrient found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. One way in which beta-carotene may function is by decreasing the bodys oxidation of bad cholesterol, a compound known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural

beta-carotene supplementation on LDL oxidation in adults who have a high risk of heart disease. The results were then compared to a healthy control group that did not receive beta-carotene supplementation and were considered to be at a lower risk for heart disease. In collaboration with researchers at the Rambam
LDL oxidation (nmol MDA / mg LDL protein)

LDL oxidation
70 Normal Control High Risk Group 60

Medical Center and the National Institute of Oceanography in Haifa, Israel, Nutrilite sponsored a study that included two hundred men and women between 35 and 68 years of age. The study subjects were divided into two groups: a high-risk group comprised of subjects who were diabetic, smokers, or obese, and a low risk group comprised of healthy control subjects. The high-risk group consumed 4.5 mg natural beta-carotene per day for 45 days, while the lower risk control subjects did not consume the supplement.

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Supplementation Time (Days)

At the beginning of the study, oxidative stress, as measured by LDL susceptibility to oxidation, was higher in the high-risk group compared to the lower risk control group. After 45 days of supplementation with the natural beta-carotene product, LDL oxidation in the high-risk group significantly decreased. These results can be seen in the figure at the right. The results from this study suggest that natural beta-carotene possesses antioxidant properties, protecting LDL and other lipoproteins from free radical damage. These findings demonstrate that natural betacarotene supplementation helps normalize the levels of oxidized LDL frequently seen in people at risk for heart disease. The research findings of this study were presented at the International Conference of Dietary Medicine held April 5-6, 2000 in Haifa, Israel. To learn more about this and other research, visit us at www.nutrilite.com.

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