Effect of Short-term Annatto Carotenoids Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Status in Healthy Individuals

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation has a pivotal role in atherosclerosis development. There is a relationship between carotenoids serum concentration and cardiovascular (CV) benefits, mainly in oxidized LDL (oxLDL) reduction. Despite cardio protective effects of annatto carotenoids, bixin and norbixin, in vitro and in animal studies, its short or long-term supplementation effect on humans are not know. Objective: To analyse CV benefits of annatto carotenoids short-term supplementation in healthy individuals, comparing to lycopene effect. Methods: 16 healthy volunteers (8 men and 8 women) consumed 0.05 mg/kg b.w. of each treatment (bixin, norbixin, lycopene or placebo) through capsules, during 7 days. It was analysed the susceptibility of LDL to Cu2+-induced oxidation, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers at the beginning and end of each treatment.