Contribution of violaxanthin,neoxanthin, phytoene and phytofluene to total carotenoid intake: Assessment in Luxembourg

Dietary carotenoid intake has been associated with a low incidence of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular complications, cancer, and macular degeneration. While food composition and intake of some carotenoids such as β-carotene and lycopene is frequently available, information on the contribution of less studied epoxycarotenoids such as neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and phytoene/phytofluene, is scant. The present study describes the assessment of ten individual carotenoids in frequently consumed food items and estimates their contribution to total carotenoid intake in Luxembourg. For this purpose, 50 frequently consumed food items were collected from local groceries, and combined with food consumption data obtained from the first epidemiological Luxembourgish cardio-vascular risk factor study (ORISCAV-LUX). Highest epoxycarotenoid content was found in bell peppers (4.5 mg/100 g), highest amount of phytoene/phytofluene in apricot (9.6 mg/100 g) and tomato ketchup (4.5 mg/100 g). National daily per capita intake was assessed as 7.6 mg α- and β-carotene, 2.0 mg phytoene, 1.8 mg lycopene, 1.5 mg lutein, 1.4 mg β-cryptoxanthin, 1.2 mg violaxanthin, 0.7 mg phytoene, 0.5 mg neoxanthin, and 0.3 mg zeaxanthin, with 10% of total daily carotenoid intake from epoxycarotenoids and 16% from phytoene/phytofluene. While intake in Luxembourg appears to be comparable to other European data, this study highlights the importance of taking less frequently analysed carotenoids into account for determining total intake.     

Carotenoid and vitamin content of Micronesian atoll foods: Pandanus (Pandanus tectorius) and garlic pear (Crataeva speciosa) fruit

The fruit of pandanus (Pandanus tectorius) and garlic pear (Crataeva speciosa) are important indigenous Micronesian atoll foods, but are increasingly neglected due to dietary and lifestyle changes. Previous studies have shown considerable differences in carotenoid concentrations in some pandanus cultivars. There are many Micronesian pandanus cultivars, most of which have not been assessed. Carotenoid-rich foods protect against vitamin A deficiency, anemia, and chronic disease, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, which are serious problems in Micronesia. Eleven pandanus cultivars of Mwoakilloa and Kapingamarangi Atolls, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) (assessed for the first time), dried pandanus paste of the Marshall Islands, and garlic pear of Mortlock Atolls, Chuuk, FSM, were analyzed for carotenoids (β- and α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene). Pandanus paste was assessed for 11 vitamins. The pandanus cultivars contained substantial concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids (110–370 μg β-carotene/100 g) and total carotenoids (990–5200 μg/100 g). Pandanus paste contained 1400 μg β-carotene/100 g, 5620 μg total carotenoids/100 g, and 10 vitamins (including 10.8 mg/100 g vitamin C). Garlic pear contained 1070 μg β-carotene/100 g and 1460 μg total carotenoids/100 g. These cultivars and foods should be promoted in Micronesia and possibly elsewhere in the Pacific and other contexts in order to reduce vitamin A deficiency and provide further health benefits and enjoyment.     

Carotenoid and retinol composition of South Asian foods commonly consumed in the UK

The main aim of this study was to provide new and reliable food composition data on carotenoids and retinol in South Asian Foods for the United Kingdom's national database. A total of 38 commonly consumed foods were analysed using HPLC and accredited methods of analyses. Palak paneer (spinach and soft Indian cheese) contained the highest levels of β-carotene (4066 μg/100 g) followed by gajjeralla (carrot based sweet, 2324 μg/100 g) and saag (mixed green leafy vegetables), which contained 1514 μg/100 g, whilst retinol was present in only a few foods, with ghee being the major source (968 μg/100 g). Meat dishes contained higher amounts of lycopene (up to 1140 μg/100 g in chicken balti) than vegetable or dhal dishes (highest in palak paneer 317 μg/100 g), because of larger quantities of tomatoes used in meat curries. A variety of ethnic vegetables (green leafy vegetables and other coloured vegetables), namely legumes/dhal, tomatoes and coriander, were identified to be the major ingredients containing carotenoids. These new data can be used in future diet and nutrition surveys, as well as to identify carotenoid-rich foods for dietary programs.     

Canola (Brassica napus) oil from Australian cultivars shows promising levels of tocopherols and carotenoids,along with good oxidative stability

A total of 156 commercial canola seed samples were collected from two growing seasons and tested for oil and protein content, glucosinolate concentration and kernel weight. Extracted oil samples were tested for the bioactive compounds: β-carotene (mean = 2.03 mg/kg), lutein (64.7), α-tocopherol (263), γ-tocopherol (378) and δ-tocopherol (8.94). A subset of 52 oil samples were analyzed for fatty acid profile (FAP) and oxidative stability. Canola cultivar was found to be the dominant influence on many traits, particularly carotenoids and tocopherols, indicating potential breeding opportunities. Previously unreported significant correlations were discovered between the two major carotenoids, lutein and β-carotene. Additionally, significant (p < 0.01) negative correlations existed between oil content and: β-carotene (r = −0.33), lutein (r = −0.23), α-tocopherol (r = −0.49), γ-tocopherol (r = −0.22), and δ-tocopherol (r = −0.30). Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with carotenoid (r = 0.48) and tocopherol (r = 0.60) concentrations. Oxidative stability showed a weak negative correlation with total tocopherols (r = −0.38, p = 0.01) likely due to the over-riding influence of fatty acid profile on oxidative stability, indicating tocopherols may be more influential from a nutritional perspective rather than oil functionality.     

Genetic diversity of nutritionally important carotenoids in 94 pea and 121 chickpea accessions

Biofortification of staple crops via breeding is an attractive strategy for reducing human micronutrient deficiencies. The objective of this research was to examine the concentration of carotenoids in diverse pea and chickpea accessions grown in Saskatchewan (Canada) using high performance liquid chromatography. In pea accessions mean concentration of lutein was highest (11.2 μg g⁻¹) followed by β-carotene (0.5 μg g⁻¹), zeaxanthin (0.3 μg g⁻¹), and violaxanthin (0.3 μg g⁻¹). Green cotyledon pea accessions were richer in β-carotene and total carotenoids compared to yellow cotyledon accessions. In chickpea accessions mean concentration of lutein (8.2 μg g⁻¹) was highest followed by zeaxanthin (6.2 μg g⁻¹), β-carotene (0.5 μg g⁻¹), β-cryptoxanthin (0.1 μg g⁻¹), and violaxanthin (0.1 μg g⁻¹). Desi chickpea accessions had higher carotenoid concentration than kabuli accessions. This research identified pea and chickpea accessions that can be utilized in breeding for the improvement of carotenoid concentration through biofortification.     

Application of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy to evaluate the lutein and β-carotene in Chinese kale

There are wide ranges of lutein and β-carotene in Chinese kale. This work assessed the capability of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the contents of lutein and β-carotene in Chinese kale against HPLC analysis. Compared to other regression methods, the regression of modified partial least squares with math treatments of 2,4,4,1 (where the first number of 2 represents the second derivative of log 1/R, the second of 4 is the gap in data points over which the derivative is calculated, the third and fourth numbers refer to the number of data points used in the first and second smoothing, respectively) showed the best results. The calibration equations of lutein and β-carotene were characterized by the coefficients of determination (RSQ) of 0.983 and 0.982 and standard error of 0.056 and 0.131 mg g^?1 DW, respectively. In cross-validation, high 1 minus variance ratio (1 ? VR) of 0.955 and 0.966 and standard error of 0.092 and 0.179 mg g^?1 DW for lutein and β-carotene were obtained, respectively. In external validations, the RSQ were 0.926 and 0.875 with standard error of 0.131 and 0.367 mg g^?1 DW, respectively. These results showed that NIRS could be used for the determination of carotenoids in Chinese kale.     

Carotenoid and mineral content of Micronesian giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma) cultivars

Dietary change in Micronesia has led to serious problems of vitamin A deficiency and other nutritionally-related health problems. It is essential to identify nutrient-rich indigenous foods that may be promoted for health improvements. Giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) is important for food and culture on atoll and mountainous islands of Micronesia. There are many Cyrtosperma cultivars, but few have been analyzed for nutrient content. Samples were collected in the Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap) and the Republic of Palau, assessed for corm flesh color and other attributes, and analyzed for carotenoids (β- and α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene) and minerals (including iron, zinc, and calcium). Of 34 cultivars analyzed, β-carotene concentrations varied from 50 to 4486 μg/100 g. Yellow-fleshed cultivars generally contained higher carotenoid concentrations. Of the ten cultivars analyzed for mineral content (wet weight basis), substantial concentrations of zinc (5.4–46.1 mg/100 g), iron (0.3–0.8 mg/100 g) and calcium (121–305 mg/100 g) were found. All cultivars were acceptable for taste and production factors. These carotenoid- and mineral-rich cultivars should be considered for promotion in Micronesia and other areas for potential health benefits.     

Variability of carotenes,vitamin C,E and phenolics in Brassica vegetables

Antioxidant phytochemicals such as vitamin C, β-carotene, lutein, α-tocopherol, and total phenolics were estimated in fresh samples at the edible maturity stage in different genotypes of cruciferous vegetables using a reverse-phase HPLC system. Maximum mean vitamin C (52.9 mg/100 g), β-carotene (0.81 mg/100 g), lutein (0.68 mg/100 g), dl-α-tocopherol content (0.47 mg/100 g) and phenol content (63.4 mg/100 g) was recorded in broccoli. Results indicate that the cruciferous vegetables are a relatively good source of abundant antioxidants, and there is a substantial and significant variation, both within and between the subspecies, for the antioxidant phytochemicals.     

HPLC determination of carotenoids in Bulgarian berries

Carotenoids are bioactive substances in foods with powerful antioxidant activity. Based on the health benefits from berries, more information on the content of bioactive substances such as carotenoids is required. The aim of the present study was to determine lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene and β-carotene content in berries, which form part of the Bulgarian diet. Study covered six different berry species: strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, black currant and red currant. For each berry five individual samples were analyzed. An HPLC gradient elution system with monomeric C₁₈ column and UV detection at 450 nm were used for separation and quantification of the carotenoids. Lycopene was not detected in any of these fruits. Blackberry had the highest levels of carotenoids. Strawberry had the lowest carotenoid content. Lutein was present in raspberry in higher levels (317.0 μg/100 g), followed by blackberry (270.1 μg/100 g). The highest zeaxanthin levels were found in blackberry (29.0 μg/100 g), followed by blueberry (14.0 μg/100 g). Blackberry has the highest value of β-cryptoxanthin (30.1 μg/100 g). α-Carotene was present in highest levels in raspberry (23.7 μg/100 g). Blackberry had the highest β-carotene content (101.4 μg/100 g), followed by black currant (61.6 μg/100 g). Our data will be included in the Bulgarian National Food Composition Database.     

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables suppress blood biomarkers of metabolic stress in overweight women

ObjectiveThis study was performed to evaluate the effects of high vegetable–fruit (high-VF) and low vegetable–fruit (low-VF) diet on surrogate biomarkers of adiposity-related metabolic disturbances.MethodsOverweight women (n = 22, 19–29 years) participated in the study between July and August, 2007 in Seoul, Korea. The intervention consisted of either high-VF diet (12 servings of VF/day) or low-VF diet (2 servings of VF/day). Plasma concentration of carotenoids and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were determined before and after each intervention period.ResultsStudy results indicated that body fat content is positively correlated with plasma interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and leptin concentrations at baseline. Oxidative DNA damage and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated production of IL-1β and IL-6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were decreased with high-VF diet while low-VF diet increased those markers. Changes in the concentration of plasma total carotenoid and β-carotene were inversely correlated with change in plasma IL-1β concentration. Differences in IL-β production in LPS-activated PBMCs were inversely correlated with changes in plasma concentration of lutein–zeaxanthin. Also, changes in plasma total carotenoid and lycopene concentration were inversely correlated with the changes in IL-6 production in LPS-activated PBMCs.ConclusionDaily intake of vegetables and fruits can modify adiposity-related metabolic disturbances.     

Minor components and oxidative stability of cold-pressed oil from rapeseed cultivars in China

The contents of the minor components and induction period (IP) of cold-pressed oils from 203 rapeseed varieties from the Yangtze River Valley in China were determined. The average contents of total phenolics, phytosterols, tocopherols, β-carotene, lutein and chlorophyll of the samples were 36 mg/100 g, 826 mg/100 g, 378 mg/kg, 2.4 mg/kg, 104 mg/kg and 8.2 mg/kg, respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.0001) among the varieties in the content of these minor components. Correlation analysis revealed there was a positive correlation between the IP and content of total polyphenols (r = 0.303, p < 0.0001), lutein (r = 0.250, p < 0.0001) and total tocopherols (r = 0.225, p = 0.001). Additionally, the IP negatively correlated with total phytosterols and chlorophyll content. Principal component analysis differentiated the rapeseed oils based on their IP and total phenolic, tocopherol, β-carotene, lutein and chlorophyll content.     

Ascorbic acid,vitamin A,and mineral composition of banana (Musa sp.) and papaya (Carica papaya) cultivars grown in Hawaii

Banana (Musa sp.) and papaya (Carica papaya) cultivars were harvested from different locations throughout Hawaii and analyzed for vitamin C (ascorbic acid), provitamin A (β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin), and mineral composition. Dwarf Brazilian (“apple”) bananas had almost three times more vitamin C (12.7 mg/100 g fresh weight) than Williams fruit (4.5 mg/100 g). Also, Dwarf Brazilian bananas had 96.9 μg β-carotene and 104.9 μg α-carotene/100 g, whereas Williams fruit averaged 55.7 μg β-carotene and 84.0 μg α-carotene/100 g. Bananas contained higher concentrations of lutein than of the provitamin A pigments, α- and β-carotene. Papaya vitamin C content was 51.2 mg/100 g, with no differences among cultivars. Papaya provitamin A carotenoids averaged 232.3 μg β-carotene and 594.3 μg β-cryptoxanthin/100 g, and vitamin A ranged from 18.7 to 74.0 μg RAE/100 g. Lycopene was not detected in the yellow-fleshed cultivars, Kapoho, Laie Gold, and Rainbow, but the red-fleshed Sunrise and SunUp fruit contained 1350–3674 μg lycopene/100 g. Dwarf Brazilian bananas had higher P, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn contents than Williams fruit. The average K content for Hawaii's bananas was 330.6 mg/100 g. Papayas (100 g) contained 9% of the dietary reference intake (DRI) for Cu, 6–8% of the DRI for Mg, but less than 3% of the DRI for other minerals.     

Lutein content of selected Indian vegetables and vegetable oils determined by HPLC

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids. In this study, lutein and zeaxanthin content of selected vegetables and vegetable oils commonly used in the Indian diet have been determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data generated from this study are vital for the accurate determination of the dietary intake of lutein and development of comprehensive food tables. Among vegetables studied, the lutein level (μg/100 g edible portions) was the highest for pumpkin (10,620), chilli (1900) and brinjal (eggplant or aubergine) (1800), respectively. Lutein level varied ranging from 65 to 990 μg in other vegetables screened. Among the commercial vegetable oils analyzed, the lutein level (μg/100 g of oil) was the highest in mustard oil (772) and palm oil (11.55), whereas lutein was not detected in sunflower, olive, almond, rice bran and corn oils. Hence, it could be suggested that these vegetables and oils should be consumed as rich sources of lutein for health benefits.     

Variations in the carotenoid and anthocyanin contents of Korean cultural varieties and home-processed sweet potatoes

The sweet potato is an important industrial crop and a source of food that contains useful dietary fiber and vitamins. Recently, orange- and purple-fleshed varieties have come under the spotlight due to their healthful components, carotenoids and anthocyanins, respectively. In this study, an HPLC-DAD method was applied to determine the carotenoid composition and content in nine Korean cultural varieties of sweet potato. Changes in carotenoid contents and composition were also observed during home-processing of an orange-fleshed cultivar with high carotenoid content (530 ± 60 μg/g of dry weight, DW as all-trans-β-carotene). A loss of the carotenoids was observed for all of the home-processing methods examined; the baked or boiled or steamed sweet potatoes had higher amounts of all-trans-β-carotene (246 ± 34, 253 ± 29 and 240 ± 21 μg/g DW, respectively) than pressure-cooked, sautéed and fried ones (194 ± 21, 201 ± 28 and 111 ± 19 μg/g DW, respectively). Interestingly, cis-isomer of the all-trans-β-carotene, 13Z-β-carotene was found in elevated amounts in all of the processed samples, particularly in baked, pressure-cooked and steamed sweet potatoes compared to control. Variations in anthocyanin content in the nine cultural varieties and home-processed sweet potatoes were also determined by an HPLC-DAD method.     

Quantification of zeaxanthin stereoisomers and lutein in trout flesh using chiral high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection

In our previous work we identified the presence of meso-zeaxanthin [(3R,3′S)-zeaxanthin] in trout flesh and skin (Nolan et al., 2014), but were not able to quantify this carotenoid with the method used at that time. In the present study, we developed a protocol that allows for the quantification of lutein and the three stereoisomers of zeaxanthin [(3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin and (3S,3′S)-zeaxanthin] in fish flesh. We tested this protocol in two species of farmed trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo Trutta), and we detected and quantified these carotenoids. The concentrations of each carotenoid detected (ranging from 1.18 ± 0.68 ng g⁻¹ flesh for meso-zeaxanthin to 38.72 ± 15.87 ng g⁻¹ flesh for lutein) were highly comparable for the two fish species tested. In conclusion, we report, for the first time, the concentrations of zeaxanthin stereoisomers (including meso-zeaxanthin) and lutein in trout flesh. This work adds further to the knowledge on the presence of these carotenoids in the human food chain.     

Influence of ethylene on carotenoid biosynthesis during papaya postharvesting ripening

The carotenoid composition was evaluated during ripening of papaya cv. ‘Golden’ under untreated (control) conditions and treated with ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). At the end of the experiments, the total carotenoid content in the control group (2194.4 μg/100 g) was twice as high as that found in ethylene (1018.1 μg/100 g) and 1-MCP (654.5 μg/100 g) gas-treated samples. Separation of 21 carotenoids by HPLC connected to photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors showed that no minor carotenoids seemed to be particularly favoured by the treatments. Lycopene was the major carotenoid in all untreated and gas-treated samples, ranging from 461.5 to 1321.6 μg/100 g at the end of the experiments. According to the proposed biosynthetic pathway, lycopene is the central compound, since it is the most abundant carotenoid indicating a high stimulation of its upstream steps during ripening, and it is the source for the synthesis of other derivative compounds, such as β-cryptoxanthin. The influence of both gas treatments on the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway was considered.     

Nutritional value of six multi-ingredient sauces from Burkina Faso

Multi-ingredient sauces (n=36), which are traditionally consumed with dishes containing starch (millet-based-tô, rice), were collected in rural Burkina Faso and analysed for their dry matter (DM), macronutrient (lipids, proteins) and micronutrient (iron, zinc, carotenoids and retinol) contents. DM content varied from 7.8% to 21.8% depending on the sauce. Groundnut sauces had the highest DM content. Protein contents were similar (22.2–32.3 g/100 g DM). The highest lipid contents were found in groundnut sauces (∼45 g/100 g DM). Sauces made from green-leafy vegetables formed a homogeneous group with a high content of retinol activity equivalents (RAE) (p<0.0001) and, to a lesser extent, of iron (p<0.05) compared to the dried okra or groundnut sauces. An isomer of β-carotene was detected in sauces made from green-leafy vegetables. The content of this isomer was strongly correlated with β-carotene content and not with cooking time.     

Fruit and Vegetable Intake Assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire and Plasma Carotenoids: A Validation Study in Adults

Dietary validation studies of self-reported fruit and vegetable intake should ideally include measurement of plasma biomarkers of intake. The aim was to conduct a validation study of self-reported fruit and vegetable intakes in adults, using the Australian Eating Survey (AES) food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), against a range of plasma carotenoids. Dietary intakes were assessed using the semi-quantitative 120 item AES FFQ. Fasting plasma carotenoids (α- and β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin) were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography in a sample of 38 adult volunteers (66% female). Significant positive correlations were found between FFQ and plasma carotenoids for α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin (52%, 47%, 26%, p < 0.001, 0.003, 0.041; respectively) and relationships between plasma carotenoids (except lycopene) and weight status metrics (BMI, waist circumference, fat mass) were negative and highly significant. The results of the current study demonstrate that carotenoid intakes as assessed by the AES FFQ are significantly related to plasma concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin, the carotenoids commonly found in fruit and vegetables. Lower levels of all plasma carotenoids, except lycopene, were found in individuals with higher BMI. We conclude that the AES can be used to measure fruit and vegetable intakes with confidence.     

Regional variation in the levels of macular xanthophylls and carotenoids in dietary components: comparing North and South India

Multiple epidemiological studies have emphasized the intake of dark green leafy vegetables rich in xanthophylls in reducing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Therefore, the present study was undertaken to quantify the levels of major carotenoids in commonly consumed fruits and vegetables of Indian origin and of xanthophylls in the macula of Indian human donor eyes. Fresh fruits (n=20) and vegetables (n=51) collected from two zones of India were tested for the estimation of xanthophyll, lycopene and β-carotene by using HPLC with Photodiode Array Detection. Lutein and zeaxanthin were quantified from macula and in selected vegetables collected from both southern (SI) and northern (NI) regions of India. Xanthophylls, β-carotene and lycopene were found in many affordable vegetables commonly available for consumption in India. Higher content of lutein and zeaxanthin was confirmed in many economical leafy vegetables and fruits. Surprisingly, the mean macular levels of lutein and zeaxanthin of SI donor eyes (n=13) were found to be significantly (p<0.001) four times less than in NI donor eyes (n=15) and the macular levels of Northern India were comparable with reported levels in western populations. The present study showed considerable levels of xanthophylls in many of the commonly consumed fruit and vegetable sources in both parts of India. However, SI donor eyes showed lower levels as compared to NI donors and this warrants further investigation about the bioavailability of xanthophylls in their blood and food intake. The relevance of these findings with prevalence of AMD in South India needs to be explored.     

Low-serum carotenoid concentrations and carotenoid interactions predict mortality in US adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Evidence regarding the health benefits of carotenoids is controversial. Effects of serum carotenoids and their interactions on mortality have not been examined in a representative sample of US adults. The objective was to examine whether serum carotenoid concentrations predict mortality among US adults. The study consisted of adults aged ≥20 years enrolled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994, with measured serum carotenoids and mortality follow-up through 2006 (N = 13 293). Outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality. In adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, participants in the lowest total carotenoid quartile (<1.01 μmol/L) had significantly higher all-cause mortality (mortality rate ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.65; P = .005) than those in the highest total carotenoid quartile (>1.75 μmol/L). For α-carotene, the highest quartile (>0.11 μmol/L) had the lowest all-cause mortality rates (P < .001). For lycopene, the middle 2 quartiles (0.29-0.58 μmol/L) had the lowest all-cause mortality rates (P = .047). Analyses with continuous carotenoids confirmed associations of serum total carotenoids, α-carotene, and lycopene with all-cause mortality (P < .001). In a random survival forest analysis, very low lycopene was the carotenoid most strongly predictive of all-cause mortality, followed by very low total carotenoids. α-Carotene/β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene/lutein+zeaxanthin and lycopene/lutein+zeaxanthin interactions were significantly related to all-cause mortality (P < .05). Low α-carotene was the only carotenoid associated with cardiovascular disease mortality (P = .002). No carotenoids were significantly associated with cancer mortality. Very low serum total carotenoid, α-carotene, and lycopene concentrations may be risk factors for mortality, but carotenoids show interaction effects on mortality. Interventions of balanced carotenoid combinations are needed for confirmation.