Carotenoids and Asthma

Lycopene is a red carotenoid which gives the characteristic color to tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. It is at the very top of the list as far as nutrients capable of neurtralizing free radical oxygen.

A recent study using a mouse model of allergic airwarys disease found that lycopene reduced allergic inflammation in both the lungs and throughout the body and shifted the whole biochemistry away from an allergic tendency. The researchers concluded, "...lycopene supplementation may have a protective effect against asthma."

One bottle of GNLD Carotenoid Complex provides the same amount of carotenoids one would obtain from consuming 250 pounds of raw fruits and vegetables. In addition, the product provides an ideal profile of all of the carotenoids rather than just one or two. This is important because research indicates a competitive absorption of carotenoid between carotenoids. Different carotenoids perform different functions in the body so ideally we will have a well rounded intake of the entire family or complex of carotenoids.

Reference:

Hazlewood LC, Wood LG, et al, "Dietary lycopene supplementation suppresses Th2 responses and lung eosinophilia in a mouse model of allergic asthma," J Nutr Biochem, 2010 April 12; [Epub ahead of print].