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Low-dose supplementation with lycopene or β-carotene does not enhance cell-mediated immunity in healthy free-living elderly humans

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 55, pages 627–635 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of supplementation with the carotenoids, β-carotene or lycopene, at levels achievable within a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, on immune function in a group of free-living healthy elderly.

Design: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. T cell subsets and the expression of functionally associated cell surface molecules, quantified by flow cytometry, and lectin-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, were compared before and following the treatment period.

Subjects: Fifty-eight subjects aged over 65 y were recruited; 52 were included in the final analysis.

Interventions: Participants received one placebo, one lycopene (13.3 mg) or one β-carotene (8.2 mg) capsule daily for 12 weeks.

Results: No significant differences were observed in any of the parameters examined following either lycopene or β-carotene supplementation.

Conclusions: In well-nourished, free-living, healthy elderly individuals, supplementation with relatively low levels of β-carotene or lycopene is not associated with either a beneficial or detrimental effects on several aspects of cell-mediated immunity.

Sponsorship: Financial support was provided by the Commission of the European Communities, specific programme AIR2 CT93-0888 DGXII SSMA, ‘Increased fruit and vegetable consumption within the EC: potential health benefits’, co-ordinated by Professor S Southon, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK.

European Journal Clinical Nutrition (2001) 55, 627–635

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Acknowledgements

β-Cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin standards for HPLC analysis were provided free of charge by Hoffman La Roche, Switzerland. The technical assistance of Siobha´n Higgins, Yvonne Carroll and Sine´ad McCarthy are gratefully acknowledged.

Author information

Author notes

  1. DA Hughes and PA Morrissey: Guarantors: DA Hughes and PA Morrissey.

  2. BM Corridan, M O’Donoghue, DA Hughes and PA Morrissey: Contributors: BMC was involved in study design, as well as being a researcher and co-author; MO'D was a researcher; DAH was a consultant and co-author; PAM was involved in study design and supervision.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science and Technology, Nutritional Sciences, University College, Cork, Ireland

    BM Corridan & PA Morrissey

  2. Department of Microbiology, University College, Cork, Ireland

    M O’Donoghue

  3. Health and Consumer Science Division, Nutrition, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, UK

    DA Hughes

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  1. BM Corridan
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  2. M O’Donoghue
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  3. DA Hughes
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  4. PA Morrissey
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Correspondence to DA Hughes.

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Corridan, B., O’Donoghue, M., Hughes, D. et al. Low-dose supplementation with lycopene or β-carotene does not enhance cell-mediated immunity in healthy free-living elderly humans. Eur J Clin Nutr 55, 627–635 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601187

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