Evidence supporting the use of: Carotenoids
For the body system: Mucus Membranes

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene, are pigments found in many fruits and vegetables and are well-known for their antioxidant properties. Scientific evidence supports their role in supporting the health of mucus membranes, which are the moist linings found in areas such as the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and urogenital tract. Carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), are important for maintaining the integrity and function of epithelial cells, which make up these membranes. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to xerosis (dryness) and keratinization of mucus membranes, increasing susceptibility to infection and tissue breakdown.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that dietary intake of carotenoids is associated with improved epithelial health and reduced risk of diseases affecting mucus membranes, such as xerophthalmia (dry eyes) and certain respiratory tract infections. The European Food Safety Authority and other health organizations recognize the relationship between adequate vitamin A (from carotenoids) and normal function of mucus membranes. However, while the biological plausibility and epidemiological data are strong, direct interventional clinical trials specifically targeting mucus membrane health with carotenoid supplementation are limited, and much of the evidence is extrapolated from studies on vitamin A status and general epithelial health.

In summary, there is scientific validation for the use of carotenoids to support mucus membrane health, primarily due to their role as vitamin A precursors and their function in maintaining epithelial integrity, though more targeted research could further clarify their direct impact.

More about carotenoids
More about Mucus Membranes

Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes

akkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
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Benzoin
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Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
Eyebright
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Fruit
Fritillary
Flavanones
Fleabane
Fireweed
Flavonones
Glehnia littoralis
Goldthread
Gleditsia
Guaco
Gambir
Grindelia
Glechoma hederacea
Glycosaminoglycans
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Gigartina
Glycyrrhizin
Heartsease
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose

Products containing carotenoids

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.