Carotenoids linked to lower childhood obesity rates, according to new study

Carotenoids may be key to supporting healthy body mass index (BMI) and reducing childhood obesity, according to results from a recently published study.¹ Carotenoids demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and can manage obesity-related metabolic pathways. More than 95% of all carotenoids in human plasma (serum) are comprised of six carotenoids: α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. These carotenoids also provide several other benefits including maintaining vitamin A levels and supporting eye health. The cross-sectional study, “Inverse relationship between serum carotenoid levels and obesity prevalence in children and adolescents: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis,” was published in BMC Pediatrics in August 2025.

Carotenoids may support lower BMI and reduced obesity in children

Serum carotenoids may be associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced prevalence of obesity, the researchers concluded. The study examined data from 1,329 participants ages 6-19. The overall mean BMI was 22.03 kg/m² and 24% of the participants were classified as obese. The carotenoids studied were α-carotene, β-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, combined lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene. Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018.

Results of the study showed:

• Higher levels of all carotenoids except lycopene were associated with a lower BMI and prevalence of obesity
• A combination of all carotenoids showed a negative correlation with BMI and obesity
• β-carotene in particular showed the greatest association with BMI and obesity

The findings highlight the need for future studies on the significance of carotenoids and childhood obesity.

“This new study reinforces what earlier research including a 2017 clinical trial on mixed carotenoids in children, has suggested that carotenoids play a meaningful role in supporting healthy metabolism and weight management from an early age,” added Bryan See, vice president of PhytoGaia, in a press release³. Phytogaia develops and supplies a natural palm-mixed carotene complex (CaroGaia) to various markets worldwide.

In a 2017 study, “Effects of Mixed Carotenoids on Adipokines and Abdominal Adiposity in Children: A Pilot Study,” researchers tested mixed-carotenoid supplementation (MCS) compared with placebo on abdominal fat accrual over six months in 17 children.² Secondary measurements were adipokines and markers of insulin resistance. The MCS contained β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, astaxanthin, and γ-tocopherol.

Takeaways from this study showed:

1. MCS supplementation resulted in an increase in β-carotene and a decrease in BMI z-score compared with placebo
2. An inverse correlation was seen between β-carotene and BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)
3. A direct correlation was seen between percentage changes in β-carotene and SAT

Overall, the results suggested possible benefits of β-carotene in weight management and suggested more research to confirm the relationship.

Carotenoid supplements: opportunities for the nutraceutical industry

As the 2025 study notes, carotenoids must be obtained through fruits and vegetables, though national data shows that almost 40% of U.S. children 18 and under are not receiving the recommended daily amount of fruit and nearly 90% are not meeting intake levels for vegetables.

“This study underscores the importance of improving dietary quality early in life,” stated Ariati Aris, PhD, scientific affairs specialist at PhytoGaia. “Carotenoids can’t be produced by the body, we have to obtain them from our diet. This finding suggests that higher carotenoid levels, particularly β-carotene, are associated with significantly lower rates of obesity in children. Beyond their well-known role in eye and skin health, carotenoids may also support healthier weight and metabolic balance. The association between carotenoid intake and the prevention or management of overweight and obesity is supported by multiple epidemiological studies. This growing evidence presents a compelling opportunity for the nutraceutical industry.”

“For the nutraceutical industry, this opens new opportunities for science-backed innovation,” See stated. “PhytoGaia’s CaroGaia, a natural mixed-carotene complex extracted from sustainably sourced palm fruits, is rich in α-carotene and β-carotene, making it an ideal choice for multi-carotenoid or multi-vitamin formulations. We look forward to partnering with brand owners to create innovative, science-driven products using CaroGaia.”

References

1. Chen, Z.; Zhang, Y.; Shi, J. Inverse relationship between serum carotenoid levels and obesity prevalence in children and adolescents: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis. BMC Pediatr 2025, 617. DOI: 10.1186/s12887-025-05983-0
2. Canas, JA.; Lochrie, A.; McGowan, AG.; Hossain, J.; Schettino, C.; Balagopal, PB. Effects of Mixed Carotenoids on Adipokines and Abdominal Adiposity in Children: A Pilot Study, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2017. 102(6), 1983–1990, DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-00185
3. PhytoGaia. New Study Links Higher Carotenoid Levels and Lower Obesity Risk. September 9, 2025.