Carotenoid supplementation in cystic fibrosis - is red palm oil a way to do it safely?
2007
Sommerburg, Olaf
Intake of carotenoids is under discussion since β-carotene (BC) failed in clinical efficacy trials. Nevertheless, there is still a need for carotenoids in Cystic Fibrosis (CF). BC supplementation in CF patients led to improved lung function and a lower need ofantibiotics. Smokers on increased dosages of BC in the intervention trials showed a higher mortality because of lung cancer and cardiovascular complications. As shown by our group these effects might be related to oxidative BC breakdown products (BP)leading to inhibition of enzymes, to mitochondrial damage, and to genotoxic effects. However, BCBP will develop only when high BC tissue concentrations are reached and increased oxidative stress is present. CF patients showing a high degree of inflammationin their lung tissue might possibly be on a similar risk. However, due to malabsorption of lipids increased BC tissue concentrations can hardly be reached in CF and, in addition, a careful monitoring of plasma levels should avoid overdosing. Furthermore, maintenanceof sufficient levels of other antioxidants should protect carotenoids in vivo. Red Palm Oil provides large amounts of BC and also Tocotrienols. Using the Oil in the daily diet mightnormalize depleted BC levels of those patients without the risk of overdosing as seen with high concentrated pharmacological supplements. In a pilot study we are going to investigate CF patients taking up to 4.5 mg of BC in form of red palm oil over 6 weeks. We hope that in this way safe conditions for carotenoid supplementation in CF patients can be reached.
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