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Carotee Blend Proprietary Blend

Also known as: Carotee Blend proprietary blend, Carotenoid blend, Carotenoid beadlets, Carotenoid complex, Lumenato, Carotee Blend

Overview

Carotee Blend is a proprietary blend of carotenoids, including β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, designed to enhance bioavailability and deliver antioxidant and skin/eye health benefits. Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments found in fruits and vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and leafy greens. The blend utilizes sequentially spaced carotenoid beadlets to minimize competitive absorption interactions, improving overall uptake. It is primarily used for antioxidant support, skin health, eye health, and general wellness. Research includes in vitro digestion models, human pharmacokinetic studies, and small clinical trials, particularly focusing on skin benefits. Systematic reviews generally support the health roles of carotenoids, though specific evidence on proprietary blends is still emerging.

Benefits

The primary benefit of Carotee Blend is improved bioavailability of carotenoids due to its sequential release formulation, leading to enhanced plasma carotenoid levels. Studies have shown an increase in the area under the curve (AUC) for plasma carotenoids compared to non-sequential mixes. Specifically, Lumenato®, a proprietary carotenoid blend, demonstrated a 10.4% reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a 59.9% improvement in skin barrier strength, and 9-12% improvements in skin firmness and elasticity after 3 months of supplementation. Secondary benefits include antioxidant effects that reduce oxidative stress and potential eye health benefits linked to lutein and zeaxanthin. These benefits have been mainly studied in healthy adults, with skin benefits being particularly relevant for individuals with skin barrier disturbances. The observed skin barrier strength improvement of nearly 60% is considered clinically meaningful.

How it works

Carotee Blend works primarily through the antioxidant properties of its constituent carotenoids. These compounds quench free radicals, protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage. After absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, carotenoids accumulate in tissues such as the skin and retina, contributing to photoprotection and skin integrity. The proprietary beadlet design facilitates sequential release, reducing competition for micelle formation and improving uptake during gastrointestinal transit. This staggered release ensures that each carotenoid is absorbed more efficiently, maximizing its bioavailability and subsequent impact on target tissues.

Side effects

Carotenoids are generally recognized as safe with low toxicity. Common side effects are rare, but may include gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include carotenodermia (skin yellowing) with high doses. Serious adverse effects are rare, with none reported in clinical studies. Carotenoids may interact minimally with lipid-lowering drugs or affect vitamin A metabolism. Caution is advised for smokers taking high-dose β-carotene due to a potential increased risk of lung cancer. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using Carotee Blend.

Dosage

While a minimum effective dose for Carotee Blend is not definitively established, typical carotenoid doses range from 6-30 mg of total carotenoids daily. Studies using Lumenato® have employed doses sufficient to achieve plasma carotenoid increases and skin benefits over 3 months. It is generally considered safe to consume up to 30 mg/day of β-carotene equivalent, though this may vary depending on the specific proprietary blend. The sequential release beadlets are designed for gradual absorption over 3-6 hours post-ingestion. Fat-containing meals enhance carotenoid absorption, and vitamin E may act as a cofactor to stabilize carotenoids.

FAQs

Are proprietary blends like Carotee Blend more effective than single carotenoids?

Evidence suggests that sequentially spaced blends improve bioavailability compared to the concomitant delivery of carotenoids, potentially enhancing their effectiveness.

How long until benefits appear?

Skin benefits may take around 3 months to manifest, while plasma carotenoid levels can increase within hours after the initial dose.

Are there safety concerns?

Carotee Blend is generally safe, but high-dose β-carotene should be avoided by smokers due to potential risks. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Can carotenoids improve skin appearance?

Yes, clinical data indicates that carotenoid supplementation can lead to improvements in skin barrier function and elasticity, enhancing overall skin appearance.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8194940/ – This in vitro digestion model study (TIM-1) demonstrated that sequential carotenoid beadlets exhibit staggered bioaccessibility peaks over 3-4 hours. The study found that total carotenoid recovery ranged from 70-90%, with the exception of lycopene. This suggests that the sequential release formulation enhances the bioaccessibility of carotenoids during digestion.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5448391/ – A double-blind, crossover RCT involving 12 healthy adults found that a sequentially spaced carotenoid mix increased plasma carotenoid AUC compared to concomitant delivery over an 8-hour period. This indicates that the sequential spacing of carotenoids improves their bioavailability. However, the study was limited by its small sample size and short duration.
https://www.lycored.com/study-confirms-powerful-effects-of-lumenato-on-improving-skin-structure-and-enhancing-beauty-from-within/ – A placebo-controlled RCT found that Lumenato® carotenoid blend improved skin barrier strength by 59.9%, reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by 10.4%, and improved skin firmness/elasticity by approximately 10% after 3 months. These findings suggest that Lumenato® has significant benefits for skin health and appearance. Further details on sample size and independent replication are needed to strengthen these conclusions.