13035 Multiple Carotenoids Supplementation Enhances Human Skin Protection Against Ultraviolet A–induced Skin Pigmentation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Extrinsic photoprotection of human skin is determined by the efficacy of sunscreens to prevent ultraviolet (UV) B radiation-induced erythema and UVA radiation-induced pigmentation. In addition to externally applied sunscreens, oral supplementation of carotenoids has been clinically shown to protect human skin against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced erythema (sunburn). It is not known if this is also the case for UVA radiation-induced pigmentation. The main objective of this research was to clinically evaluate the photoprotective effects of daily supplementation with carotenoids against UVA radiation-induced pigmentation, in addition to UVB-induced erythema. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 subjects (Fitzpatrick types II-IV) received Nutrilite Multi Carotene supplement (daily dose of beta-carotene 12.75 mg, alpha-carotene 3.30 mg, lutein 3.36 mg and zeaxanthin 0.16 mg) or placebo for 12-weeks. UVA-induced minimal persistent pigmentation dose (MPPD), UVB-induced minimal erythemal dose (MED) and skin carotenoid levels were measured at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intervention. Skin color was evaluated by expert clinical graders and by colorimetry. Carotenoid levels in the skin were measured by the Biozoom device. In this 12-week multi-carotene supplementation study, the intervention group showed a significant increase (P = .000) relative to the placebo group in (i) skin carotenoid levels, (ii) UVB-induced MED, and (iii) UVA-induced MPPD values obtained by colorimetry. In conclusion, this study supports the finding that the daily supplementation with carotenoids protects human skin against both UVB-induced erythema and UVA-induced pigmentation.