Skip to content
Fullscript leaf logo
Create account
Fullscript logo
Fullscript leaf logo
  • Solutions
    • Plan care
      Supplement catalog Recommend healthcare’s best.
      Clinical decision support Optimize your patients’ plans.
      Evidence-based templates Build complete plans quickly.
    • Deliver care
      Online plans Send individual and multi-patient plans.
    • Engage patients
      Patient experience See how patients thrive on Fullscript.
      Adherence & insights Keep patients on track with less effort.
      Patient promotions Offer savings, engage patients in a few clicks.
    • IntegrationsSee all integrations
  • Resources
    • Learn
      How to use Fullscript Explore quick demos, articles, and more.
      Wellness blog Education for practitioners and patients.
      Webinars 100+ recordings of practitioner discussions.
      Protocols Our library of evidence-based protocols.
      Clinical evidence Studies that support the Fullscript platform.
      Practice resources Handouts, promotional tools, and more.
      Ingredient library Decision support for supplement ingredients.
    • Featured
      lets make healthcare whole kyle feature image
      Let’s Make Healthcare Whole

      Learn how Fullscript is making whole person care more attainable, scalable, and impactful.

  • Pricing
Sign in Create account Book a demo Sign in
Supplement Ingredients
—

Better Brain Health with Carotenoids

Updated on January 2, 2025 | Published on January 29, 2021
Fact checked
Emily Kielbiski, RHN, BASc Avatar
Written by Emily Kielbiski, RHN, BASc
Dr. Christopher Knee, ND
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Knee, ND
  1. Wellness blog
  2. Better Brain Health with Carotenoids
What do carrots, (13) flamingoes, (2) shrimp, (1) and tulips (17) have in common? Their bright colors are all influenced by carotenoids, a family of highly pigmented molecules derived from vitamin A. (13) As highly effective antioxidants, carotenoids like beta-carotene found in carrots provide more than just color; they offer a wealth of support for our bodies and brains, protecting our delicate body tissues from damage. (2)(14)
Carotenoid foods
Foods brightly coloured with red, orange, and yellow pigments are excellent sources of carotenoids.

What are carotenoids?

Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments produced by plants and microorganisms. (19) They offer a beautiful array of color in our world, and when we consume them through our diet, they pass along their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective abilities. (2) Carotenoids are typically divided into two groups: carotenes and xanthophylls. Carotenes, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, provide rich orange and red pigments. Beta-carotene, the most widely known carotene, is also known as a provitamin A as it gets converted to vitamin A in the body. As an essential nutrient, it is used to support immunity, reproduction, and eye health. (7) Xanthophylls, on the other hand, provide yellow pigments in nature and in our foods. Examples of well-known xanthophyll nutrients include lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. (6) Even though our bodies don’t use these molecules to build vitamin A, they also act as antioxidants and are particularly beneficial for eye and brain health.

Food sources of carotenoids

Since we cannot synthesize carotenoids on our own, we must consume them through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. (2) Carotenoids can also accumulate in the tissues of animals, so foods like butter, egg yolks, and salmon are also excellent sources. (6)
carotenoids food sources chart

Carotenoids can be found in many foods; some of the top dietary sources are summarized above. (1)(17)

Did you know? Heating and cooking lycopene-rich foods (e.g., tomatoes cooked into tomato sauce) actually increases bioavailability and absorption in the body. (16)

Top 3 benefits of carotenoids for brain health

Carotenoids are fat-soluble molecules, (6) contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to areas of the body rich in fatty tissue, including the eyes, skin, immune system, brain, and nervous system. (8)

Did you know? As lipid-soluble molecules, carotenoids are best absorbed when eaten with sources of healthy dietary fats such as olive oil. (16)

Of the over 700 types of carotenoids, (20) five are given special consideration in the realm of brain health and neuroprotection: astaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Given their ability to protect tissues from oxidative stress, they play an important role in preventing neurological diseases and improving cognition. (2)

Memory support

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most researched neurodegenerative diseases, impacting memory and quality of life. Growing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation is one of the main pathological features of AD contributing to memory loss. Carotenoids are receiving attention for their anti-inflammatory benefits (2) and the role they play in slowing the progression of dementia. (15) In some cases, higher antioxidant levels have been associated with a reduced risk of death from AD. (15) Low concentrations of beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin A have been documented in several studies examining the blood nutrient levels of patients with AD. (2) In a 2008 study, the concentrations of beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin were found to be significantly lower in patients with AD compared to a control group. (19) Researchers have linked higher carotenoid levels with a protective role against cognitive decline. Astaxanthin is of special interest as it can cross the blood-brain barrier. (4) One human study found that supplementing with 6 or 12 mg per day of astaxanthin had a strong antioxidant effect against dementia after 12 weeks of treatment. (11) Another human study involving 91 healthy individuals suggested that 12 months of supplementation with lutein (10 mg per day) and zeaxanthin (2 mg per day) improved memory compared to the placebo control group. (3)
Man and child doing a puzzle
Aging is often associated with decreased cognitive function. The carotenoid lycopene, however, has been shown to reduce cognitive deficits and inflammation in the brain, thereby improving cognitive function. (3)

Cognition

Cognitive disorders can affect several mental abilities, such as learning, problem solving, memory, and perception. (4) Consuming a colorful diet high in antioxidants has been shown to benefit cognitive function. A 2013 study testing processing speed, attention, and executive function in older subjects (aged 80 years and older) found that those with higher serum concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene consistently performed better on given tasks. (13) Lutein and zeaxanthin are especially associated with better recall and verbal fluency, according to a 2018 article examining the health effects of dietary carotenoids. Since lutein and zeaxanthin mainly accumulate in the brain, it is important to consume these and other key brain health nutrients regularly to keep cognitive levels sharp. According to the 2011 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey involving over 2,000 participants aged 60 years and older, lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation at 2.02 mg per day may prevent cognitive decline. (15)

Did you know? Infants can receive lutein through breast milk. Recent studies have begun to examine the beneficial effects of lutein in growing children through improved cognition, memory, environmental perception, and even academic performance. (10)

Mood and depression

Since carotenoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, they provide support to the nervous system through protection from free radicals, DNA damage, (2) and inflammation. Lycopene, the carotene present in tomatoes, has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation and depression-like behaviour in mice. (2) A study of middle-aged people (aged 20 to 60 years) with generalized anxiety disorder also found that supplementing with antioxidants, specifically beta-carotene, for six weeks reduced anxiety and depression scores. (5) An additional Italian study of older adults (women and men aged 65 and older) assessed the likelihood of depressive symptoms in relation to their blood carotenoid levels. The results showed that low levels of carotenoids were associated with depressive symptoms and even predicted the development of new symptoms in older persons. (9)

How to select the right carotenoid supplements

Even though we can consume a variety of carotenoids in our diet through foods like carrots, pumpkin, salmon, tomatoes, and egg yolks, additional supplementation may be indicated in certain circumstances.
Carotenoid supplements
Be sure to speak to your integrative healthcare provider prior to introducing carotenoid supplements to your wellness plan.When choosing to take beta-carotene supplements or other carotenoids, it is important to look at the method of delivery. Since carotenoids are fat-soluble, properly encapsulated supplements are imperative for ensuring that these nutrients are made available to our body when consumed. Look for encapsulation techniques such as emulsifications or liposomes, which stabilize the carotenoids for maximum health benefits. (16) Finally, bioavailability of carotenoids may vary between food sources and supplement sources. For example, beta-carotene seems to be better absorbed through foods, whereas more promising results came from lycopene supplementation. (16) Always speak with your healthcare provider before adding supplements to your wellness plan.

Did you know? Long-term excessive beta-carotene supplementation may lead to carotenodermia, a harmless condition in which the skin becomes yellow-orange in colour. This condition can be easily reversed by discontinuing supplementation (12)

The bottom line

A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables will provide a wealth of carotenoid nutrients, contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Combining healthy whole foods and practitioner-approved supplementation in your wellness plan may be ideal to reap the full benefits of carotenoids for brain and overall health.

Simplify the delivery of whole person care

Create free account I'm a patient
References
  1. Abdel-Aal, E.M., Akhtar, H., Zaheer, K., & Ali, R. (2013). Dietary Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Carotenoids and Their Role in Eye Health. Nutrients, 5(4), 1169-1185. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041169
  2. Cho, K. S., Shin, M., Kim, S., & Lee, S. B. (2018). Recent Advances in Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Dietary Carotenoids in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2018(4120458). https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4120458
  3. Crowe-White, K. M., Phillips, T. A., & Ellis, A. C. (2019). Lycopene and cognitive function. Journal of nutritional science, 8(20). https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2019.16
  4. Galasso, C., Orefice, I., Pellone, P., Cirino, P., Miele, R., Ianora, A., Brunet, C., & Sansone, C. (2018). On the Neuroprotective Role of Astaxanthin: New Perspectives?. Marine Drugs, 16(8), 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/md16080247
  5. Gautam, M., Agrawal, M., Gautam, M., Sharma, P., Gautam, A. S., & Gautam, S. (2012). Role of antioxidants in generalised anxiety disorder and depression. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 54(3), 244–247. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.102424
  6. Green, A. S., & Fascetti, A. J. (2016). Meeting the Vitamin A Requirement: The Efficacy and Importance of β-Carotene in Animal Species. The Scientific World Journal, 2016(7393620). https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7393620
  7. Grune, T., Lietz, G., Palou, A., Ross, A. C., Stahl, W., Tang, G., Thurnham, D., Yin, S. A., & Biesalski, H. K. (2010). Beta-carotene is an important vitamin A source for humans. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(12), 2268S–2285S. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.109.119024
  8. Hubler, M. J., & Kennedy, A. J. (2016). Role of lipids in the metabolism and activation of immune cells. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 34, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.11.002
  9. Milaneschi, Y., Bandinelli, S., Penninx, B.W., Corsi, A.M., Lauretani, F., Vazzana, R., Semba, R.D. et al. (2012). The relationship between plasma carotenoids and depressive symptoms in older persons. The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry. 13(8). 588-598. https://doi.org/10.3109/15622975.2011.597876
  10. Moran, N. E., Mohn, E. S., Hason, N., Erdman, J. W., Jr, & Johnson, E. J. (2018). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Impacting Absorption, Metabolism, and Health Effects of Dietary Carotenoids. Advances in Nutrition, 9(4), 465–492. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy025
  11. Nakagawa, K., Kiko, T., Miyazawa, T., Carpentero Burdeos, G., Kimura, F., Satoh, A., & Miyazawa, T. (2011). Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The British Journal of Nutrition, 105(11), 1563–1571. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510005398
  12. National Institute of Health. (2020, February). Vitamin A Fact Sheet for Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
  13. Nouchi, R., Suiko, T., Kimura, E., Takenaka, H., Murakoshi, M., Uchiyama, A., Aono, M., & Kawashima, R. (2020). Effects of Lutein and Astaxanthin Intake on the Improvement of Cognitive Functions among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 12(3), 617. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030617
  14. Schagen, S. K., Zampeli, V. A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 298–307. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22876
  15. Tan, B. L., & Norhaizan, M. E. (2019). Carotenoids: How Effective Are They to Prevent Age-Related Diseases?. Molecules, 24(9), 1801. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24091801
  16. Toti, E., Chen, C. O., Palmery, M., Villaño Valencia, D., & Peluso, I. (2018). Non-Provitamin A and Provitamin A Carotenoids as Immunomodulators: Recommended Dietary Allowance, Therapeutic Index, or Personalized Nutrition?. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2018 (4637861). https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4637861
  17. Tudor, C., & Pintea, A. A Brief Overview of Dietary Zeaxanthin Occurrence and Bioaccessibility. (2020)..Molecules, 25(18), 4067; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184067
  18. Valadon, L. R., & Mummery, R. S. (1968). Carotenoids in floral parts of a narcissus, a daffodil and a tulip. The Biochemical Journal, 106(2), 479–484. https://doi.org/10.1042/bj1060479
  19. Wang, W., Shinto, L., Connor, W. E., & Quinn, J. F. (2008). Nutritional biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease: the association between carotenoids, n-3 fatty acids, and dementia severity. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 13(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-2008-13103
  20. Zielińska, M. A., Wesołowska, A., Pawlus, B., & Hamułka, J. (2017). Health Effects of Carotenoids during Pregnancy and Lactation. Nutrients, 9(8), 838. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080838

Author

Emily Kielbiski, RHN, BASc Avatar
Written by Emily Kielbiski, RHN, BASc
Dr. Christopher Knee, ND
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Knee, ND

Disclaimer

The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

SHARE THIS POST
  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

More resources

Protocols
Practice resources
Ingredient library
Webinars

Make healthcare whole with Fullscript

Join 100,000+ providers building the future of whole person care today.

Create free account

Read more articles

Updates
—Targeted Probiotics for Targeted Outcomes: A Guide for Healthcare Providers
The probiotic market is growing fast as research highlights gut health. Strain-specific benefits mak...
Updates
—Patient Feedback Systems in Healthcare: A Practical Framework for Clinical Leaders
Transform patient feedback into care improvement with this evidence-based, 4-phase framework designe...
Practice Management
—Hybrid Supplement Dispensing: How One Functional Medicine Clinic Transformed Care
Discover how a functional medicine clinic used hybrid supplement dispensing with Fullscript to boost...

Fullscript content philosophy

At Fullscript, we are committed to curating accurate, and reliable educational content for providers and patients alike. Our educational offerings cover a broad range of topics related to whole person care, such as supplement ingredients, diet, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Medically reviewed by expert practitioners and our internal Medical Advisory Team, all Fullscript content adheres to the following guidelines:

  1. In order to provide unbiased and transparent education, information is based on a research review and obtained from trustworthy sources, such as peer-reviewed articles and government websites. All medical statements are linked to the original reference and all sources of information are disclosed within the article.
  2. Information about supplements is always based on ingredients. No specific products are mentioned or promoted within educational content.
  3. A strict policy against plagiarism is maintained; all our content is unique, curated by our team of writers and editors at Fullscript. Attribution to individual writers and editors is clearly stated in each article.
  4. Resources for patients are intended to be educational and do not replace the relationship between health practitioners and patients. In all content, we clearly recommend that readers refer back to their healthcare practitioners for all health-related questions.
  5. All content is updated on a regular basis to account for new research and industry trends, and the last update date is listed at the top of every article.
  6. Potential conflicts of interest are clearly disclosed.
Learn more

The healthiest cookies you’ll choose today

Our website uses cookies to collect useful information that lets us and our partners support basic functionality, analyze visitor traffic, deliver a better user experience, and provide ads tailored to your interests. Agreeing to the use of cookies is your choice. Learn more

Fullscript leaf icon
Platform
  • What’s new
  • Integrations
  • Testimonials
  • Catalog
Company
  • About us
  • Blog
  • Why Fullscript
  • Careers
  • Partnerships
  • Quality program
Help
  • Book a demo
  • Support Center
  • Provider FAQs
  • Patient FAQ
  • Contact us
  • Security
Developers
  • Engineering at Fullscript
  • API

© Fullscript 2025. All rights reserved.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Customer Support Policy
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Privacy Rights Notice
  • Auto Refill Terms and Conditions
  • Consumer Health Data Privacy Notice
Canadian flag - toggles to show canada specific contentCanada
American flag - toggles to show american specific contentUS