Cryptoxanthin is a naturally occurring substance found in vegetables, plants, and a limited number of animals. It is part of the carotenoid family most known to us as being the substance that gives some vegetables their vibrant colors.
Cryptoxanthin is most often associated with the color orange. Therefore, it is abundant in carrots and other orange-colored vegetables. Like alpha and beta carotene, the substance is converted into vitamin A by the body.
While extensive research has already been done on carotenoids in general, research on Cryptoxanthin is relatively new. Driving this new research is the belief that Cryptoxanthin can play a major role in preventing many types of cancers. Many people use Cryptoxanthin supplements which come in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms.
The research was initially begun when it was determined that individuals who developed lung cancer had significantly lower levels of Cryptoxanthin in their systems. Conversely, those with higher levels of Cryptoxanthin were much less likely to develop lung cancer.
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Cryptoxanthin as an Antioxidant Most carotenoids qualify as antioxidants. Some, like alpha carotene and Cryptoxanthin, are more effective in controlling free radicals than others. Cryptoxanthin is so effective in fighting free radicals, and the damage which these free radicals wreak on... more
Most carotenoids qualify as antioxidants. Some, like alpha carotene and Cryptoxanthin, are more effective in controlling free radicals than others.
Cryptoxanthin is so effective in fighting free radicals, and the damage which these free radicals wreak on cell structures and DNA, that researchers suggest that might be the primary reason why the substance helps to prevent cancer. The belief is that by controlling free radicals, cell structures are less likely to be damaged and therefore less susceptible to cancer.
Another benefit researchers are looking into is the possibility that Cryptoxanthin stimulates what's known as the RB gene. This is a gene that helps cells prevent the onset of cancer.
If research is able to prove this benefit, Cryptoxanthin could be used theoretically to prevent just about every type of cancer we currently know. However, there is an interesting downside which researchers are as yet unable to explain.
This downside was discovered during the same research that studied Cryptoxanthin and the prevention of lung cancer. The research indicated the positive effects of Cryptoxanthin in people who had not yet developed lung cancer. But, when Cryptoxanthin supplements were consumed by those who had already been diagnosed with the disease, they proved to make the condition worse.
In some cases, it's believed that the Cryptoxanthin supplementation may have even hastened the death of some lung cancer patients. This seeming dichotomy may mean Cryptoxanthin is effective in the prevention of cancer but not the treatment thereof.
As a supplement, Cryptoxanthin is most often marketed as an aid to good vision and healthy sleep habits. It is frequently combined with beta carotene because that combination helps Cryptoxanthin to be better absorbed by the body.
You can find Cryptoxanthin combined with several other carotenoids depending on the particular purpose of any given supplement. It must be noted that some studies of alpha carotene suggests that supplements combining an improper balance of carotenoids can cause minor neurological issues such as anxiety, nervousness, and blurred vision.
Cryptoxanthin has recently become popular as an ingredient in many green teas and other health supplement drinks. Regardless of its form, you should always be careful to read and understand the information on packaging labels and follow dosage instructions to the letter.
Like most substances in the carotenoid family there are no known side effects of taking Cryptoxanthin as a supplement in healthy individuals. Carotenoids have been the subject of intense studies for many years to the extent that they are generally considered safe in the medical community.
However, any supplement can lead to toxicity if it is taken in excess. Therefore doctors recommend that any Cryptoxanthin supplementation be undertaken according to manufacturer instructions.
Lastly, a 1996 study of carotenoids suggests that daily supplementation is dangerous for individuals who are suffering any form of lung disease. The study seemed to indicate that people who smoked or suffered from diseases such as emphysema or asthma were at a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Furthermore, those who had already developed lung cancer further aggravated their condition by taking carotenoid supplements.
Cryptoxanthin is such a popular supplement that it can be found at both retail outlets and across the Internet. It is most often included as an ingredient in a multivitamin, an antioxidant formula, or a supplement promoting general good health.
You can find it as a standalone supplement, but such products re uncommon by comparison. Multivitamins containing Cryptoxanthin typically run between $20 and $30 per bottle while green drinks and antioxidant formulas are a bit less expensive.
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