Paprika oleoresin carotenoids and safety over 12 weeks
What it found
In 33 healthy adults, taking paprika oleoresin daily for 12 weeks raised blood levels of beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin in a dose-dependent way.
No adverse events were linked to the supplement.
What they found
Studies in people
Beta-cryptoxanthin buildup
Blood levels of beta-cryptoxanthin rose 2.9-fold in the low-dose group and 6.0-fold in the high-dose group after 12 weeks. The increase depended on the dose.
Zeaxanthin buildup
Blood levels of zeaxanthin rose 1.8-fold in the low-dose group and 2.5-fold in the high-dose group after 12 weeks. The increase also depended on the dose.
Capsanthin not detected
Capsanthin was not found in blood before or during the 12 weeks, even though the doses were higher than those of other carotenoids.
Beta-carotene changes
Blood beta-carotene levels differed between groups at 4 weeks but not at 12 weeks. The authors say this may be because subjects ate beta-carotene-rich foods from their regular diet.
Safety markers
Physical exams, blood biochemistry, hematology, and urinalysis showed only small, sporadic changes that stayed within normal ranges. The authors considered these unrelated to the supplement.
Adverse events
Adverse events like cold-like symptoms, joint pain, and stomachache occurred, but the authors say none were related to paprika oleoresin intake.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that plasma beta-cryptoxanthin accumulation is greater than that of other carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, after paprika oleoresin supplementation.
- They suggest that paprika oleoresin is a suitable dietary source of beta-cryptoxanthin.
How it was done
The authors wanted to see how carotenoids from paprika oleoresin build up in the blood over time and to check its safety, to inform future clinical trials.
They randomly assigned 33 healthy adults aged 40 to 60 to take capsules with 0, 20, or 100 mg of paprika oleoresin daily for 12 weeks. Blood carotenoid levels and safety markers were measured at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
What it can’t tell you
- This study was in healthy adults aged 40 to 60, so the results may not apply to other groups.
- The study lasted 12 weeks, so it cannot show what happens over longer periods.
- The authors note that the study was funded by the company that makes the supplement, which may influence the findings.
The paper
- Title
- Safety Evaluation and Plasma Carotenoid Accumulation in Healthy Adult Subjects after 12 Weeks of Paprika Oleoresin Supplementation
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Umigai N, Murakami K, Shimizu R, Takeda R, Azuma T (2018). Safety Evaluation and Plasma Carotenoid Accumulation in Healthy Adult Subjects after 12 Weeks of Paprika Oleoresin Supplementation. Journal of oleo science. doi:10.5650/jos.ess17155Free full textPubMed 29367485DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error