(P01-002-25) Associations Between Dietary Carotenoids and Anxiety Symptoms in Hispanic/Latine Adults

Objectives: Anxiety symptoms are associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), potentially through oxidative stress and stress hormone imbalance. Carotenoids, and their antioxidant properties, may counteract oxidative stress and protect against cognitive decline. This study investigated the relationship between dietary carotenoid intake and anxiety symptoms.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 85 Hispanic/Latine midlife adults in the longitudinal Tri-Sleep Study at Florida International University. Demographic data was collected through validated questionnaires. Dietary carotenoid intake (retinol, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene) was assessed using three 24-hour dietary recalls via the Automated Self-Administered Recall System (ASA24). Anxiety symptoms were measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), and cognitive status assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was included as a covariate to address potential bidirectional influences between anxiety and cognition. Linear regression models tested associations between carotenoid intake, GAD-7 scores, adjusting for age, sex, race, physical activity and intakes of energy, total fat, and fiber.

Results: In the sample (mean age 52.22, SD = 5.49 years), participants were predominantly female (89.41%) and White (89.41%). The mean GAD-7 score was 4.06 (SD = 4.19), indicating mild anxiety. The mean carotenoid intake was 8,341.40 µg (SD= 6,386.45 µg). In simple regression models, beta-cryptoxanthin was significantly inversely associated with GAD-7 scores (β = -0.01, SE < 0.01, p = 0.02), as was lycopene (β = -4.01x10^-04, SE < 0.01, p = 0.03). In adjusted regression models, retinol (β = -0.01, SE < 0.01, p = 0.02) and lycopene (β = -5.22x10^-04, SE < 0.01, p = 0.03) remained significantly inversely associated with GAD-7 scores.

Conclusions: Higher dietary intake of retinol, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin was significantly associated with lower anxiety symptoms, suggesting their potential protective role in reducing psychological distress. Given the association between anxiety and AD risk, these findings emphasize the need for research to evaluate the therapeutic potential of carotenoids in mental health and their role in prevention strategies focused on cognitive decline.

Funding Sources: NIMHD, FIU-RCMI