This study will examine the the efficiency fo absorption of major plant pigments,
carotenoids, (lutein, beta-carotene and lycopene)and will measure the biological functions of
carotenoids in healthy women in response to an 8-week period of carotenoid supplementation.
The antioxidant capacity (in both the aqueous and lipid compartments), DNA oxidation (single
cell gel electrophoresis), Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1), Insulin-like Growth Factor
Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3), (gene expression profile (high-density filter-based cDNA
microarrays), lipid peroxidation (MDA analysis and Isoprostane determination), and
antioxidant nutrient levels (carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and uric acid) in the
circulation will be measured every other week throughout the study period.