Different plant pigments like lycopene (from tomatoes) and beta-carotene (from carrots) are linked to lower diabetes risk, but their benefits seem to work best together, not alone.
Scientific Claim
Plasma levels of lycopene, β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, and β-cryptoxanthin are each independently associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, but associations weaken when adjusted for other carotenoids, suggesting combined effects are more important than individual nutrients.
Original Statement
“For plasma total and individual carotenoids... all plasma individual carotenoids were inversely associated with type 2 diabetes, except for zeaxanthin... after mutual adjustment for the other individual biomarkers, the inverse association... was attenuated. Lycopene and β cryptoxanthin were no longer significantly associated with type 2 diabetes.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim accurately reflects the attenuation seen in sensitivity analyses and avoids implying causation. The wording 'associated with' and 'suggesting combined effects' aligns with observational evidence.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Unknown Title
The study found that eating more fruits and vegetables — which raise levels of these nutrients in your blood — lowers diabetes risk, but the biggest benefit comes from getting all of them together, not just one at a time.