Comparison of four characteristic carotenoids (lutein, β-carotene, lycopene, and astaxanthin) in alleviating DSS-induced colitis through gut microbiota regulation

Abstract

across all groups, with structure-dependent microbiota modulation: lutein enriched Rikenellaceae, β-carotene enhanced Bifidobacteriaceae, lycopene preferentially increased Lactobacillaceae, and astaxanthin elevated Akkermansiaceae (in terms of relative abundance). These findings demonstrate that carotenoids alleviate ulcerative colitis through combined anti-inflammatory, barrier-protective, and microbiota-modulating effects, with carotenes exhibiting superior microbiota modulation compared to xanthophylls.

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