Sweet Corn and Carotenoids

Effects of Sweet Corn Intake on Carotenoid Levels and Gastrointestinal Wellness

This study will assess the effect of daily yellow and white sweet corn intake on serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations. Skin carotenoid levels using the Veggie Meter will be assessed, and gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in fecal microbiota during a 4-week intervention period will be monitored.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ≥ 18 years of age
• Able to provide written consent in English
• Baseline Veggie Meter score of ≤ 300 (Scale from 0 to 850)
• Willing to adhere to study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Baseline Veggie Meter score of >300
• Corn allergy
• Current use of laxatives or antidiarrheal medications
• Previously or currently being treated for intestinal disease, including irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, or gastrointestinal cancer
• Previous gastrointestinal surgery (e.g., gastric bypass, fundoplication, bowel resection)
• Current cancer treatment
• Current pregnancy
• Vegetarian diet
• Elite athletes or long-distance runners.
• Use of antibiotic drugs within 1 month of the screening visit.