Researchers studied over 2,000 people with osteoarthritis to see if certain nutrients in food could affect how long they lived. They measured levels of carotenoids—natural pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors—in people’s blood. Over 12 years, they found that people with higher levels of these colorful nutrients had lower chances of dying from any cause. The study suggests that eating more colorful fruits and vegetables might be beneficial for people with arthritis, though taking supplements may not work the same way as eating whole foods.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether the amount of natural plant pigments (carotenoids) in people’s blood was connected to how long people with arthritis lived
  • Who participated: 2,051 adults with osteoarthritis who were part of a large national health survey, followed for an average of about 12.5 years
  • Key finding: People with the highest levels of four types of carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene) had about 25-47% lower risk of dying during the study period compared to those with the lowest levels
  • What it means for you: Eating more colorful fruits and vegetables—like carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens—may help people with arthritis live longer and healthier lives. However, this study doesn’t prove that taking carotenoid supplements will have the same benefit, and whole foods appear to be more effective.

The Research Details

This was a long-term follow-up study using data from a large national health survey called NHANES III. Researchers identified 2,051 people who had osteoarthritis and measured the levels of five different carotenoids in their blood at the start of the study. They then tracked these people for over 12 years to see who passed away and from what causes, using official death records.

The researchers used statistical methods to look for patterns between carotenoid levels and death risk. They divided people into groups based on their carotenoid levels and compared death rates between groups. They also looked at whether other factors—like body weight, age, and overall health—changed how carotenoids affected survival.

This approach is important because it follows real people over many years in their normal lives, rather than just looking at one moment in time. This helps researchers understand whether nutrients actually affect long-term health outcomes. By measuring carotenoids directly in the blood rather than just asking people what they eat, the study gets more accurate information about actual nutrient intake.

The study used a large, representative sample of the U.S. population and had good follow-up data on deaths. However, the study only measured carotenoids once at the beginning, so we don’t know if levels changed over time. The study shows association (connection) but cannot prove that carotenoids directly cause longer life, since people with higher carotenoid levels may have other healthy habits too.

What the Results Show

The study found that people with the highest levels of alpha-carotene had about 47% lower death risk compared to those with the lowest levels. Beta-carotene showed a 26% lower risk, beta-cryptoxanthin showed a 25% lower risk, and lycopene showed a 34% lower risk. These differences were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to be due to chance.

Interestingly, lutein and zeaxanthin (carotenoids found mainly in leafy greens) did not show the same protective effect. This suggests that different carotenoids may work differently in the body.

The protective effect of beta-carotene was stronger in people with lower body weight. This means that weight may play a role in how carotenoids affect survival, though the exact reason isn’t clear from this study.

The study examined different causes of death but didn’t find strong enough evidence to link carotenoids to specific diseases. This suggests that carotenoids may have broad protective effects across multiple health conditions rather than protecting against one specific disease.

Previous research has shown that carotenoids have antioxidant properties (they help protect cells from damage) and may reduce inflammation. This study adds to that evidence by showing that these nutrients may have real-world benefits for people with arthritis over many years. However, past studies on carotenoid supplements have sometimes shown disappointing results, which is why researchers caution that whole foods may work better than pills.

The study measured carotenoids only once, so we don’t know if levels stayed the same or changed over time. People with higher carotenoid levels likely had other healthy habits (like exercising more or eating better overall), so we can’t be sure carotenoids alone caused the longer lifespan. The study shows connection but not direct cause-and-effect. Additionally, the study was observational, meaning researchers watched what happened naturally rather than randomly assigning people to eat more or fewer carotenoids.

The Bottom Line

People with osteoarthritis should aim to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables daily—including orange and red vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes), dark leafy greens, and other brightly colored produce. This recommendation has moderate confidence based on this study combined with other nutrition research. Taking carotenoid supplements is not recommended as a replacement for whole foods, since supplements have not shown the same benefits and may have risks with certain medications.

This research is most relevant for adults with osteoarthritis who want to improve their long-term health and lifespan. It may also be helpful for anyone interested in nutrition for joint health. People taking blood thinners or certain medications should talk to their doctor before making major dietary changes. This study doesn’t apply to children or people without arthritis, though the benefits of colorful vegetables are generally good for everyone.

The benefits seen in this study developed over 12 years, so don’t expect immediate changes. However, eating more colorful vegetables has other benefits (better energy, improved digestion, better blood sugar control) that may appear within weeks to months. Long-term health improvements typically take months to years to become noticeable.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of carotenoid-rich foods by color: orange/red vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers), yellow vegetables, and dark leafy greens. Aim for at least 2-3 servings daily and log which colors you ate each day.
  • Set a daily reminder to add one colorful vegetable to each meal. Start with easy additions like adding tomatoes to lunch, carrots to snacks, or spinach to dinner. Use the app to build a habit by checking off each day you include colorful vegetables.
  • Track weekly vegetable variety (how many different colored vegetables you ate) rather than just quantity. Monitor energy levels, joint pain, and overall wellness monthly to see if dietary changes correlate with how you feel. This long-term tracking helps identify personal patterns over weeks and months.

This study shows an association between carotenoid levels and survival in people with arthritis, but does not prove that carotenoids directly cause longer life. Individual results vary based on overall health, genetics, and lifestyle. Before making significant dietary changes or starting supplements, especially if you take medications or have other health conditions, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. The study was published in 2026 and represents current research, but medical understanding evolves as new evidence emerges.