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The carotenoid beta-carotene enhances facial color, attractiveness and perceived health, but not actual health, in humans

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  • Yong Zhi Foo
  • Gillian Rhodes
  • Leigh W. Simmons

Abstract

Lay Summary Carotenoid-based skin color influences attractiveness in human males, but may not signal health. Carotenoid-based coloration is argued to signal health because carotenoids also function as antioxidants. We tested the effect of dietary supplementation of the carotenoid beta-carotene on facial appearance and health in men. Beta-carotene increased skin yellowness and redness to increase attractiveness but did not affect 3 measures of health: oxidative stress, innate immunity, or semen quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Yong Zhi Foo & Gillian Rhodes & Leigh W. Simmons, 2017. "The carotenoid beta-carotene enhances facial color, attractiveness and perceived health, but not actual health, in humans," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 28(2), pages 570-578.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:28:y:2017:i:2:p:570-578.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/beheco/arw188
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David G. Hamilton & Martin J. Whiting & Sarah R. Pryke, 2013. "Fiery frills: carotenoid-based coloration predicts contest success in frillneck lizards," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 24(5), pages 1138-1149.
    2. Kristen J. Navara & Geoffrey E. Hill, 2003. "Dietary carotenoid pigments and immune function in a songbird with extensive carotenoid-based plumage coloration," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 14(6), pages 909-916, November.
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