*2.5. Carotenoids*

Carotenoids are natural pigments produced by plants. Plant-derived foods are sources of carotenoids as humans and animals cannot synthesize carotenoids [57]. Carotenoids act as important antioxidants in the human body and play a key role in various physiological processes. Overall, more than 600 carotenoids are known. Lutein and zeaxanthin prevent age-related macular degeneration [57,58]. Lutein reduces the risk of cataracts and is associated with cardiovascular disease prevention [59,60]. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, bone growth, and cell division in mammals [61]. β-Cryptoxanthin stimulates osteoblastic bone formation and inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption [62], therefore playing an important role in bone formation. Carotenoids have strong cancer-fighting properties [63] and protect cellular organelles from oxidative damage by e fficiently scavenging free radicals generated during various metabolic processes [64,65]. Carotenoids are considered as Fe absorption promoters as these improve human Fe bioavailability from plant-based foods [7]. For example, improvement of Fe status was reported in the Venezuelan population after the addition of vitamin A in their food [66,67].
