The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021)

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2022) | Viewed by 47891

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City 430-8558, Shizuoka, Japan
2. Department of Medical Spectroscopy, Institute for Medical Photonics Research, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu City 431-3192, Shizuoka, Japan
Interests: retina; age-related macular degeneration; photooxidation; lasers; vitreous surgery
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carotenoids, which are organic pigments produced by plants and algae, are basically composed of eight isoprene molecules and contain 40 carbon atoms. Their structural character of 9 to 11 conjugated double bonds functions as an antioxidant by quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging free radicals. Carotenoids also have anti-inflammatory effects. Among about 1000 carotenoids, humans utilize over 30 of them to protect various organs against oxidative stress and inflammation that causes accelerated aging, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and various age-related pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease and age-related macular degeneration.

Humans cannot synthesize carotenoids in their body and must get carotenoids from their diet. Many studies have shown that low intake of carotenoids, low concentration of serum carotenoids, and low accumulation of carotenoids in various organs such as skin and eye are risk factors for developing the abovementioned disorders. Taking carotenoid rich foods and supplements has been shown to reduce these risks. “Healthy food, healthy body” is a concept well known to people.

In this Special Issue, we invite researchers to provide original research articles, clinical reports, and review articles that relate to carotenoids and human health. We are waiting for articles from researchers in a wide range of fields such as physiology, biochemistry, medicine, nutrition, and epidemiology. We want to make this Special Issue a valued accumulation of new knowledge in this field.

Prof. Akira Obana
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • carotenoids
  • bioavailability
  • measurement
  • metabolism
  • antioxidants
  • anti-inflammation
  • aging
  • cancer
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • diabetes
  • eye diseases
  • skin
  • metabolic syndrome
  • Alzheimer
  • supplement
  • administration and dosage
  • nutrition
  • vegetables and fruits
  • toxicity

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 2735 KiB  
Article
Improving Skin Carotenoid Levels in Young Students through Brief Dietary Education Using the Veggie Meter
by Akira Obana, Ryo Asaoka, Ayako Miura, Miho Nozue, Yuji Takayanagi and Mieko Nakamura
Antioxidants 2022, 11(8), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081570 - 14 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2526
Abstract
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of carotenoid have been determined to aid in the prevention of a wide range of oxidative disorders, arteriosclerosis, obesity, and various types of cancers. In order to keep high carotenoid levels in the body, much of the vegetable [...] Read more.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of carotenoid have been determined to aid in the prevention of a wide range of oxidative disorders, arteriosclerosis, obesity, and various types of cancers. In order to keep high carotenoid levels in the body, much of the vegetable and fruit (V/F) intake is mandatory. However, the actual intake of V/F is not enough in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess whether brief dietary education using the Veggie Meter (VM) that could measure skin carotenoid (SC) levels could induce the increase in carotenoid levels via V/F intake. Two hundred and sixty-one elementary and junior high school students (ages 7–14 years old) received brief educational session and SC evaluation by VM, and the changes in SC levels were examined after 6 months. The baseline VM scores ranged from 131 to 825, and the average significantly increased from 400.0 ± 124.7 (standard deviation) to 447.4 ± 140.4 at Month 6 (p < 0.0001). The percentage of increase at month 6 was negatively correlated with the baseline values (r = −0.36, p < 0.0001). This finding implies that subjects who became aware of their inferiority tended to make a significant effort to change their behavior. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that subjects taking much of green and yellow vegetables, drinking vegetable/tomato juice, and eating any fruit had higher VM scores than the average value. In conclusion, the educational approach using VM was supposed to be an effective method of raising awareness of the V/F shortage and increasing V/F intake that could indue the increase in SC levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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38 pages, 11162 KiB  
Article
An In Vitro Study of Saffron Carotenoids: The Effect of Crocin Extracts and Dimethylcrocetin on Cancer Cell Lines
by Kyriaki Hatziagapiou, Olti Nikola, Sofia Marka, Eleni Koniari, Eleni Kakouri, Maria-Eleftheria Zografaki, Sophie S. Mavrikou, Charalabos Kanakis, Emmanouil Flemetakis, George P. Chrousos, Spyridon Kintzios, George I. Lambrou, Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein and Petros A. Tarantilis
Antioxidants 2022, 11(6), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061074 - 28 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3676
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. has various pharmacological properties, known for over 3600 years. These properties are attributed mainly to biologically active substances, which belong to the terpenoid group and include crocins, picrocrocin and safranal. The aim of the current work was to examine the [...] Read more.
Crocus sativus L. has various pharmacological properties, known for over 3600 years. These properties are attributed mainly to biologically active substances, which belong to the terpenoid group and include crocins, picrocrocin and safranal. The aim of the current work was to examine the effects of crocins (CRCs) and their methyl ester derivate dimethylcrocetin (DMCRT) on glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in terms of cytotoxicity and gene expression, implicated in proapoptotic and cell survival pathways. Cell cytotoxicity was assessed with Alamar Blue fluorescence assay after treatment with saffron carotenoids for 24, 48 and 72 h and concentrations ranging from 22.85 to 0.18 mg/mL for CRCs and 11.43 to 0.09 mg/mL for DMCRT. In addition, BAX, BID, BCL2, MYCN, SOD1, and GSTM1 gene expression was studied by qRT-PCR analysis. Both compounds demonstrated cytotoxic effects against glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. They induced apoptosis, via BAX and BID upregulation, MYCN and BCL-2, SOD1, GSTM1 downregulation. The current research denotes the possible anticancer properties of saffron carotenoids, which are considered safe phytochemicals, already tested in clinical trials for their health promoting properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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9 pages, 1372 KiB  
Article
Serum Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Inversely Associated with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Non-Smokers: The Mikkabi Study
by Mieko Nakamura and Minoru Sugiura
Antioxidants 2022, 11(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020259 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1847
Abstract
Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a protective association between carotenoids and inflammation; however, the basis of this association on lifestyle factors remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the associations between carotenoids and inflammatory markers stratified by lifestyle factors, using baseline data [...] Read more.
Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a protective association between carotenoids and inflammation; however, the basis of this association on lifestyle factors remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the associations between carotenoids and inflammatory markers stratified by lifestyle factors, using baseline data from the Mikkabi Study. Serum carotenoid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for a high hs-CRP level (≥2.0 mg/dL) were obtained using logistic regression analysis. The data of 882 individuals were analyzed; 11.7% had high hs-CRP levels. The highest tertile of lutein (OR: 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25–0.76), zeaxanthin (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21–0.64), total carotenoid (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.32–0.9997), and oxygenated carotenoid concentration (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28–0.90), with the lowest tertile as reference, was inversely associated with a high hs-CRP level. The interaction between lutein, but not other carotenoids, and current smoking was significant. The inverse association between lutein and a high hs-CRP level was significant in non-smokers (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22–0.76) but not in smokers. These results further support the anti-inflammatory effect of carotenoids; nevertheless, further studies should clarify the interaction of smoking with the association between lutein and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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11 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Relationships between Skin Carotenoid Levels and Metabolic Syndrome
by Yuji Takayanagi, Akira Obana, Shigeki Muto, Ryo Asaoka, Masaki Tanito, Igor V. Ermakov, Paul S. Bernstein and Werner Gellermann
Antioxidants 2022, 11(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11010014 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
Carotenoids have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; their protective roles are of particular interest in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The reflection spectroscopy method has been recently developed to noninvasively measure skin carotenoid (SC) levels, which highly correlates with serum concentration of [...] Read more.
Carotenoids have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; their protective roles are of particular interest in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The reflection spectroscopy method has been recently developed to noninvasively measure skin carotenoid (SC) levels, which highly correlates with serum concentration of carotenoids. The relationship between SC levels and metabolic syndrome has been investigated. We aimed to identify the differences in patient characteristics and SC levels between participants with and without MetS in a large health examination population. In addition, the relationships between SC levels and various clinical parameters related to MetS were investigated. SC levels were measured using a reflection spectroscopy. A total of 1812 Japanese participants (859 male, 953 female; mean age ± standard deviation (SD), 57.8 ± 11.0 years) comprised the study population, i.e., participants with MetS (n = 151) and those without MetS (n = 1661). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with MetS. Compared to controls (377.3 ± 122.8), SC indices were significantly lower in patients with MetS (340.7 ± 112.5, p = 0.0004). Multivariate models also suggested that lower SC was significantly associated with MetS after adjustment for age, sex, smoking habit, and other potential risk factors for MetS. Furthermore, male gender (p < 0.0001), smoking habit (p < 0.0001) and worse lipid profiles (i.e., serum triglyceride (r = −0.1039, p < 0.0001), high-density lipoprotein (r = 0.1259, p < 0.0001), and usage of hypolipidemic agents (p = 0.0340)) were significantly associated with lower SC levels. The current study indicated that lower SC levels were significantly associated with MetS. This study highlights the antioxidant capacity of carotenoids in patients with MetS and the clinical utility of non-invasive and cost-effective SC measurement to detect participants who are at risk of developing MetS in a large population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
14 pages, 1635 KiB  
Article
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Distribution in the Healthy Macula and Its Association with Various Demographic Factors Examined in Pseudophakic Eyes
by Akira Obana, Yuko Gohto, Ryo Asaoka, Werner Gellermann and Paul S. Bernstein
Antioxidants 2021, 10(12), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10121857 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2312
Abstract
The macular pigment consisting of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) protects photoreceptors via its antioxidative and barrier activities. This study aimed to determine L and Z distribution in the healthy macula and their association with various demographic factors. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) [...] Read more.
The macular pigment consisting of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) protects photoreceptors via its antioxidative and barrier activities. This study aimed to determine L and Z distribution in the healthy macula and their association with various demographic factors. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured using fundus autofluorescence spectroscopy in 352 pseudophakic eyes with no fundus diseases. Pseudophakia was chosen to avoid the influence of cataract in the measurement of fundus autofluorescence. The mean patient age was 72.3 ± 8.6 years. MPOD was analyzed separately in three zones, i.e., A: a central area within a radius of 0.5°, mainly containing Z; B: a ring area with radii from 0.5° to 1.3°, containing Z and L; C: a ring area with radii from 1.3° to 9°, containing L. Multivariate analyses were performed with MPOD as the dependent variable and sex, supplement intake, smoking habits, glaucoma, diabetes, age, body mass index (BMI), skin carotenoid levels, retinal thickness, retinal volume, axial length as the independent variables. The mean total MPOD volume within 9° eccentricity was 20,121 ± 6293. Age was positively associated with MPOD in all zones. Supplement and BMI were positively and negatively associated with MPOD in zones B and C. Smoking was negatively associated with MPOD in zone A. This study revealed the standard MP values of aged Japanese, which resulted to be higher than the previously reported values in other races. Age was found to have a positive association with MP values. L in the outer foveola was affected by BMI and supplements, but Z in the foveola was not. The amount of Z in the Müller cell cone may not be changed easily by factors such as hunger and satiety in the context of preservation of homeostasis in the human body, but tobacco had a negative effect on Z. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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19 pages, 1611 KiB  
Article
Whey- and Soy Protein Isolates Added to a Carrot-Tomato Juice Alter Carotenoid Bioavailability in Healthy Adults
by Mohammed Iddir, Denis Pittois, Cédric Guignard, Bernard Weber, Manon Gantenbein, Yvan Larondelle and Torsten Bohn
Antioxidants 2021, 10(11), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10111748 - 31 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2401
Abstract
Recent findings suggested that proteins can differentially affect carotenoid bioaccessibility during gastro-intestinal digestion. In this crossover, randomized human trial, we aimed to confirm that proteins, specifically whey- and soy-protein isolates (WPI/SPI) impact postprandial carotenoid bioavailability. Healthy adults (n = 12 males, n [...] Read more.
Recent findings suggested that proteins can differentially affect carotenoid bioaccessibility during gastro-intestinal digestion. In this crossover, randomized human trial, we aimed to confirm that proteins, specifically whey- and soy-protein isolates (WPI/SPI) impact postprandial carotenoid bioavailability. Healthy adults (n = 12 males, n = 12 females) were recruited. After 2-week washout periods, 350 g of a tomato-carrot juice mixture was served in the absence/presence of WPI or SPI (50% of the recommended dietary allowance, RDA ≈ 60 g/d). Absorption kinetics of carotenoids and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were evaluated via the triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction response, at timed intervals up to 10 h after test meal intake, on three occasions separated by 1 week. Maximum TRL-carotenoid concentration (Cmax) and corresponding time (Tmax) were also determined. Considering both genders and carotenoids/TAGs combined, the estimated area under the curve (AUC) for WPI increased by 45% vs. the control (p = 0.018), to 92.0 ± 1.7 nmol × h/L and by 57% vs. SPI (p = 0.006). Test meal effect was significant in males (p = 0.036), but not in females (p = 0.189). In males, significant differences were found for phytoene (p = 0.026), phytofluene (p = 0.004), α-carotene (p = 0.034), and β-carotene (p = 0.031). Cmax for total carotenoids (nmol/L ± SD) was positively influenced by WPI (135.4 ± 38.0), while significantly lowered by SPI (89.6 ± 17.3 nmol/L) vs. the control (119.6 ± 30.9, p < 0.001). Tmax did not change. The results suggest that a well-digestible protein could enhance carotenoid bioavailability, whereas the less digestible SPI results in negative effects. This is, to our knowledge, the first study finding effects of proteins on carotenoid absorption in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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Review

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34 pages, 5743 KiB  
Review
Carotenoids: Dietary Sources, Extraction, Encapsulation, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits—A Review of Recent Advancements
by Ramesh Kumar Saini, Parchuri Prasad, Veeresh Lokesh, Xiaomin Shang, Juhyun Shin, Young-Soo Keum and Ji-Ho Lee
Antioxidants 2022, 11(4), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11040795 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 105 | Viewed by 11474
Abstract
Natural carotenoids (CARs), viz. β-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, bixin, norbixin, capsanthin, lycopene, canthaxanthin, β-Apo-8-carotenal, zeaxanthin, and β-apo-8-carotenal-ester, are being studied as potential candidates in fields such as food, feed, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. CAR research is advancing in the following three major fields: (1) CAR [...] Read more.
Natural carotenoids (CARs), viz. β-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, bixin, norbixin, capsanthin, lycopene, canthaxanthin, β-Apo-8-carotenal, zeaxanthin, and β-apo-8-carotenal-ester, are being studied as potential candidates in fields such as food, feed, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. CAR research is advancing in the following three major fields: (1) CAR production from natural sources and optimization of its downstream processing; (2) encapsulation for enhanced physical and chemical properties; and (3) preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies of CARs’ health benefits. This review critically discusses the recent developments in studies of the chemistry and antioxidant activity, marketing trends, dietary sources, extraction, bioaccessibility and bioavailability, encapsulation methods, dietary intake, and health benefits of CARs. Preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies on cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disease, mental health, eye, and skin health are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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21 pages, 4416 KiB  
Review
Lycopene: A Natural Arsenal in the War against Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Diseases
by May Nasser Bin-Jumah, Muhammad Shahid Nadeem, Sadaf Jamal Gilani, Bismillah Mubeen, Inam Ullah, Sami I. Alzarea, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Sultan Alshehri, Fahad A. Al-Abbasi and Imran Kazmi
Antioxidants 2022, 11(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020232 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 10913
Abstract
Lycopene is a bioactive red pigment found in plants, especially in red fruits and vegetables, including tomato, pink guava, papaya, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Several research reports have advocated its positive impact on human health and physiology. For humans, lycopene is an essential [...] Read more.
Lycopene is a bioactive red pigment found in plants, especially in red fruits and vegetables, including tomato, pink guava, papaya, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Several research reports have advocated its positive impact on human health and physiology. For humans, lycopene is an essential substance obtained from dietary sources to fulfil the body requirements. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress and downstream complications include one of the major health concerns worldwide. In recent years, oxidative stress and its counter strategies have attracted biomedical research in order to manage the emerging health issues. Lycopene has been reported to directly interact with ROS, which can help to prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review article was written to provide an accumulative account of protective and ameliorative effects of lycopene on coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that fights ROS and, subsequently, complications. It reduces blood pressure via inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and regulating nitrous oxide bioavailability. It plays an important role in lowering of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and improving HDL (high-density lipoproteins) levels to minimize atherosclerosis, which protects the onset of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Various studies have advocated that lycopene exhibited a combating competence in the treatment of these diseases. Owing to all the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties, lycopene provides a potential nutraceutical with a protective and curing ability against coronary artery disease and hypertension. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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15 pages, 1702 KiB  
Review
Preventive Effects of β-Cryptoxanthin, a Potent Antioxidant and Provitamin A Carotenoid, on Lifestyle-Related Diseases—A Central Focus on Its Effects on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
by Azusa Nishino, Takashi Maoka and Hiroyuki Yasui
Antioxidants 2022, 11(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11010043 - 26 Dec 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4743
Abstract
Humans usually get dietary carotenoids from foods such as green and yellow vegetables and algae. Carotenoids have been reported to effectively reduce the risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases. β-Cryptoxanthin, which is an antioxidative carotenoid and a type of provitamin A, is metabolically converted [...] Read more.
Humans usually get dietary carotenoids from foods such as green and yellow vegetables and algae. Carotenoids have been reported to effectively reduce the risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases. β-Cryptoxanthin, which is an antioxidative carotenoid and a type of provitamin A, is metabolically converted to vitamin A. β-Cryptoxanthin has recently gained attention for its risk-reducing effects on lifestyle-related diseases, especially on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), from epidemiological, interventional, and mechanistic studies. Retinoids (vitamin A) have also been reported to be useful as a therapeutic agent for NAFLD. Provitamin A is known to serve as a supply source of retinoids through metabolic conversion by the regulated activity of β-carotene 15,15′-monooxygenase 1 (BCMO1) to the retina only when retinoids are deficient. From mechanistic studies using NAFLD-model mice, β-cryptoxanthin has been shown to contribute to the improvement of NAFLD through a multifaceted approach, including improved insulin resistance, suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation, a reduction of macrophages and a shift of their subsets, and control of lipid metabolism by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family activation, which are also expected to have clinical applications. β-Cryptoxanthin has the potential to prevent lifestyle-related diseases from different angles, not only as an antioxidant but also as a retinoid precursor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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28 pages, 1552 KiB  
Review
The Roles of Carotenoid Consumption and Bioavailability in Cardiovascular Health
by Yuanhang Yao, Hongyi Manfred Goh and Jung Eun Kim
Antioxidants 2021, 10(12), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10121978 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3679
Abstract
Carotenoids are natural pigments generally with a polyene chain consisting of 9–11 double bonds. In recent years, there has been increasing research interest in carotenoids because of their protective roles in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While the consumption of carotenoids may have a beneficial [...] Read more.
Carotenoids are natural pigments generally with a polyene chain consisting of 9–11 double bonds. In recent years, there has been increasing research interest in carotenoids because of their protective roles in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While the consumption of carotenoids may have a beneficial effect on CVDs, the literature shows inconsistencies between carotenoid consumption and reductions in the risk of CVDs. Therefore, this review aims to provide a summary of the association between dietary carotenoid intake and the risk of CVDs from published epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, to further elucidate the roles of carotenoid intake in CVD protection, this review outlines the evidence reporting the effects of carotenoids on cardiovascular health from randomized controlled trials by assessing classical CVD risk factors, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and vascular health-related parameters, respectively. Given the considerable discrepancies among the published results, this review underlines the importance of bioavailability and summarizes the current dietary strategies for improving the bioavailability of carotenoids. In conclusion, this review supports the protective roles of carotenoids against CVDs, possibly by attenuating oxidative stress and mitigating inflammatory response. In addition, this review suggests that the bioavailability of carotenoids should be considered when evaluating the roles of carotenoids in CVD protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health (2021))
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