Carotenoids in human nutrition and health

Salt consumption and the risk of chronic diseases among Chinese adults in Ningbo city

Background

Chronic diseases have become one of essential public health concerns, leading causes of mortality in China. It is related to the changes in dietary pattern and dietary behavior. The objectives are to assess daily salt intake in Chinese people living in Ningbo and to examine its relationship with health outcomes.

Methods

Our study used data from health and nutrition survey in 2017. This study included 2811 adults aged 18–79 years (48% males) from urban and rural areas in Ningbo. A food frequency questionnaire together with demographic, physical and medical questionnaires was used to collect dietary intake, demographic, lifestyle and medical information. Ordinal logistic regression was used in the statistical analysis.

Results

The mean daily salt intake (13.0 g/day) of the participants was higher than the Chinese dietary reference intake (DRI, 6 g/d), which was related to higher risk of pre-hypertension and hypertension. Stratified by gender, education and lifestyle factors, daily salt intake was only significant in the blood pressure category (male: P = 0.048; less education: P = 0.003; urban: P = 0.006; no regular physical activity: P = 0.005, no regular smoking: P = 0.006). Ordinal logistic regression model shows that daily salt intake was significantly associated with higher odds of developing hypertension.

Conclusion

The daily salt intake of the majority of citizens living in Ningbo exceeded Chinese DRI and may increase the risk of hypertension. Moreover, public health intervention of salt restriction is necessarily needed for the prevention and control the ongoing epidemic of chronic diseases.

Cho W, Martins N. Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables: A Panoply of Potentialities to Be Exploited

Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) constitute vegetable extracts made from fruits and seeds of avocado and soybean oil. Characterized by its potent anti-inflammatory effects, this ASU mixture is recommended to act as an adjuvant treatment for osteoarthritic pain and slow-acting symptomatic treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis; autoimmune diseases; diffuse scleroderma and scleroderma-like states (e.g., morphea, sclerodactyly, scleroderma in bands). Besides, it was reported that it can improve the mood and quality of life of postmenopausal women in reducing menopause-related symptoms. This article aims to summarize the studies on biological effects of the avocado-soybean unsaponifiable, its chemical composition, pharmacotherapy as well as applications in auto-immune, osteoarticular and menopausal disorders. Finally, we will also discuss on its safety, toxicological and regulatory practices.

In vivo detection of changes in cutaneous carotenoids after chemotherapy using shifted excitation resonance Raman difference and fluorescence spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Various cutaneous toxicities under chemotherapy indicate a local effect of chemotherapy by secretion after systemic application. Here, changes in the fluorescence and Raman spectral properties of the stratum corneum subsequent to intravenous chemotherapy were assessed.

METHODS

Twenty healthy subjects and 20 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included. Measurement time points in cancer patients were before the first cycle of chemotherapy (T_base ) and immediately after intravenous application of the chemotherapy (T₁ ). Healthy subjects were measured once without any further intervention. Measurements were conducted using an individually manufactured system consisting of a handheld probe and a wavelength-tunable diode laser-based 488 nm SHG light source. Hereby, changes in both skin fluorescence and shifted excitation resonance Raman difference spectroscopy (SERRDS) carotenoid signals were assessed.

RESULTS

Healthy subjects showed significantly (P < .001) higher mean concentrations of carotenoids compared to cancer subjects at T_base . An increase in fluorescence intensity was detected in almost all patients after chemotherapy, especially after doxorubicin infusion. Furthermore, a decrease in the carotenoid concentration in the skin after chemotherapy was found.

CONCLUSION

The SERRDS based noninvasive detection can be used as an indirect quantitative assessment of fluorescent chemotherapeutics. The lower carotenoid SERRDS intensities at T_base might be due to cancerous diseases and co-medication.

Toward the 'golden' era: The status in uncovering the regulatory control of carotenoid accumulation in plants

Carotenoids are essential pigments to plants and important natural products to humans. Carotenoids as both primary and specialized metabolites fulfill multifaceted functions in plants. As such, carotenoid accumulation (a net process of biosynthesis, degradation and sequestration) is subjected to complicated regulation throughout plant life cycle in response to developmental and environmental signals. Investigation of transcriptional regulation of carotenoid metabolic genes remains the focus in understanding the regulatory control of carotenoid accumulation. While discovery of bona fide carotenoid metabolic regulators is still challenging, the recent progress of identification of various transcription factors and regulators helps us to construct hierarchical regulatory network of carotenoid accumulation. The elucidation of carotenoid regulatory mechanisms at protein level and in chromoplast provides some insights into post-translational regulation of carotenogenic enzymes and carotenoid sequestration in plastid sink. This review briefly describes the pathways and main flux-controlling steps for carotenoid accumulation in plants. It highlights our recent understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying carotenoid accumulation at both transcriptional and post-translational levels. It also discusses the opportunities to expand toolbox for further shedding light upon the intrinsic regulation of carotenoid accumulation in plants.

Improvement of carotenoid extraction from a recently isolated, robust microalga, Tetraselmis sp. CTP4 (chlorophyta)

In recent years, there has been increasing consumer interest in carotenoids, particularly of marine sustainable origin with applications in the food, cosmeceutical, nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical industries. For instance, microalgae belonging to the genus Tetraselmis are known for their biotechnologically relevant carotenoid profile. The recently isolated marine microalgal strain Tetraselmis sp. CTP4 is a fast-growing, robust industrial strain, which has successfully been produced in 100-m³ photobioreactors. However, there are no reports on total carotenoid contents from this strain belonging to T. striata/convolutae clade. Although there are several reports on extraction methods targeting chlorophytes, extraction depends on the strength of cell coverings, solvent polarity and the nature of the targeted carotenoids. Therefore, this article evaluates different extraction methods targeting Tetraselmis sp. CTP4, a strain known to contain a mechanically resistant theca. Here, we propose a factorial experimental design to compare extraction of total carotenoids from wet and freeze-dried microalgal biomass using four different solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol or tetrahydrofuran) in combination with two types of mechanical cell disruption (glass beads or dispersion). The extraction efficiency of the methods was assessed by pigment contents and profiles present in the extracts. Extraction of wet biomass by means of glass bead-assisted cell disruption using tetrahydrofuran yielded the highest amounts of lutein and β-carotene (622 ± 40 and 618 ± 32 µg g^-1 DW, respectively). Although acetone was slightly less efficient than tetrahydrofuran, it is preferable due to its lower costs and toxicity.

Obesity and Insulin Resistance Are Inversely Associated with Serum and Adipose Tissue Carotenoid Concentrations in Adults

BACKGROUND

Low tissue concentrations of carotenoids have been suggested to contribute to insulin resistance in obesity.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to 1) evaluate the relations of adipose tissue and serum carotenoids with body fat, abdominal fat distribution, muscle, adipose tissue and liver insulin resistance, and dietary intake; 2) evaluate the relations and distributions of carotenoids detected in adipose tissue and serum; and 3) compare serum carotenoids and retinol concentrations in subjects with and without obesity.

METHODS

Post hoc analysis of serum and adipose tissue carotenoids in individuals [n = 80; 31 men, 49 women; age (mean ± SEM): 51.4 ± 1.1 y] who participated in 2 separate studies conducted at the Clinical Research Facility at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Sydney) between 2008 and 2013. Retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, ζ-carotene, lutein, lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene were measured using HPLC. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance was measured by 2-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with deuterated glucose (n = 64), and subcutaneous and visceral abdominal volume and liver and pancreatic fat by MRI (n = 60). Periumbilical subcutaneous fat biopsy was performed and carotenoids and retinol measured in the tissue (n = 16).

RESULTS

We found that ζ-carotene, phytoene, and phytofluene were stored in considerable amounts in adipose tissue (25% of adipose tissue carotenoids). Carotenoid concentrations in adipose tissue and serum correlated significantly, but they followed different distributions: ζ-carotene was 3-fold higher in adipose tissue compared with serum, while lutein and lycopene made up 20% and 21% of serum carotenoids compared with 2% and 12% of adipose tissue carotenoids, respectively. Liver (P ≤ 0.028) and adipose tissue (P = 0.023), but not muscle (P ≥ 0.16), insulin resistance correlated inversely with many of the serum carotenoids.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple serum and adipose tissue carotenoids are associated with favorable metabolic traits, including insulin sensitivity in liver and adipose tissue in humans.

Effects of lutein supplementation in age-related macular degeneration

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in randomized controlled trials involving patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wan Fang database through December 2018. Nine randomized controlled trials involving 920 eyes (855 with AMD) were included. Meta-analysis suggested that lutein supplementation (10 or 20 mg per day) was associated with an increase in MPOD (mean difference (MD) 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.10), visual acuity (MD 0.28; 95%CI 0.06 to 0.50) and contrast sensitivity (MD 0.26; 95%CI 0.22 to 0.30). Stratified analyses showed the increase in MPOD to be faster and greater with higher dose and longer treatment. The available evidence suggests that dietary lutein may be beneficial to AMD patients and the higher dose could make MPOD increase in a shorter time.

Sea Buckthorn Oil as a Valuable Source of Bioaccessible Xanthophylls

Sea buckthorn oil, derived from the fruits of the shrub, also termed seaberry or sandthorn, is without doubt a strikingly rich source of carotenoids, in particular zeaxanthin and β-carotene. In the present study, sea buckthorn oil and an oil-in-water emulsion were subjected to a simulated gastro-intestinal in vitro digestion, with the main focus on xanthophyll bioaccessibility. Zeaxanthin mono- and di-esters were the predominant carotenoids in sea buckthorn oil, with zeaxanthin dipalmitate as the major compound (38.0%). A typical fatty acid profile was found, with palmitic (49.4%), palmitoleic (28.0%), and oleic (11.7%) acids as the dominant fatty acids. Taking into account the high amount of carotenoid esters present in sea buckthorn oil, the use of cholesterol esterase was included in the in vitro digestion protocol. Total carotenoid bioaccessibility was higher for the oil-in-water emulsion (22.5%) compared to sea buckthorn oil (18.0%) and even higher upon the addition of cholesterol esterase (28.0% and 21.2%, respectively). In the case of sea buckthorn oil, of all the free carotenoids, zeaxanthin had the highest bioaccessibility (61.5%), followed by lutein (48.9%), making sea buckthorn oil a potential attractive source of bioaccessible xanthophylls.

Haloferax volcanii for biotechnology applications: challenges, current state and perspectives

Haloferax volcanii is an obligate halophilic archaeon with its origin in the Dead Sea. Simple laboratory culture conditions and a wide range of genetic tools have made it a model organism for studying haloarchaeal cell biology. Halophilic enzymes of potential interest to biotechnology have opened up the application of this organism in biocatalysis, bioremediation, nanobiotechnology, bioplastics and the biofuel industry. Functionally active halophilic proteins can be easily expressed in a halophilic environment, and an extensive genetic toolkit with options for regulated protein overexpression has allowed the purification of biotechnologically important enzymes from different halophiles in H. volcanii. However, corrosion mediated damage caused to stainless-steel bioreactors by high salt concentrations and a tendency to form biofilms when cultured in high volume are some of the challenges of applying H. volcanii in biotechnology. The ability to employ expressed active proteins in immobilized cells within a porous biocompatible matrix offers new avenues for exploiting H. volcanii in biotechnology. This review critically evaluates the various application potentials, challenges and toolkits available for using this extreme halophilic organism in biotechnology.

Simultaneous enrichment of grape pomace with γ-linolenic acid and carotenoids by solid-state fermentation with Zygomycetes fungi and antioxidant potential of the bioprocessed substrates

Two filamentous fungi (Actinomucor elegans and Umbelopsis isabellina), were tested for their ability to enrich white grape pomace simultaneously with both γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and carotenoids through solid-state fermentation (SSF) processes. U. isabellina presented higher ability to produce GLA-rich lipids (composed mainly of neutral fractions) than A. elegans (the 6-th day of SSF: 378.85 mg/100 g of pomace -U. isabellina and 193.36 mg/100 g of pomace- A. elegans). The amounts of β-carotene and lutein for both SSFs gradually increased until the end of the fermentation processes. The effect of fermentation time on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of grape pomace was also studied. The SSF with A. elegans increased significantly total phenolic and flavonoid contents and DPPH scavenging activity of grape popmace. These bioprocessed grape pomaces with significant amounts of carotenoids and GLA-rich lipids (>94% nutritionally-valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids at the sn-2 position) could be very attractive for food industry.

Dynamics of changes in total carotenoids and antioixdant activity in fruits of selected varieties of Cucurbita moschata Duch. during storage

Cucurbita moschata Duch. is a vegetable, native to the Central America and the northern parts of South America, not very well known in Slovak republic. It is a seasonal crop which is appreciated for its nutrimental and bioactive components providing human health benefits and its option of relatively long period of storage. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of changes of total carotenoids content  and antioxidant activity in the pulp of the fruit of Cucurbita moschata Duch. after the harvest and during the storage, as well as the effect of the variety on total carotenoids content and antioxidant activity. The experiment was realised in 2018 in the experimental fields of the Botanical Garden of Slovak University of Agriculture (SUA) in Nitra. Six different varieties of Cucurbita moschata Duch. – Liscia, Matilda, Orange, Serpentine, UG 205 F1 and Waltham were examined. The harvest was was held in the second week of September 2018. The storage took place in the hall of Departmet of Vegetable. The analysis were realised after the harvest (day 0), after the storage (day 60 and day 120). Total carotenoids content after the harvest ranged from 3.80 to 8.42 mg.100g-1 FM. In the DM the content ranged from 49.66 to 91.32 mg.100g-1 .The period of 60 days of storage had positive influence on total carotenoids content in FM, as we have recorded an increase of TCC in the case of all observed varieties. After the period of 120 days of storage we have recorded both increase and decrease, depending on the variety. The increase of the total carotenoids content during the whole period of storage was by 15%. The values of the antioxidant activity after the harvest ranged from 2.76% to 10.31%. After the 60 days of storage, we have recorded both increase in ̔ Liscia, Serpentine, Waltham ̓ and decrease in the  ̔ Matilda, Orange, UG 205 F1 ̓ variety. During the following 60 days of storage significant differences were found for all the varieties in all observed variants (storage period), except for the ̔ Matilda ̓ variety. Antioxidant activity significantly decreased after 60 days of storage (by 15%), but it was followed by statstically significant increase (by 25%) after 120 days of storage. The increase of the antioxidant activity during the whole period of storage was  by 6.5%, but this change was not statistically significant. The variety of Cucurbita moschata Duch. had stastically proven effect both on the total carotenoids content and the antioxidant actvity.

Milagro F, Sánchez J, de la Garza AL, Castro H. miRNAs and Novel Food Compounds Related to the Browning Process

Obesity prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. With the discovery of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans, BAT activation has emerged as a potential strategy for increasing energy expenditure. Recently, the presence of a third type of fat, referred to as beige or brite (brown in white), has been recognized to be present in certain kinds of white adipose tissue (WAT) depots. It has been suggested that WAT can undergo the process of browning in response to stimuli that induce and enhance the expression of thermogenesis: a metabolic feature typically associated with BAT. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small transcriptional regulators that control gene expression in a variety of tissues, including WAT and BAT. Likewise, it was shown that several food compounds could influence miRNAs associated with browning, thus, potentially contributing to the management of excessive adipose tissue accumulation (obesity) through specific nutritional and dietetic approaches. Therefore, this has created significant excitement towards the development of a promising dietary strategy to promote browning/beiging in WAT to potentially contribute to combat the growing epidemic of obesity. For this reason, we summarize the current knowledge about miRNAs and food compounds that could be applied in promoting adipose browning, as well as the cellular mechanisms involved.

Photo-stability of lutein in surfactant-free lutein-zein composite colloidal particles

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Lutein-zein nanoparticles were successfully synthesized.

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Photo-stability of lutein-zein particles was improved, compared to pure lutein.

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Ascorbic acid had a positive effect on the photo-stability of the dispersions.

The ability of nanoparticles from the plant protein zein to protect lutein from light degradation was studied under various conditions. Lutein-zein nanoparticles were synthesized, after zein purification, by anti-solvent precipitation. Particle sizes, ranging from 25 to 75 nm, measured by dynamic light scattering, were tuned by varying zein concentrations in the solvent phase (before anti-solvent precipitation), which was linked to the encapsulation efficiency. However, changes in particle sizes did not result in significant changes in photo-stability. Zein-lutein nanoparticles showed increased photo-stability of lutein when compared to lutein dispersions in water. To further promote the lutein stability, ascorbic acid was used as an antioxidant in the aqueous dispersion. The addition of ascorbic acid to lutein-zein particles resulted in dispersions with similar properties. However, the photo-stability of lutein in dispersions stabilized with ascorbic acid improved significantly compared to samples without ascorbic acid or to pure lutein dispersions (about 25% increased relative stability).

Green Chemistry Extractions of Carotenoids from Daucus carota L.-Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Enzyme-Assisted Methods

Multiple reviews have been published on various aspects of carotenoid extraction. Nevertheless, none of them focused on the discussion of recent green chemistry extraction protocols, especially for the carotenoids extraction from Daucus carota L. This group of bioactive compounds has been chosen for this review since most of the scientific papers proved their antioxidant properties relevant for inflammation, stress-related disorders, cancer, or neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, such as stroke and Alzheimer's Disease. Besides, carrots constitute one of the most popular sources of carotenoids. In the presented review emphasis has been placed on the supercritical carbon dioxide and enzyme-assisted extraction techniques for the relevant tetraterpenoids. The detailed descriptions of these methods, as well as practical examples, are provided. In addition, the pros and cons of each method and comparison with the standard solvent extraction have been discussed.

Microalgal Carotenoids: A Review of Production, Current Markets, Regulations, and Future Direction

Microalgae produce a variety of compounds that are beneficial to human and animal health. Among these compounds are carotenoids, which are microalgal pigments with unique antioxidant and coloring properties. The objective of this review is to evaluate the potential of using microalgae as a commercial feedstock for carotenoid production. While microalgae can produce some of the highest concentrations of carotenoids (especially astaxanthin) in living organisms, there are challenges associated with the mass production of microalgae and downstream processing of carotenoids. This review discusses the synthesis of carotenoids within microalgae, their physiological role, large-scale cultivation of microalgae, up- and down-stream processing, commercial applications, natural versus synthetic carotenoids, and opportunities and challenges facing the carotenoid markets. We emphasize legal aspects and regulatory challenges associated with the commercial production of microalgae-based carotenoids for food/feed, nutraceutical and cosmetic industry in Europe, the USA, the People’s Republic of China, and Japan. This review provides tools and a broad overview of the regulatory processes of carotenoid production from microalgae and other novel feedstocks.

Recent Advances in Microalgal Bioactives for Food, Feed, and Healthcare Products: Commercial Potential, Market Space, and Sustainability

To combat food scarcity as well as to ensure nutritional food supply for sustainable living of increasing population, microalgae are considered as innovative sources for adequate nutrition. Currently, the dried biomass, various carotenoids, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin, omega fatty acids, and enzymes are being used as food additives, food coloring agents, and food supplements. Apart from nutritional importance, microalgae are finding the place in the market as "functional foods." When compared to the total market size of food and feed products derived from all the possible sources, the market portfolio of microalgae-based products is still smaller, but increasing steadily. On the other hand, the genetic modification of microalgae for enhanced production of commercially important metabolites holds a great potential. However, the success of commercial application of genetically modified (GM) algae will be defined by their safety to human health and environment. In view of this, the present study attempts to highlight the industrially important microalgal metabolites, their production, and application in food, feed, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. The current and future market trends for microalgal products have been thoroughly discussed. Importantly, the safety pertaining to microalgae cultivation and consumption, and regulatory issues for GM microalgae have also been covered.

The Mediterranean Diet, a Rich Source of Angiopreventive Compounds in Cancer

Diet-based chemoprevention of cancer has emerged as an interesting approach to evade the disease or even target its early phases, reducing its incidence or slowing down tumor progression. In its basis in the essential role of angiogenesis for tumor growth and metastasis, angioprevention proposes the use of inhibitors of angiogenesis in cancer prevention. The anti-angiogenic potential exhibited by many natural compounds contained in many Mediterranean diet constituents makes this dietary pattern especially interesting as a source of chemopreventive agents, defined within the angioprevention strategy. In this review, we focus on natural bioactive compounds derived from the main foods included in the Mediterranean diet that display anti-angiogenic activity, as well as their possible use as angiopreventive agents.

Cheese Whey Processing: Integrated Biorefinery Concepts and Emerging Food Applications

Cheese whey constitutes one of the most polluting by-products of the food industry, due to its high organic load. Thus, in order to mitigate the environmental concerns, a large number of valorization approaches have been reported; mainly targeting the recovery of whey proteins and whey lactose from cheese whey for further exploitation as renewable resources. Most studies are predominantly focused on the separate implementation, either of whey protein or lactose, to configure processes that will formulate value-added products. Likewise, approaches for cheese whey valorization, so far, do not exploit the full potential of cheese whey, particularly with respect to food applications. Nonetheless, within the concept of integrated biorefinery design and the transition to circular economy, it is imperative to develop consolidated bioprocesses that will foster a holistic exploitation of cheese whey. Therefore, the aim of this article is to elaborate on the recent advances regarding the conversion of whey to high value-added products, focusing on food applications. Moreover, novel integrated biorefining concepts are proposed, to inaugurate the complete exploitation of cheese whey to formulate novel products with diversified end applications. Within the context of circular economy, it is envisaged that high value-added products will be reintroduced in the food supply chain, thereby enhancing sustainability and creating "zero waste" processes.

Incorporation of zeaxanthin nanoparticles in yogurt: Influence on physicochemical properties, carotenoid stability and sensory analysis

Zeaxanthin nanoparticles (Zea-NP) and zeaxanthin nanoemulsion (Zea-NE) were incorporated in yogurt. Control yogurt (CY), yogurt added of nanoparticles (Y-NP) and yogurt added of nanoemulsion (Y-NE) were evaluated weekly regarding pH, titratable acidity, color, textural parameters, viscosity and syneresis during 28 days. Zeaxanthin retention in Y-NP and Y-NE was also determined over storage. Sensory attributes and morphology were evaluated in all yogurt samples, and zeaxanthin bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion was analyzed in Y-NP and Y-NE after preparation. At the end of storage time, zeaxanthin retention was higher in Y-NP (22.31 ± 2.53%) than in Y-NE (16.84 ± 0.53%). Despite the lower firmness and viscosity observed in Y-NP, these changes were not sensory perceived. The bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion suggested that nanoencapsulation provided a controlled release of the carotenoid. Zea-NP can be incorporated in yogurt, allowing the dispersion of a hydrophobic compound in a hydrophilic matrix, providing stability.

Nutritional Importance of Carotenoids and Their Effect on Liver Health: A Review

The consumption of carotenoids has beneficial effects on health, reducing the risk of certain forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and macular degeneration, among others. The mechanism of action of carotenoids has not been clearly identified; however, it has been associated with the antioxidant capacity of carotenoids, which acts against reactive oxygen species and inactivating free radicals, although it has also been shown that carotenoids modulate gene expression. Dietary carotenoids are absorbed and accumulated in the liver and other organs, where they exert their beneficial effects. In recent years, it has been described that the intake of carotenoids can significantly reduce the risk of suffering from liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disease is characterized by an imbalance in lipid metabolism producing the accumulation of fat in the hepatocyte, leading to lipoperoxidation, followed by oxidative stress and inflammation. In the first phases, the main treatment of NAFLD is to change the lifestyle, including dietary habits. In this sense, carotenoids have been shown to have a hepatoprotective effect due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress and regulate the lipid metabolism of hepatocytes by modulating certain genes. The objective of this review was to provide a description of the effects of dietary carotenoids from fruits and vegetables on liver health.

An Overview of Carotenoids, Apocarotenoids, and Vitamin A in Agro-Food, Nutrition, Health, and Disease

Carotenoids are fascinating compounds that can be converted into many others, including retinoids that also play key roles in many processes. Although carotenoids are largely known in the context of food science, nutrition, and health as natural colorants and precursors of vitamin A (VA), evidence has accumulated that even those that cannot be converted to VA may be involved in health-promoting biological actions. It is not surprising that carotenoids (most notably lutein) are among the bioactives for which the need to establish recommended dietary intakes have been recently discussed. In this review, the importance of carotenoids (including apocarotenoids) and key derivatives (retinoids with VA activity) in agro-food with relevance to health is summarized. Furthermore, the European Network to Advance Carotenoid Research and Applications in Agro-Food and Health (EUROCAROTEN) is introduced. EUROCAROTEN originated from the Ibero-American Network for the Study of Carotenoids as Functional Food Ingredients (IBERCAROT).

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Marine Algae in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neuroinflammation is one of the main contributors to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Microglial and astrocyte activation is a brain defense mechanism to counteract harmful pathogens and damaged tissues, while their prolonged activation induces neuroinflammation that can trigger or exacerbate neurodegeneration. Unfortunately, to date there are no pharmacological therapies able to slow down or stop the progression of neurodegeneration. For this reason, research is turning to the identification of natural compounds with protective action against these diseases. Considering the important role of neuroinflammation in the onset and development of neurodegenerative pathologies, natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activity could be good candidates for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Marine organisms represent a huge source of natural compounds, and among them, algae are appreciated sources of important bioactive components such as antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, minerals, soluble dietary fibers, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, sterols, carotenoids, tocopherols, terpenes, phycobilins, phycocolloids, and phycocyanins. Recently, numerous anti-inflammatory compounds have been isolated from marine algae with potential protective efficacy against neuroinflammation. This review highlights the key inflammatory processes involved in neurodegeneration and the potential of specific compounds from marine algae to counteract neuroinflammation in the CNS.

Gluten-Free Alternative Grains: Nutritional Evaluation and Bioactive Compounds

Interest in gluten-free grains is increasing, together with major incidences of celiac disease in the last years. Since to date, knowledge of the nutritional and bioactive compounds profile of alternative gluten-free grains is limited, we evaluated the content of water-soluble (thiamine and riboflavin) and liposoluble vitamins, such as carotenoids and tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols), of gluten-free minor cereals and also of pseudocereals. The analysed samples showed a high content of bioactive compounds; in particular, amaranth, cañihua and quinoa are good sources of vitamin E, while millet, sorghum and teff (Eragrostis tef, or William’s Lovegrass) are good sources of thiamine. Moreover, millet provides a fair amount of carotenoids, and in particular of lutein. These data can provide more information on bioactive compounds in gluten-free grains. The use of these grains can improve the nutritional quality of gluten-free cereal-based products, and could avoid the monotony of the celiac diet.

Untargeted Metabolomics to Evaluate the Stability of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with Added Lycium barbarum Carotenoids during Storage

A carotenoid-rich extract from Lycium barbarum L. was added to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), obtaining a carotenoid-enriched oil (EVOOCar). The oxidative stability of EVOO and EVOOCar was evaluated during long-term storage of 28 weeks at room temperature, by measuring some classical parameters (acidity and peroxide values, spectrophotometric coefficients, fatty acid composition) and the content of minor compounds (i.e., α-tocopherol and lutein). At the end of the storage, higher content (p < 0.01) of α-tocopherol in EVOOCar in respect to EVOO were observed. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate, the most abundant carotenoid compound of Goji berries, decreased slightly (p < 0.05) in EVOOCar until the end of the storage. In regard to polyphenols, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF-MS) using untargeted metabolomics was carried out. This latter approach discriminated the two oil samples during long-term storage, allowing to identify also the phenolic classes most exposed to significant variations during storage (i.e., mainly lignans and flavones). Besides, the addition of Goji carotenoids preserved the stability of tyrosol equivalents in EVOOCar during long-term storage. These results highlighted that the enrichment of EVOO with a carotenoid-rich extract can improve the shelf-life and nutritional value of added-oil, protecting EVOO natural antioxidants during long-term storage.

Carotenoids: How Effective Are They to Prevent Age-Related Diseases?

Despite an increase in life expectancy that indicates positive human development, a new challenge is arising. Aging is positively associated with biological and cognitive degeneration, for instance cognitive decline, psychological impairment, and physical frailty. The elderly population is prone to oxidative stress due to the inefficiency of their endogenous antioxidant systems. As many studies showed an inverse relationship between carotenoids and age-related diseases (ARD) by reducing oxidative stress through interrupting the propagation of free radicals, carotenoid has been foreseen as a potential intervention for age-associated pathologies. Therefore, the role of carotenoids that counteract oxidative stress and promote healthy aging is worthy of further discussion. In this review, we discussed the underlying mechanisms of carotenoids involved in the prevention of ARD. Collectively, understanding the role of carotenoids in ARD would provide insights into a potential intervention that may affect the aging process, and subsequently promote healthy longevity.

β-carotene in Obesity Research: Technical Considerations and Current Status of the Field

Over the past decades, obesity has become a rising health problem as the accessibility to high calorie, low nutritional value food has increased. Research shows that some bioactive components in fruits and vegetables, such as carotenoids, could contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity. Some of these carotenoids are responsible for vitamin A production, a hormone-like vitamin with pleiotropic effects in mammals. Among these effects, vitamin A is a potent regulator of adipose tissue development, and is therefore important for obesity. This review focuses on the role of the provitamin A carotenoid β-carotene in human health, emphasizing the mechanisms by which this compound and its derivatives regulate adipocyte biology. It also discusses the physiological relevance of carotenoid accumulation, the implication of the carotenoid-cleaving enzymes, and the technical difficulties and considerations researchers must take when working with these bioactive molecules. Thanks to the broad spectrum of functions carotenoids have in modern nutrition and health, it is necessary to understand their benefits regarding to metabolic diseases such as obesity in order to evaluate their applicability to the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

Short-Term Bixin Supplementation of Healthy Subjects Decreases the Susceptibility of LDL to Cu2+-Induced Oxidation Ex Vivo

Lycopene-based medications and supplements have been developed to prevent atherosclerosis, primarily because of their ability to decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Bixin and norbixin are carotenoids found in the seeds of annatto (Bixa orellana) and are colorants widely used by the food industry. Some studies have already demonstrated that these compounds have antioxidant and antiatherogenic potential in vitro and in animal models, but there is no evidence supporting the effects of their long-term or short-term consumption by humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of short-term intake of annatto carotenoids on biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers as well as on the susceptibility of LDL oxidation in healthy individuals, using lycopene as a positive control. The effect of daily supplementation (0.05 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.)) with bixin, norbixin, lycopene, or placebo for 7 days was evaluated in a randomized, controlled crossover study in 16 healthy volunteers (8 men and 8 women). The susceptibility of LDL to Cu²⁺-induced oxidation ex vivo, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. No treatment affected biochemical parameters or most oxidative stress biomarkers. However, bixin reduced the oxidation rate of the LDL lipid moiety (−275%, p < 0.1) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) (−460%, p < 0.1), compared to the placebo group. Moreover, we observed that the changes in these parameters were positively associated, supporting the hypothesis that bixin decreases the susceptibility of LDL to Cu²⁺-induced oxidation by decreasing NOx levels, probably by downregulating the inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Nutrients for Prevention of Macular Degeneration and Eye-Related Diseases

The risk of macular degeneration can be reduced through the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, supplements, and nutraceutical formulas. This review focuses on the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been reported for reducing the risk of macular degeneration and other eye-related diseases. Antioxidants including anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins have been shown to reduce the risk of eye-related diseases. Anthocyanins extracted from berries are powerful antioxidants. Cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin are anthocyanin aglycones detected in berries, currants, and other colored fruits and vegetables. β-Carotene, as well as xanthophyll lutein and zeaxanthin, have been reported to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Flavonoids from plants help in the prevention of eye-related diseases through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. A combination of these antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals possess a synergistic effect on the prevention or risk reduction of macular degeneration. Formulas have been developed as dietary supplements to cater to the high demand from consumers and patients with eye problems. Many of the formulated dietary supplements that are sold in the market have been clinically proven for their efficacy to treat eye diseases. Although the bioactivities in the supplement capsules or tablets have been scientifically established for reducing risks of several diseases, which include macular degeneration and other eye-related diseases, knowledge on the right dosage, efficacy, and bioavailability of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is important for consumers. The information may help them make the best decision in choosing the right dietary supplements and nutraceuticals following the evidence-based recommended dosages and reference intakes for improving general health and preventing eye-related diseases. This review covers the potential causal factors involved in eye diseases, clinically proven treatments, and controversial findings on the antioxidants in the prevention of macular degeneration. Future studies should consider multiethnic and multicenter trials for eliminating potential bias in research.

Advances in Infant Formula Science

Human milk contains a plethora of nutrients and bioactive components to help nourish the developing neonate and is considered the “gold standard” for early life nutrition—as befits the only food “designed” by evolution to feed human infants. Over the past decade, there is considerable evidence that highlights the “intelligence” contained in milk components that contribute to infant health beyond basic nutrition—in areas such as programming the developing microbiome and immune system and protecting against infection. Such discoveries have led to new opportunities for infant milk formula (IMF) manufacturers to refine nutritional content in order to simulate the functionality of breast milk. These include the addition of specialized protein fractions as well as fatty acid and complex carbohydrate components—all of which have mechanistic supporting evidence in terms of improving the health and nutrition of the infant. Moreover, IMF is the single most important dietary intervention whereby the human microbiome can be influenced at a crucial early stage of development. In this respect, it is expected that the complexity of IMF will continue to increase as we get a greater understanding of how it can modulate microbiota development (including the development of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics) and influence long-term health. This review provides a scientific evaluation of key features of importance to infant nutrition, including differences in milk composition and emerging “humanized” ingredients.

Challenges and tackles in metabolic engineering for microbial production of carotenoids

Naturally occurring carotenoids have been isolated and used as colorants, antioxidants, nutrients, etc. in many fields. There is an ever-growing demand for carotenoids production. To comfort this, microbial production of carotenoids is an attractive alternative to current extraction from natural sources. This review summarizes the biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids and progresses in metabolic engineering of various microorganisms for carotenoid production. The advances in synthetic pathway and systems biology lead to many versatile engineering tools available to manipulate microorganisms. In this context, challenges and possible directions are also discussed to provide an insight of microbial engineering for improved production of carotenoids in the future.

Simultaneous determination of tocopherols, carotenoids and phytosterols in edible vegetable oil by ultrasound-assisted saponification, LLE and LC-MS/MS

A method was developed to simultaneously determine eight bioactive compounds in edible oil based on ultrasound-assisted saponification, liquid-liquid extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Central composite design was employed to optimize ultrasonic temperature and time of saponification. Sample treatment was conducted by ultrasound-assisted saponification at temperature of 75 °C for 40 min. Limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 2.0 to 3.2 and from 6.1 to 10.0 ng/mL, respectively. Linear correlations were obtained (R² > 0.99) and the recoveries at three spiked levels were between 81.7% and 112.0%. This method was employed to determine eight compounds in camellia oils and olive oils. As results, the contents of stigmasterol, δ-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, β-carotene and lutein in camellia oils were significantly higher than those in olive oils (p < 0.05). The proposed method can be successfully used to determination of these eight active compounds in camellia oil and other edible oils.

Carotenoid cleavage in chromoplasts of white and yellow-fleshed peach varieties

BACKGROUND

In peach fruit, carotenoid accumulation in the mesocarp causes the difference between yellow and white genotypes. The latter are generally characterized by a peculiar and more intense aroma, because of higher release of volatiles deriving from dioxygenase-catalysed breakdown of the tetraterpene skeleton. The rate of carotenoid oxidation was investigated in peach (Prunus persica L.) fruits harvested at various stages of development. Two couples of white and yellow-fleshed isogenic varieties and an ancestral white-fleshed genotype were analysed, which had previously shown to differ in Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase 4 allelic composition resulting in various combinations of putatively active/inactive proteins.

RESULTS

Carotenoid bleaching activity was localized in the insoluble fraction of fruit flesh chromoplasts. Higher rates of trans-β-apo-8'-carotenal than β-carotene bleaching suggest that the first cleavage reaction is the rate-limiting step. Consistently, HPLC analysis did not show the appearance of coloured intermediates in reaction mixtures. High levels of substrate breakdown were found during the initial phases of fruit development in all genotypes examined, whereas significant differences were evident during the second exponential growth phase and ripening onset. Also, the ratio of carotene versus carotenale utilization varied significantly.

CONCLUSION

Pattern comparison among activity levels measured in vitro on chromoplast enriched fractions suggests that cleavage enzyme(s) other than Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase 4 play a significant role in carotenoid breakdown during fruit development and ripening. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Non-conventional Tropical Fruits: Characterization, Antioxidant Potential and Carotenoid Bioaccessibility

Eleven non-conventional tropical fruits were evaluated regarding their nutritional value, antioxidant potential, carotenoid contents and bioaccessibility. The fruits were chosen due to their spread through the Brazilian territory: araçá-boi, jaracatiá, cambuití, seriguela, capeba, pitangatuba, pitanga, buriti, acerola, dovialis and abricó-da-praia. Results have shown that these fruits are in general, i.e. depending on the fruit, rich sources of dietary fibers and minerals, high in moisture, and low in proteins. Twelve carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and results ranged from 0.04 to 104 μg/g wet weight. Xanthophylls stood out, being higher than carotenes for araçá-boi, seriguela, pitangatuba and dovialis. Bioaccessibility varied both between fruits and carotenoids ranging from 2 to 75%. Although the fruit matrix effect, xanthophylls were more bioaccessible than carotenes, while lycopene and γ-carotene presented the poorest bioaccessibility. The present study is fundamental to expand the knowledge about the fruit properties, carotenoids bioaccessibility and potential benefits for health, as well to preserve natural resources and encourage the intake of new fruits for human nutrition.

Carotenoid Content in Breastmilk in the 3rd and 6th Month of Lactation and Its Associations with Maternal Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Characteristics

Carotenoids are diet-dependent milk components that are important for the visual and cognitive development of an infant. This study determined β-carotene, lycopene and lutein + zeaxanthin in breastmilk and its associations with dietary intake from healthy Polish mothers in the first six months of lactation. Concentrations of carotenoids in breastmilk were measured by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) (first, third, sixth month of lactation) and dietary intake was assessed based on a three-day dietary record (third and sixth month of lactation). The average age of participants (n = 53) was 31.4 ± 3.8 years. The breastmilk concentrations of carotenoids were not changed over the progress of lactation. Lycopene was a carotenoid with the highest content in breastmilk (first month 112.2 (95% CI 106.1⁻118.3)-sixth month 110.1 (103.9⁻116.3) nmol/L) and maternal diet (third month 7897.3 (5465.2⁻10329.5) and sixth month 7255.8 (5037.5⁻9474.1) µg/day). There was a positive correlation between carotenoids in breastmilk and dietary intake (lycopene r = 0.374, r = 0.338; lutein + zeaxanthin r = 0.711, r = 0.726, 3rd and 6th month, respectively) and an inverse correlation with maternal BMI in the third month of lactation (β-carotene: r = -0.248, lycopene: r = -0.286, lutein + zeaxanthin: r = -0.355). Adjusted multivariate regression models confirmed an association between lutein + zeaxanthin intake and its concentration in breastmilk (third month: β = 0.730 (0.516⁻0.943); 6th: β = 0.644 (0.448⁻0.840)). Due to the positive associations between dietary intake and breastmilk concentrations, breastfeeding mothers should have a diet that is abundant in carotenoids.

A glycated whey protein isolate–epigallocatechin gallate nanocomplex enhances the stability of emulsion delivery of β-carotene during simulated digestion

A glycated whey protein isolate–epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) nanocomplex-stabilized emulsion was used to encapsulate β-carotene.

Dietary Flavonoid Intakes Are Associated with Race but Not Income in an Urban Population

Flavonoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals with health-promoting properties, yet knowledge about their intake in at-risk populations is limited. This study sought to estimate intakes of total flavonoids and six flavonoid classes in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study; determine if differences in intakes exist by race (African American (AA) and White (W)) and income (< or >125% Federal poverty guidelines); and compare intakes to those of a nationally representative population with similar demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Data transformation normalized the flavonoid intake distributions prior to conducting statistical tests. With the exception of the flavanone class, flavonoid intakes of AAs were significantly lower than those of W (p < 0.01), regardless of other potential mediating factors including sex, age, and income. Total flavonoid intakes in HANDLS did not differ from intakes in the nationally representative study, but anthocyanidin and flavone intakes were lower, and race specific differences were found for several flavonoid classes. These findings imply that benefits attributable to flavonoid consumption may not be experienced equally by AAs and Whites, nor in vulnerable populations such as that represented by HANDLS relative to the U.S. population, and may play a role in observed health disparities.

Genetic factors involved in the bioavailability of tomato carotenoids

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update on the genetic factors recently associated with the interindividual variability of tomato carotenoid bioavailability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several clinical studies have demonstrated that the main carotenoids found in tomatoes (lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, β-carotene, lutein) all display relatively large interindividual variabilities of their bioavailability, with coefficients of variations more than 70%. The bioavailability of the parent molecules, and the blood/tissue appearance of their metabolites, is modulated by numerous proteins, involved in intestinal absorption and metabolism, blood lipoprotein transport or tissue uptake. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the interindividual variability of lycopene, lutein and β-carotene bioavailability, with six genes consistently shared between the three carotenoids, and in particular one SNP in ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2. The effects of the genetic variants taken separately are relatively low, that is each variant is usually associated with only a few percentage of the variability but multivariate analyses suggest that the additive effect of several genetic variants can explain a significant fraction of tomato carotenoid bioavailability.

SUMMARY

Additional studies are needed to improve our knowledge of the genetic determinants of tomato carotenoid bioavailability but progress in this field could one day allow nutritionists to provide more personalized dietary recommendations.

Carotenoid Profiling of a Red Seaweed Pyropia yezoensis: Insights into Biosynthetic Pathways in the Order Bangiales

Carotenoids are natural pigments that contribute to light harvesting and photo-protection in photosynthetic organisms. In this study, we analyzed the carotenoid profiles, including mono-hydroxy and epoxy-carotenoids, in the economically valuable red seaweed Pyropia yezoensis, to clarify the detailed biosynthetic and metabolic pathways in the order Bangiales. P. yezoensis contained lutein, zeaxanthin, α-carotene, and β-carotene, as major carotenoids in both the thallus and conchocelis stages. Monohydroxy intermediate carotenoids for the synthesis of lutein with an ε-ring from α-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin (β,ε-caroten-3’-ol), and zeinoxanthin (β,ε-caroten-3-ol) were identified. In addition, β-cryptoxanthin, an intermediate in zeaxanthin synthesis from β-carotene, was also detected. We also identified lutein-5,6-epoxide and antheraxanthin, which are metabolic products of epoxy conversion from lutein and zeaxanthin, respectively, by LC-MS and ¹H-NMR. This is the first report of monohydroxy-carotenoids with an ε-ring and 5,6-epoxy-carotenoids in Bangiales. These results provide new insights into the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of carotenoids in red seaweeds.