| Popis: |
Carotenoids are natural pigments, and recognized as vital micronutrients associated with human health. Epidemiological studies have been shown that consumption of carotenoid-rich diet is allied with reduction of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and age-related degenerative diseases. Due to lipophilic nature, and interfere with a dietary and physical factors, the absorption of carotenoids at gastrointestinal level is very low. In general, bioaccessibility and bioefficacy of carotenoid are known to be influenced by various dietary (fat, fiber, interaction between carotenoids and other phytomolecules/micronutrients, dosages, location in the plant tissue) and physiological factors (genetic, gut health microflora, pH). Also, carotenoids speciation, food processing methods are thought to be affects in bioaccessibility of carotenoids. The chemistry of these factors and their influence at various stages of absorption and metabolism of carotenoids is discussed. Further, this chapter highlights dietary approaches, and their merits and demerits in targeting enhancing bioaccessibility and bioefficacy of carotenoids are critically addressed to explore the nutrition-related health benefits. |
