A Detailed Analysis of the Carotenoids and their Derivatives, including their Multiple Health Advantages

Abstract

Background: The majority of foods, vegetation, plankton, and photosynthetic bacteria all include carotenoids, which are pigments that naturally exist. Since humans are unable to produce carotenoids, they must be consumed through food or supplements. There are many roles for carotenoids in ensuring human health. They generally act as antioxidants, but different carotenoids may also have other functions. For instance, β-carotene functions as pro-vitamin A, while lutein and zeaxanthin make up the macular pigmentation in the eyes. Objective: The primary goal of this review article is to emphasise the numerous health advantages of the various carotenoids and their derivatives, including neuro, cardio, bone, immune, and cancer protection. Methods: The information for this review article was acquired by using Google Scholar and PubMed as search engines, as well as a number of publishers, including Springer Nature, Bentham Science, Taylor & Francis, and Elsevier. Results: Carotenoids are biologically active antioxidants, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help to lessen cardiovascular events such as adiposity, insulin sensitivity, hyperlipidemia, and inflammatory markers. Evidence shows they enhance eyesight, cognitive ability, and cardiovascular health. They could also reduce the risk of a number of malignancies. Carotenoids' diverse properties and therapeutic capacity to prevent neurodegeneration in conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and others are reviewed. Conclusion: Despite the data supporting the health advantages of carotenoids, extensive population-based supplement research on several carotenoids has yielded conflicting results. Further study, especially clinical studies, is required to demonstrate and validate the medical benefits of the various carotenoids.