Carotenoids In Foods Research Articles

The relative validity of nutrition assessment methods for estimating infant carotenoid intake differs by assessment tool, nutrient database, and milk carotenoid adjustment method

Validated carotenoid assessment methods are needed to study infant carotenoid nutrition. This is a secondary analysis of repeated diet assessments of healthy participants collected at 4- (n = 21), 6- (n = 12), and 8- (n = 9) months of age in Houston, TX between April 2019 and June 2020. Intake was assessed with 3 assessment tools, analyzed with 3 nutrient databases, and underwent 3 adjustments to account for milk composition variability. We hypothesized that manual adjustment of milk carotenoid intake based on laboratory measurements would improve the validity of all assessment approaches and that using a database with greater coverage of infant food carotenoid compositions would improve accuracy. Generalized linear mixed models assessed associations between tool, nutrient database, age, and milk carotenoid adjustment variables with carotenoid, energy, fruit, and vegetable intakes. The effect of the number of food diary days on intake estimate precision was evaluated by testing the correlation between intake estimates derived from 1, 3, or 5, vs. 7 days. Visit age influenced energy intake estimates (p = .029), along with assessment tool (p = .020). Estimates of vegetable intake were influenced by tool (p = .009). Combined fruit and vegetable intake differed by nutrient database (p = .007). Carotenoid intake differed by age (p =<.0001), tool (p = .002), and nutrient database (p = .004). A minimum of 3 food diary days strongly correlated (rho = 0.79-1) with reference estimates across ages. Milk carotenoid adjustment was most influential in estimating 4-month olds’ carotenoid intake, while nutrient database and tool were important for 6- and 8-month-olds’, highlighting the dynamic nature of infant diet assessment validity across feeding stages.

The Application of Natural Carotenoids in Multiple Fields and Their Encapsulation Technology: A Review.

Carotenoids, which are inherent pigments occurring in plants and microorganisms, manifest a diverse array of vivid hues. Owing to their multifarious health advantages, carotenoids have engendered substantial interest among scholars and consumers alike. Presently, carotenoids are extensively employed in the realms of food, nutrition and health commodities, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, rendering them an indispensable constituent of our quotidian existence. Therefore, the objective of this review is to present a succinct and methodical examination of the sources, constituents, and factors influencing formation of carotenoids. Particular attention will be given to encapsulation strategies that maintain intrinsic characteristics, as the growing desire for carotenoids is propelled by individuals' escalating standards of living. Moreover, the applications of natural carotenoids in multiple fields, including pharmaceutical, food and feed, as well as cosmetics, are discussed in detail. Finally, this article explores the main challenges hindering the future advancement of carotenoids, aiming at facilitating their effective integration into the circular economy.

Cytochrome P450 CitCYP97B modulates carotenoid accumulation diversity by hydroxylating β-cryptoxanthin in Citrus

Carotenoids in plant foods provide health benefits by functioning as provitamin A. One of the vital provitamin A carotenoids, β-cryptoxanthin, is typically plentiful in citrus fruit. However, little is known about the genetic basis of β-cryptoxanthin accumulation in citrus. Here, we performed a widely targeted metabolomic analysis of 65 major carotenoids and carotenoid derivatives to characterize carotenoid accumulation in Citrus and determine the taxonomic profile of β-cryptoxanthin. We used data from 81 newly sequenced representative accessions and 69 previously sequenced Citrus cultivars to reveal the genetic basis of β-cryptoxanthin accumulation through a genome-wide association study. We identified a causal gene, CitCYP97B, which encodes a cytochrome P450 protein whose substrate and metabolic pathways in land plants were undetermined. We subsequently demonstrated that CitCYP97B functions as a novel monooxygenase that specifically hydroxylates the β-ring of β-cryptoxanthin in a heterologous expression system. In planta experiments provided further evidence that CitCYP97B negatively regulates β-cryptoxanthin content. Using the sequenced Citrus accessions, we found that two critical structural cis-element variations contribute to increased expression of CitCYP97B, thereby altering β-cryptoxanthin accumulation in fruit. Hybridization/introgression appear to have contributed to the prevalence of two cis-element variations in different Citrus types during citrus evolution. Overall, these findings extend our understanding of the regulation and diversity of carotenoid metabolism in fruit crops and provide a genetic target for production of β-cryptoxanthin-biofortified products.

Carotenoid-derived norsesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids from Tagetes erecta L.

Tagetes erecta L. (marigold), a common landscaping flower widely cultivated in America, Africa, Asia and Europe, is the fundamental source of carotenoids (especially lutein) in food and pharmaceutical industry. Carotenoids are well-known to possess various healthy and beneficial biological activities such as eye protection, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory. In our exploitation of carotenoid-derived products from T. erecta, nine previously undescribed compounds including seven megastigmane-type norsesquiterpenoids (1–7), one carotenoid-derived sesquiterpenoid (8), and one natural 3-hydroxyl-α-ionylideneacetic acid derivative (9), along with twelve known compounds (10–21), were afforded from the 95% ethanol extract of the petals of T. erecta. Their planar chemical structures and the absolute configurations were established by analysis of the extensive spectroscopic data including HRESI-MS, 1D/2D NMR and the simulation of ECD. Further, a plausible biosynthesis pathway for compounds 1−20 is proposed.

Development of a screening method for the determination of carotenoids in ham sausage, juice, and cookies by an improved Bligh-Dyer method and LC-MS/MS.

A screening method of 23 carotenoids in foods, such as ham sausage, juice, and cookies, was proposed using an improved Bligh-Dyer method that can satisfy the extraction requirements of common carotenoids with different physicochemical properties, including free and esterified carotenoids, by collecting the aqueous and organic phases simultaneously. Purification was then performed by loading the aqueous phase onto a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) column; a methanol-water solution was used for washing, and the organic phases and additional chloroform were used for elution. By optimizing this step, interference from hydrophilic compounds and neutral triglycerides was effectively eliminated, and the matrix suppression effect after purification was greater than -16.3%. Finally, the extract was analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. The results showed that the 23 carotenoids showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0.01-0.2µg/mL, and the limits of quantification (signal-to-noise ratio≥10) were from 0.02 to 0.05mg/kg. The average recoveries were 80.1%-98.7%, with relative standard deviation ≤10%. The proposed method can simultaneously identify and quantify 23 carotenoids in foods with high throughput, sensitivity, and reliability.

Food colloid-based delivery systems for tackling age-related macular degeneration by enhancing carotenoid bioavailability: A review

Over the past century, there has been a large increase in the life expectancy of people around the globe, which means there has been a rise in diseases of the elderly. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a sight-threatening condition of the eye characterized by a loss of central vision. Research suggests that macular pigment carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may inhibit the onset of this disease by protecting the eye from damaging light and oxidation. These carotenoids are chemically reactive hydrophobic molecules with a low water-solubility, chemical stability, and bioavailability. Consequently, many carotenoid-rich foods and supplements are not absorbed by the human body and do not exhibit their beneficial effects on eye health. In this article, we review the prevalence and characteristics of AMD, the sources of macular pigment carotenoids in foods, the factors limiting their bioavailability, and analytical approaches available to study their bioavailability and bioactivity. We then discuss different strategies for increasing the concentration of bioavailable macular pigment carotenoids in the human diet, including dietary sources, supplements, functional foods, and excipient foods, with an emphasis on colloidal systems that can be used for this purpose.

Investigation of Antiviral Potential of Food Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids against RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase of Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C disease have been a global health threat and affects a significant portion of world population. Hepatitis C have also been a silent health threat for Turkiye, where there are around half million people infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Disease burden and mortality are expected to increase gradually in the next 20 years in Turkiye. Unavailability of enough data on the currently-available drugs in routine clinical practice, their side effects and interactions with other drugs, and their efficacies on the less common genotypes indicates the necessity of alternative treatment options. Natural products from herbal and medicinal plants can indeed provide an alternative as being drug-like dietary supplements. In particular, the carotenoids and apocarotenoids are underexplored in their antiviral potential, including anti-HCV activities. Therefore, we focused on the virtual screening of various carotenoids and apocarotenoids against the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of HCV. Molecular docking experiments showed strong binding affinities of the ligands to both palm and thumb domains of RdRp of HCV. In fact, some of them such as neoxanthin, crocin, canthaxanthin and cryptoflavin bound quite strongly to both domains compared to native ligands and current antiviral drugs. MD simulation for neoxanthin-RdRp complex confirmed the stability of the ligand within the binding cavity of RdRp throughout 100 ns simulation. This clearly indicated the potential of carotenoids, specifically neoxanthin, as RdRp inhibitor in treating HCV. Thus, this study not only discovered anti-HCV drug candidates with the properties of easy-to-access and low cost, but also paved the way for the development of carotenoid or apocarotenoid based dietary supplement candidates for the prevention and treatment of HCV.

Bilosomes: A controlled delivery system for the sustained release of torularhodin during digestion in the small intestine both in vitro and in vivo

Torularhodin is a carotenoid with various biological activities, but its poor chemical stability and low bioavailability are obstacles to its usage. In this study, different small intestinal controlled delivery systems of torularhodin; including liquid-lip, liposomes, niosomes, and bilosomes; were prepared and characterized. Then, in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion model and in vivo mouse model were used to evaluate their sustained-release properties. Finally, mathematical models such as release kinetics revealed the release mechanisms of different systems. The results of particle size distribution and release rate of torularhodin indicated that both the liquid-lip and liposomes systems were almost completely digested after 2 h of simulated small intestinal digestion. However, the bilosomes system remained intact after simulated gastric digestion and were slowly cleaved during simulated small intestinal digestion with a sustained release effect of torularhodin. The fitting results of six kinetic models demonstrated that the kinetic mechanism of torularhodin release from bilosomes was a non-fickian mechanism. The main mechanism may be that bilosomes enhance the permeability of enterocyte biofilms by opening tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, thereby prolonging the release of torularhodin in the small intestine. Pharmacokinetic results in mice showed that the area under the concentration time curve in the bilosomes system was 2.73 times that of the liquid-lip system, and the t 1/2 was as long as 22.5 h, demonstrating that bilosomes system was an efficient delivery system for enhancing both the stability and bioavailability of torularhodin in the small intestine. These findings can be used to help future potential applications of bilosomes delivery systems for improving the bioavailability of carotenoids in food.

Carotenoids: Extraction strategies and potential applications for valorization of under-utilized waste biomass

Carotenoids are organic compounds and widely distributed pigments that provide shades of yellow, orange or red to agricultural, horticultural and aqua commodities. They not only are natural colourants but also play a vital role in both plant and human health, besides holding potential (especially β-carotene) to address much prevalent vitamin A deficiency around the globe. The bio-wastes generated from fruits and vegetable processing industries like carrot pomace, tomato peels, etc.; fish processing industry and; non-edible sources like marigold flower are rich sources of carotenoids. These sources could be potentially used for extraction of carotenoids for an array of applications. Conventionally, organic solvents have been used for their extraction, most of which are hazardous. Lately, scientists have commenced their researches on alternative green solvents for extraction purposes as these besides retaining natural colour, also provide numerous health benefits. Vegetable oils are one such example of green solvents which are edible, safe, natural, non-toxic, and environment friendly, and help in harnessing bio-functional properties from bio-wastes and other non-edible sources. Present review recapitulates distribution of carotenoids in these sources; existing conventional strategies and recent developments in innovative extractions; followed by potential applications of extracted carotenoids in food, pharma and cosmetic industries.

Effect of cooking duration on carotenoid content, digestion and potential absorption efficiencies among refined semolina and whole wheat pasta products.

The bioaccessibility of carotenoids varies among different foods due to factors such as food matrix composition and type or extent of processing. Hence it is important to understand the extent to which these factors influence carotenoid bioaccessibility after the consumption and digestion of food. This study evaluated the carotenoid content, micellization efficiency, digestive stability, antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of carotenoids as impacted by wheat cultivar and cooking duration among whole wheat flour (WWF) and refined semolina (RS) pasta. WWF and RS pasta were processed from three durum wheat cultivars (AAC Spitfire, CDC Precision, and Transcend) and cooked to al dente (Al), fully cooked (FCT) or overcooked (OC). The study showed that the wheat cultivar and cooking duration were significant functions of bioaccessible lutein in RS samples while only the cultivar influenced the bioaccessibility of zeaxanthin and lutein in WWF samples. In both WWF and RS, the effect of the cultivar on the bioaccessibility of lutein and zeaxanthin was similar and was as follows: Transcend > CDC Precision > AAC Spitfire. Cooking to Al significantly caused an increment in bioaccessible lutein in RS samples regardless of the wheat cultivar. This influence of cooking duration (Al > FCT > OC) was inversely related to the lutein concentrations in undigested pasta (OC = FCT > Al). DPPH scavenging activity among WWF samples was about 2-fold greater or more than that of RS samples regardless of the cultivar or cooking duration before and after digestion. Our data suggest that the effect of wheat cultivar and cooking duration modulates the bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of RS and WWF pasta products.

Carotenoid extraction and analysis from blood plasma/serum.

Accurate and sensitive methods to quantify carotenoids in blood plasma/serum are the basis for assessing carotenoid intake and associating physiological effects. This chapter introduces carotenoid chemistry, an overview of carotenoid food sources, and current knowledge of carotenoid absorption and metabolism, along with factors that affect these processes. We also detail a commonly used method to extract plasma/serum carotenoids using liquid-liquid extraction and analysis by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). A spreadsheet to aid in this quantitative analysis can be found at www.github.com/CooperstoneLab/carotenoid-analysis.

Growth and Carotenoid Contents of Intercropped Vegetables in Building-Integrated Urban Agriculture

Sustainable food security due to climate and social change is more important than ever. This study was conducted to increase plant growth and bioactive contents using intercropping technology in urban agriculture. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) were intercropped in different ratios in outdoor rooftop, and lettuce (Lactuca savita L.) was grown with chicory (Cichorium intybus. L.) in the indoor LED plant growth chambers. Carotenoids in plant foods were analyzed using an ultraperformance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Chlorophyll contents were determined by the soil analysis development chlorophyll meter. Tomatoes planted with sunflowers (3 : 1) had a significantly larger stem diameter ( p &lt; 0.05 ), a large number of leaves ( p &lt; 0.05 ), and significantly higher lycopene at d88 ( p &lt; 0.05 ), d102 ( p &lt; 0.001 ), and d115 ( p &lt; 0.01 ), and β-carotene contents at d102 ( p &lt; 0.05 ) as compared to those of monocultured tomatoes. Lettuce planted in a ratio of 1 : 3 with lettuce and chicory had significantly higher contents of chlorophyll ( p &lt; 0.05 ), β-carotene ( p &lt; 0.05 ), and lutein ( p &lt; 0.01 ), than lettuce planted alone. On the other hand, intercropping of chicory and lettuce did not have a beneficial effect on the growth and carotenoid content of chicory. The current study indicates that plant growth and carotenoid content can be substantially modified by cocultivation, and the effects may vary depending on the type of plant and the crop ratio.

β-Carotene: Preventive Role for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Review.

Carotenoids are vital antioxidants for plants and animals. They protect cells from oxidative events and act against the inflammatory process and carcinogenesis. Among the most abundant carotenoids in human and foods is β-carotene. This carotenoid has the highest level of provitamin A activity, as it splits into two molecules of retinol through the actions of the cytosolic enzymes: β-carotene-15,15′-monooxygenase (β-carotene-15,15′-oxygenase 1) and β-carotene-9′,10′-dioxygenase (β-carotene-9′,10′-oxygenase 2). The literature supports the idea that β-carotene acts against type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Due to the many processes involved in β-carotene biosynthesis and metabolic function, little is known about such components, since many mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, our study concisely described the relationships between the consumption of carotenoids, with emphasis on β-carotene, and obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated parameters in order to understand the preventive role of carotenoids better and encourage their consumption.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of periphytic carotenoids in croton oil-induced zebrafish

Introduction and Aim:Periphyton is the aggregation of micro-floral communities on the surface of submerged objects in the aquatic system. It is an excellent source of nutrients, including functional food carotenoids. The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of carotenoids obtained from sustainable aquatic resource periphyton. Materials and Methods:Periphytons were grown on PVC pipes and subjected to carotenoid extraction. ?-carotene and neoxanthin were identified through UPLC analysis. The carotenoid extract was tested for its anti-inflammatory activity in croton oil-induced inflamed zebrafish and was later treated with the carotenoid extract. Inflammatory markers like total protein (TP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) in both control and test group animals were measured. Results:Inflammatory markers like TP, MPO, and NO in both control and test group animals were varied significantly (P<0.01) between the experimental animal group at subsequent time intervals and treatment with thecarotenoid extract. Conclusion:The results are indicative of the anti-inflammatory nature of periphytic carotenoids and their nutritional significance in managing inflammatory conditions in humans. Further studies are required to decipher the specific mechanism of periphytic carotenoid action to understand its therapeutic potential in a broader perspective. Keywords:Periphyton; ?-carotene; neoxanthin; zebrafish; anti-inflammatory activity.

Single cell protein production from food waste using purple non-sulfur bacteria shows economically viable protein products have higher environmental impacts

Landfilling of food waste in the United States is a source of unutilized resources and environmental risks. As cities look to divert food waste from landfills, microorganisms may hold the answer. Purple non-sulfur bacteria are a group of microorganisms that can treat and extract resources from food waste to produce a protein supplement for animal feed. This study includes a life cycle assessment to compare four food waste management scenarios: purple non-sulfur bacteria production offsetting soybean meal production, purple non-sulfur bacteria production offsetting fishmeal and carotenoid production, anaerobic digestion, and landfilling (status quo). Purple non-sulfur bacteria offsetting soybean meal production resulted in significantly reduced environmental impacts compared to landfilling. Specifically, the eutrophication impact, land use, and water use for the soybean meal offset scenario were 141 kg N equivalents/day, 96 ha, and 120,000 L/day lower than landfilling, respectively. However, the low value of soybean meal limits the economic viability of this scenario. When high-value fishmeal and carotenoids were the offset products, there was an increase in value of $0.023/kg FW treated over landfill disposal of food waste. Offset fishmeal and carotenoids are not without environmental tradeoffs, most significantly with respect to eutrophication and global warming. This study then demonstrated that determining maximal growth rates to a PNSB photobioreactor, growing PNSB microorganisms on sunlight, and identifying the degree to which PNSB carotenoids can replace carotenoids in fish food were plausible lines of research to improve environmental and/or economic viability of the process. The life cycle assessment developed here can inform decision making for food waste management and guide research to improve purple non-sulfur bacteria production.

A Routine Method for the Extraction and HPLC-DAD Profiling of Major Plant and Food Carotenoids.

Carotenoids are ubiquitously present in Nature, and especially in plants and derived foods. The carotenoid profiling is necessary to understand relevant aspects in relation to their biochemistry and genetics, as well as their important roles on human health and animal ecophysiology. Here we propose a simple methodology for the routine extraction and efficient HPLC separation of the most common plant and food carotenoids from plant and animal origins.

Applications of Visible Spectroscopy and Color Measurements in the Assessments of Carotenoid Levels in Foods.

The color of the food can be evaluated visually or instrumentally. The instrumental measurement allows to measure the color objectively and can be carried out by different techniques, most of them fast, cheap, and simple. Carotenoids are responsible for the color of many plants and foods. The measurement of color can be an effective tool to determine indirectly the concentration of carotenoids in plants and foods. In this chapter, we describe both traditional and recent methodologies for color measurement.

Increase of 4-Hydroxybenzoic, a Bioactive Phenolic Compound, after an Organic Intervention Diet

Consumption of organic products is increasing yearly due to perceived health-promoting qualities. Several studies have shown higher amounts of phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids in foods produced by this type of agriculture than in conventional foods, but whether this increase has an impact on humans still needs to be assessed. A randomized, controlled and crossover study was carried out in nineteen healthy subjects aged 18–40 years, who all followed an organic and conventional healthy diet, both for a 4-week period. Analysis of biological samples revealed a significant increase on the excretion of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), a phenolic metabolite with biological activity, after the organic intervention. However, no changes were observed in the other variables analyzed.

Carotenoid‐based coloration correlates with the hatching date of Blue TitCyanistes caeruleusnestlings

Carotenoid‐based coloration occurs predominantly in adult birds, yet in some species from the family Paridae, this trait is also present at the nestling stage. One of the factors proposed to affect the expression of this trait in immature birds is hatching date. Here, using the avian tetrahedral colour space model, we examined the influence of hatching date on the breast carotenoid‐based plumage coloration of the Blue TitCyanistes caeruleusnestlings. Because Blue Tits are sexually dichromatic, we also investigated the potential interaction between hatching date and sex that could arise from differences in condition dependence of this trait between males and females. We found a positive relationship betweenUVchroma of breast feathers and hatching date. The amount ofUVreflectance is thought to be negatively related to carotenoid content in feathers. The observed increase ofUVchroma through the breeding season might therefore be caused by a seasonal decline in the availability and quality of Lepidoptera larvae – the main source of carotenoids in food of the Tits. We also observed a sex difference in the relationship between brightness of breast feathers (achromatic, structural component) and hatching date, which in males was negative and in females not significant. Our study provides further evidence that the timing of breeding is related to the expression of nestling carotenoid‐based coloration, a potentially meaningful element of offspring–parent communication, and suggests a sex‐specific effect of hatching date on its structural component.

Retention of Pro-Vitamin A Content in Products from New Biofortified Cassava Varieties.

Plant breeding efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have produced biofortified cassava with high carotenoid content to address vitamin A deficiencies (VAD). Since carotenoids in foods are easily depleted during processing, the retention of β-carotene in some newly released cassava varieties is under query. From four of these new varieties, two commonly consumed products (gari and its dough) were processed according to standard methods. Retention of β-carotene was then probed after applying fermentation periods of a day and three days. The possible contribution of the products to Vitamin A intake in children, adolescents, and women was also assessed. The concentration of β-carotene in fresh Cassava roots ranged from 5.32 to 7.81 µg/g. The percentage retention ranged from 14.4 to 29.3% and 10 to 21.7% in gari fermented for one and three days respectively. The impact of varietal difference and length of fermentation was significant on retention in the intermediate and final products (p < 0.001). When compared with dietary intake data, cooking biofortified gari into its dough reduced Vitamin A intake in most varieties. We conclude that processing Cassava into gari (especially its dough) could hinder the retention of β-carotene however some varieties have retention advantage over others irrespective of the initial concentration in their fresh roots.