Low Carotenoid Research Articles

Nutrition Knowledge, Food Insecurity, and Dietary Biomarkers: Examining Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among College Students

Objectives: Food insecurity among college students, combined with limited nutrition knowledge and barriers to healthy eating, significantly impacts diet quality and fruit and vegetable intake. Efforts to address these issues are further complicated by the challenges of accurately and efficiently collecting dietary data in research settings. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nutrition knowledge and fruit/vegetable intake using skin, plasma, and dietary carotenoid levels as biomarkers. Methods: Undergraduate and graduate students aged 18 years and older (n = 166) from a California public university were recruited. The sample was predominately female (n = 133, 80%), with 30 males (18%) and three individuals (2%) identifying as non-binary. Food security was assessed using the USDA’s 10-item Adult Food Security Survey Module and nutrition knowledge through a validated questionnaire. Biological data included blood samples and skin carotenoid measurements (Veggie Meter®). Dietary quality (HEI-2015) and carotenoid intake were assessed through Diet ID™, a photo-based assessment tool. Results: The mean nutrition knowledge scores were 36.55 ± 8.83 out of 58 points, and the mean skin carotenoid score was 307.07 ± 110.22. Higher knowledge scores were associated with increased plasma carotenoids, HEI-score, and Diet ID™ total carotenoids. Food security classification did not significantly impact nutrition knowledge but did influence HEI scores and skin carotenoid levels, with very low food security linked to poorer diet quality and lower carotenoid levels. Conclusions: Nutrition knowledge may serve as a significant predictor of fruit and vegetable intake in university students. Despite this correlation, the impact of overall diet quality is potentially hindered by an individual’s food security status. Therefore, while knowledge is critical, addressing food insecurity is essential for enhancing diet quality among college students.

Unveiling the ecological dominance of button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus L.) through microstructural and functional traits modifications across heterogenic environmental conditions

BackgroundThe button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus L.) is regarded as a peripheral species within mangrove communities. This particular species has the ability to thrive in regions that are arid or semiarid, where there is limited availability of nutrients. This study provides evidence of the ecological dominance of Conocarpus erectus across various habitats, highlighting its adaptability and success throughout the country of Pakistan. We collected twelve populations from four distinct ecological regions, including artificial forest plantations, agricultural fields, roadsides, and wastelands, offering a comprehensive assessment of C. erectus adaptability across diverse environmental contexts.ResultsForest plantation populations exhibited impressive shoot growth and moderate root lengths, with plants generally tall and well-weighted. Physiologically, they had moderate chlorophyll content and low carotenoid levels, with a balanced chlorophyll a/b ratio, indicating stable photosynthetic activity. Anatomically, these populations had thicker epidermal and cortical root layers but smaller vascular bundles and phloem regions. Stem and leaf structures were generally moderate in size, with thicker midribs and cortical layers in the leaves. Agricultural field populations showed robust shoot and root systems with balanced fresh and dry biomass. They exhibited high chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, indicating strong photosynthetic capacity. Root and stem anatomy revealed larger root areas, thicker cortex, and wide vascular bundles, reflecting enhanced structural development. Leaves from these populations had moderate midrib and cortical thickness, with larger stomatal areas, promoting efficient gas exchange. Roadside populations displayed deeper roots and reduced biomass production. These populations adapted to environmental stress through leaf expansion, with high leaf numbers and areas. Physiologically, populations had high chlorophyll content, with a high chlorophyll a/b ratio. Root and stem anatomy showed compact structures with smaller vascular bundles, indicating adaptation to harsher conditions. Leaf anatomy was moderate, with smaller vascular bundles and reduced water transport capacity. Wasteland populations exhibited poor growth and high shoot biomass despite small leaves. Physiologically, these populations had the highest total soluble protein and proline contents, reflecting stress adaptation. Anatomically, root and stem structures were variable, with some populations showing reduced cortical cell areas and smaller vascular bundles, indicating limited resource transport. Leaf structures had thicker lamina, thinner epidermal layers, and lower stomatal densities, reflecting adaptation to nutrient-poor soils.ConclusionThis study reveals the adaptability and thriving potential of Conocarpus erectus across varied habitats, providing key insights into its resilience and survival strategies. Understanding these adaptive traits can support habitat restoration, conservation planning, and improve species management in diverse environmental conditions, especially in response to climate change and habitat degradation.

Association between serum carotenoids and migraine in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES data.

Little is known regarding the impact of serum carotenoids, a class of compounds having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, on migraine. This study aimed to examine the association between serum carotenoid levels and migraine risk among United States adults. This cross-sectional study recruited 7744 individuals aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2001 and 2004. The concentrations of five serum carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin) and retinol were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Migraine was diagnosed when participants reported that they had severe headaches or migraines during the past three months. Weighted multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were used to determine the association between serum carotenoid levels and migraine risk. Among the 7744 participants enrolled in the study, 1595 (20.6%) had migraine. Compared with the lowest quartiles, the highest quartiles of the three serum carotenoids were associated with a lower risk of migraine, with a multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.97) for α-carotene, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.49-0.83) for β-carotene, and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.53-0.78) for lutein + zeaxanthin, while the third quartile of serum β-cryptoxanthin had lower odds of migraine (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54-0.90). The U-shaped patterns of nonlinear relationships between serum β-cryptoxanthin and lutein + zeaxanthin levels and migraine risk were represented by restricted cubic splines. No association was observed between serum lycopene and retinol levels and migraine. Low serum carotenoid levels were associated with an increased risk of migraine. Further prospective investigations are warranted to clarify the causative relationship and explore the possible prevention and treatment of migraine using carotenoid supplementation.

Iron metabolism acts as a bridge between photosynthesis and red coloration of bud galls induced on Nothofagus obliqua (Nothofagaceae).

Color and morphology are some of the most intriguing traits of plant galls, whose patterns resemble fruits and flowers. Many hypotheses were proposed to explain the involvement of anthocyanin accumulation with the development of red gall hues, whose mechanisms seem idiosyncratic. Anthocyanins are related to photoprotective strategies in green tissues and metal accumulation in some flowers. Despite that, the combination of such physiological phenomena has been neglected for galls, which are photosynthetic neoplasms genetically similar to reproductive organs. Here, we integrated different perspectives by measuring photosynthetic pigment and anthocyanin concentration combined with fluorescence quenching analysis, antioxidant activity assays, and histochemical elemental mapping in red and green galls induced by Espinosa nothofagi (Hymenoptera) on Nothofagus obliqua (Nothofagaceae). We found no relationship between high anthocyanin concentrations, light exposure, and red coloration in galls as anthocyanin concentrations were higher in the outermost tissues of green galls than in red galls. Red galls presented higher concentrations of total chlorophyll and lower carotenoid concentrations than green galls and leaves, which correlated with their highest photosynthetic activity and iron accumulation. The red color coincides with the accumulation of aluminum and Fe3+ and the lowest antioxidant capacity in the gall outer tissue. The high antioxidant capacity of N. obliqua galls and the Fe2+ and Fe3+ distribution are related to high photosynthesis, Fe-use efficiency in galls, and the supply of Fe to the inducer diet. Overall, iron metabolism connects the high photosynthesis activity to the red gall color in the presence of low anthocyanin concentrations, like some flowers.

ChBBX6 and ChBBX18 are positive regulators of anthocyanins biosynthesis and carotenoids degradation in Cerasus humilis

B-box zinc-finger transcription factor (BBX) plays important regulatory roles in plant secondary metabolism. Here, we identified 21 BBXs that could be further categorized into five subfamilies from Cerasus humilis. Two segmentally duplicated Subfamily IV members, ChBBX6 and ChBBX18, were found to share high homology with reported anthocyanin-related BBXs and express highly in fruits with high anthocyanins but low carotenoids contents. Their transient overexpression in apple and C. humilis fruits both led to significantly increased anthocyanins accumulation and significantly upregulated expression of anthocyanins-related genes. However, their overexpression resulted in decreased carotenoids accumulation and greatly upregulated the expression of carotenoids-related genes especially degradation-related genes. Additionally, their overexpression both greatly improved the ABA content in C. humilis fruits. Through yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we found that both ChBBX6 and ChBBX18 could bind to and activate the promoters of chalcone synthase (ChCHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (ChF3H), and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 5 (ChNCED5). Our study demonstrates that ChBBX6 and ChBBX18 are positive regulators of anthocyanins biosynthesis and carotenoids degradation and can provide basis for understanding the roles of BBX genes in C. humilis.

POST-HARVEST QUALITY IN THE ‘TOMMY ATKINS’ MANGO FOR DIFFERENT HARVEST TIMES

Determining the correct harvest time is essential for maintaining post-harvest fruit quality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biochemical and physiological effect of three different harvest times on maintaining post-harvest quality in ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes from the state of Roraima, sold in markets in the city of Manaus. The treatments consisted of the different harvest times: control, harvested 90 days after anthesis; early harvest, harvested 70 days after anthesis; and late harvest, harvested 105 days after anthesis. At the end of the experimental period, mangoes harvested at 70 DAA were found to have a low carotenoid content, with the pulp unable to reach commercial maturity; the pulp had a high level of firmness, with the highest concentrations of vitamin C and phenolics, and the greatest antioxidant activity. When the mangoes were harvested at 105 DAA, the pulp had the least firmness and a sugar content very close to that of the early-harvested fruit, with lower concentrations of phenolics and vitamin C, and lower antioxidant activity. On the other hand, the fruit harvested at 90 DAA showed adequate physical resistance and acceptable results for sensory quality, functional compounds and antioxidant activity.

Genetic variants in the PKD1L2/BCO1 region are associated with β-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin: A genome-wide association study of plasma carotenoids

Carotenoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Inter-individual genetic variation may explain some of the observed differences in plasma carotenoid concentrations between individuals. Identifying genetic variants associated with circulating carotenoids in young adults may help identify individuals at increased risk for developing conditions associated with low carotenoids later in life. We hypothesize that common genetic variants are associated with circulating carotenoid concentrations in a population of young adults. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on plasma carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin) was conducted in Caucasians (n = 393) from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study. Replication cohorts included individuals of Caucasian (n = 193), East Asian (n = 436) and South Asian (n = 135) ethnicity. Linear regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, total serum cholesterol, dietary carotenoid intake and population structure were used to identify associations between genetic variants and plasma carotenoids. Associations that met the threshold for genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10-8) in unadjusted and partially adjusted models were not observed in the replication cohorts. No variants achieved genome-wide significance in fully adjusted models. Previously identified associations between variation in the PKD1L2/BCO1 region and β-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin were replicated in the GWAS cohort (p < .05). Established variation in the PKD1L2/BCO1 region is associated with plasma carotenoids. These variants may help to identify individuals who require greater amounts of these antioxidants and to provide precision nutrition recommendations for optimal intake of various carotenoids.

Screening the carotenoid in vitro bioaccessibility of purple corn breakfast cereal consumed with milk and plant-based milk

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, dominate global mortality, besides compromising the quality of life. Unhealthy habits like sedentary lifestyles and poor diets escalate NCD risks. Conversely, the consumption of phenolic compounds and carotenoids has shown promise in reducing NCD risks. The food industry responds by adapting products to meet demands for healthier options rich in bioactive compounds. For instance, breakfast cereals made from purple and yellow corn offer carotenoids and anthocyanins and form a nutrient-balanced meal when consumed with milk or alternatives. However, bioactive compounds in food do not guarantee absorption, necessitating bioaccessibility studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the bioaccessibility of the major carotenoids in two breakfast cereals, one made with 100% yellow corn and the other with 50% purple corn, co-digested with whole milk, semi-skimmed milk, skimmed milk, and almond “milk”. The bioaccessibility of lutein in the breakfast cereals was evaluated using the INFOGEST 2.0 in vitro digestion method. Results showed that lutein bioaccessibility ranged from 9% to 29%. The bioaccessibility was lower than that observed in other food matrices, such as spinach and maize products. High fiber, low carotenoid contents, and anthocyanin presence negatively influenced the carotenoid bioaccessibility. Interestingly, the varying lipid content of milk showed no impact on lutein bioaccessibility under the examined conditions. In conclusion, the effects of lipids in a low range (0–7%) are not significant (p > 0.05) compared to other matrix components. When developing new products with health and nutritional benefits, it is important to consider that while fiber can reduce the bioaccessibility of carotenoids, it remains crucial for gut health.

Low Serum Total Carotenoids and β-Cryptoxanthin Are Associated with Low Lean Body Mass in Older Community-Dwellers in the National Institute for Longevity Sciences–Longitudinal Study of Aging: A 4-Y Longitudinal Study

BackgroundAlthough diets rich in carotenoids are associated with muscle health and a reduced risk of disability, the relationship between carotenoids and low lean body mass has not been fully elucidated. ObjectivesThis study aimed to clarify the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and low lean body mass over 4 y in older Japanese community-dwellers. MethodsA total of 750 adults aged ≥60 y participated in the National Institute for Longevity Sciences–Longitudinal Study of Aging. Individuals with a low lean body mass and muscle strength or gait speed at baseline were excluded. Baseline serum α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene were measured. Low lean body mass was defined as appendicular lean mass relative to the measured height (ALM/ht2) of <7.0 kg/m2 in males and <5.4 kg/m2 in females, according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. A generalized estimating equation was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for low lean body mass according to tertiles of total and individual carotenoids at baseline, adjusted for sex, age, season, follow-up months, education years, economic status, current smoking status, a history of ischemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic equivalents. ResultsLow serum total carotenoids were associated with low ALM/ht2, and the odds ratios of low ALM/ht2 in the third tertile of total carotenoids were significantly lower than those in the first tertile after adjusting for covariates. The odds ratios of low ALM/ht2 in the third tertile of β-cryptoxanthin were significantly associated with those in the first tertile after adjusting for covariates (P = 0.03); however, no trend was observed for this relationship. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that low serum total carotenoids and serum β-cryptoxanthin are associated with low lean body mass in older Japanese community-dwellers.

Mild osmotic stress offers photoprotection in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under high light

The exposure of autotrophs to high light intensities significantly impacts their photosynthetic performance. When combined with unpredictable climate changes, the lethality of these effects is exacerbated and, often surpassing the organisms' threshold for tolerance. In this regard, our study centres on examining the mitigating effects of mild osmotic stress induced by 2% Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in conjunction with high-light conditions, using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model system. Cells were cultivated under low PEG-induced osmotic stress at various light intensities, and their responses were analyzed through biochemical and biophysical approaches. Remarkably, cells grown under lower PEG concentrations exhibited superior growth, increased biomass, and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency under high light compared to non-PEG-treated cells. Surprisingly, their non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) levels were lower, indicating the operation of a distinct photoprotective mechanism in PEG-grown samples. The PEG-grown cells demonstrated higher chlorophyll content but lower carotenoid content, supporting the NPQ data. Circular dichroism analysis suggested that the macro-organization of super-complexes was minimally disrupted in PEG-grown samples, even under high light. This was further supported by Blue native PAGE, which showed greater stability of the super-complexes in PEG-grown cells, implying heightened stability in pigment-protein interactions. Immunoblot analysis revealed minimal differences in core reaction center proteins between PEG-grown and non-PEG cells. Notably, this protective mechanism was absent in the cell wall-deficient mutant CC503. We propose that the partial photoprotection observed is attributed to the PEG shielding the cell wall. This result holds promise for enhancing algal biomass production under natural environmental conditions influenced by fluctuating light intensity.

Mutation of YFT3, an isomerase in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, impairs its catalytic activity and carotenoid accumulation in tomato fruit.

Tomato fruit colors are directly associated with their appearance quality and nutritional value. However, tomato fruit color formation is an intricate biological process that remains elusive. In this work we characterized a tomato yellow fruited tomato 3 (yft3, e9292, Solanum lycopersicum) mutant with yellow fruits. By the map-based cloning approach, we identified a transversion mutation (A2117C) in the YFT3 gene encoding a putative isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (SlIDI1) enzyme, which may function in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway by catalyzing conversion between isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). The mutated YFT3 (A2117C) (designated YFT3 allele) and the YFT3 genes did not show expression difference at protein level, and their encoded YFT3 allelic (S126R) and YFT3 proteins were both localized in plastids. However, the transcript levels of eight genes (DXR, DXS, HDR, PSY1, CRTISO, CYCB, CYP97A, and NCED) associated with carotenoid synthesis were upregulated in fruits of both yft3 and YFT3 knockout (YFT3-KO) lines at 35 and 47days post-anthesis compared with the red-fruit tomato cultivar (M82). In vitro and in vivo biochemical analyses indicated that YFT3 (S126R) possessed much lower enzymatic activities than the YFT3 protein, indicating that the S126R mutation can impair YFT3 activity. Molecular docking analysis showed that the YFT3 allele has higher ability to recruit isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), but abolishes attachment of the Mg2+ cofactor to IPP, suggesting that Ser126 is a critical residue for YTF3 biochemical and physiological functions. As a result, the yft3 mutant tomato line has low carotenoid accumulation and abnormal chromoplast development, which results in yellow ripe fruits. This study provides new insights into molecular mechanisms of tomato fruit color formation and development.

Skin Carotenoid Levels Are Associated with Demographic Factors, Body Size, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in the Japanese Population.

This study aimed to determine the association between demographic factors, body size, and fruit and vegetable intake in the general population, focusing on individuals with both low and high skin carotenoid levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the 14th National Convention on the Promotion of Food and Nutrition Education (2019) in Yamanashi, Japan (a rural area) and the Open House 2019 at the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition in Tokyo, Japan (an urban area). Skin carotenoid measurements were conducted, and the participants were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire. The study population consisted of 492 Japanese individuals aged ≥16 years. The odds ratios (ORs) for low skin carotenoid levels were elevated in males, those who were overweight, and those who almost never consumed or consumed only one vegetable dish/day. Conversely, the ORs were lower in those living in Yamanashi, aged 30-39 and ≥70 years, and those who consumed fruit ≥1 time/week. For high skin carotenoid levels, the ORs were higher among those aged ≥70 years, living in Yamanashi, and those who consumed fruit ≥1 time/day or ≥5 vegetable dishes/day. Demographic factors, body size, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake may serve as indicators of skin carotenoid levels.

The Impact of Synthetic Auxin on Correlation Between Leaf Carotenoids and Mortality Percentage of Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora Swarz) DC.

In the Faculty of Agriculture - University of Khartoum – Sudan, experiments were conducted in both winter and rainy seasons to assess the impact of the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) on the relationship between leaves carotenoid content and the mortality percentage of mesquite trees (Prosopis juliflora). Mesquite trees of small, medium, and large sizes were treated with the 2,4-D at four weights 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-grams’ active ingredient, each dissolved in either diesel oil or water. The results indicated that the three sizes treated with different weights of herbicide dissolved in diesel showed a high mortality percentage and fewer leaf carotenoid levels, compared to the same weights of 2,4-D dissolved in water. During the rainy season, the high weight of 2,4-D (24 grams a.i.) dissolved in water resulted in a high mortality percentage and lower carotenoid levels, compared to the other 2,4-D weights dissolved in water. The study concluded that; 2,4-D increased the negative relationship between mesquite mortality percentage and the leaf's carotenoid content.

Effect of pectin structure on the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids in simulated juice model

The impact of pectin structure on carotenoid bioaccessibility is still uncertain. This study aims to investigate how the different pectic polymers affected the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in a simulated juice model during static in vitro digestion. This study includes homogalacturonan (HG), which is a linear pectic polymer, rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I), which is a branched pectic polymer, and rhamnogalacturonan (RG), which is a diverse pectic polymer rich in RG-I, rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II), and xylogalacturonan domains. Juice models without pectin had the highest carotenoid bioaccessibility, suggesting pectin has negative effects on carotenoid bioaccessibility. During the intestinal phase, systems with HG showed the highest viscosity, followed by systems with RG and systems with RG-I. Systems with RG-I had lower carotenoid bioaccessibility than systems with HG and RG-II. Both the percentage of RG-I and the average side chain length of RG-I had negative correlations with carotenoid bioaccessibility. RG-I side chains with more arabinose and/or galactose might cause lower carotenoid bioaccessibility in this juice model system. This study offers valuable insights into the relationship between pectin structure and carotenoid bioaccessibility in a simulated juice model, highlighting the importance of considering pectin composition for maximizing carotenoid bioaccessibility and potential health benefits in fruit-based beverages.

To invest or not to invest, that is the question: male presence and genetic relatedness as modulators of female reproductive effort in a shrimp

The present work was aimed at evaluating whether females of a freshwater shrimp, Neocaridina davidi (Bouvier, 1904), allocate differentially to reproduction when reared in the presence of males and in the presence of brothers/non-brothers. Ovarian growth was evaluated in three consecutive maturation cycles. The composition of biochemical reserves was determined in the eggs (i.e., embryos) laid at the end of the first cycle, in 20-day-old juveniles produced at the end of the second cycle, and in the mature ovary of females at the end of the third cycle. When reared in the absence of males, females took longer to mature the ovaries and stored less proteins, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the mature ovary. Females reared with brothers took longer to mature the ovaries than females reared with non-brothers, with no differences in the biochemical composition of their mature ovaries. The eggs produced by females mated to brothers showed a lower carotenoid content, higher cholesterol content, and a tendency towards lower energy content than those produced by females mated to non-brothers. These results suggest that females are capable of recognizing kin and modulate primary reproductive effort, in terms of ovarian and egg biochemical composition, according to male presence and genetic relatedness.

Technology of Enrichment of A2 Dairy Products with Carrot Powder Carotinoids

Topicality. Milk is an available for consumption, popular and nutritious food product, which contains a variety of important macronutrients and biologically active compounds, including carotenoids. Carotenoids contained in food products have low bioavailability, solubility and stability. A high fat content and a unique fat composition of dairy products can be used in order to overcome the problem of low carotenoid bioavailability which is common to fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the usage of fortified dairy products can be a potential means of increasing the supplyof carotenoids to the human body. The aim of the article is to eleborate a technology for enriching A2 dairy products with carrot powder carotenoids. Experimental samples of A2 milk with a mass fraction of fat (3.2%) were produced: control (without additives); sample 1 (enriched with carrot powder in the amount of 10%); sample 2 (enriched with carrot powder in the amount of 20%). The carrot powder was added to milk, thoroughly mixed for 10 minutes, and subjected to homogenization under a pressure of 100-110 MPa, after which it was filtered. The carrot pulp separated during milk filtration, in the amount of 10 and 20% by weight of the product, was used to enrich yogurts. Research methods. Using standard methods, in experimental milk samples organoleptic, physico-chemical indicators were determined according to DSTU EN ISO 1211:2022 (Ukrainian Research and Training Centre for Problems of Standardisation, Certification and Quality, 2023), as well as microbiological indicators were defined according to DSTU 7357:2013 (Ministry of Economic Development of Ukraine, 2014), DSTU 7089:2009 (State Consumer Standard of Ukraine, 2011), and carotenoid content (by chemical method). Additionally, the change in the active acidity of yogurts during their storage was studied by the method of direct potentiometry. Results. It was established that the addition of carrot powder had a positive effect on organoleptic quality indicators of milk, and caused an increase in the protein mass fraction within their composition by 0.03–0.04%. When adding 10% of carrot powder, the concentration of carotenoids increased by 0.163 mg/100 ml, and when adding 20%, then by 0.553 mg/100 ml accordingly. In the case of applying homogenisation under high pressure, and when enriching milk with carrot powder, its microbiological stability was ensured. Enrichment of yogurts with carrot pulp led to a significant increase of dietary fibers content in their composition, and allowed to raise the pH level of the finished product. During the entire storage period, the active acidity of enriched yogurts was within the normal range. Conclusions and discussion. Enrichment of milk with carrot powder and using homogenisation under high pressure leads to an increase in the concentration of carotenoids in milk, which provides almost 5% of the daily needs.

Short-term skin carotenoid changes following consumption of a typical Australian diet versus a healthy Australian diet: findings from a randomised crossover feeding trial

Carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals found in plant-based foods with yellow, red, or orange pigments, have been shown to be stored in the skin upon consumption of carotenoid-rich foods(1). Skin carotenoid levels can be measured using skin reflectance spectroscopy, which assesses skin lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)(2). Previous research has demonstrated significant increases in skin yellowness (b*) after a 4-week high-carotenoid diet(2). The aim was to examine shorter-term changes (two weeks) in skin yellowness following the consumption of a Healthy Australian Diet rich in carotenoids compared to a Typical Australian Diet with low carotenoid content. The study analysed data from an eight-week randomised, cross-over feeding trial involving 34 adults (53% female, aged 38.44 ± 18.05 years). Participants were randomly assigned to each diet for two weeks, separated by a two-week washout period. The Healthy Australian Diet adhered to the Australian Dietary Guidelines(3), emphasising the consumption of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, red capsicum, and sweet potatoes. In contrast, the Typical Australian Diet was formulated based on apparent consumption patterns in Australia(4) and emphasised the intake of fruits and vegetables low in beta-carotene, such as white potatoes, onions, cauliflower, and pears. Skin carotenoids were measured using skin reflectance spectroscopy at three sites (palm, inner and outer arm), and each measurement was taken thrice. Overall skin yellowness (b*) was calculated as the average of all three measurements at all three sites. Measurements were conducted at four key visits: week 0 (end of run-in; baseline 1), week 2 (post-feeding phase 1), week 4 (end of washout; baseline 2), and week 8 (post-feeding phase 2). Differential changes in skin carotenoid levels between intervention groups were assessed using linear mixed-effect models, adjusting for diet sequence, feeding phase, body fat percentage, total fat intake, and subject ID as a random variable to account for potential autocorrelation. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted to evaluate the relative effects of each diet. Although there was a trend towards higher skin yellowness (0.215 ± 0.517; p = 0.41) following consumption of the Healthy Australian diet relative to baseline, and an inverse trend following the Typical Australian Diet (−0.118 ± 0.539, p = 0.56), the difference in change between the two diets was not statistically significant (p = 0.32). Notably, baseline values within this participant cohort were higher than previously reported at b* = 16.7(1) (baseline 1 b*: 17.57 ± 2.23, baseline 2 b*: 17.71 ± 2.26), which may influence the magnitude of observable change. The findings suggest that the two-week intervention duration may be insufficient to achieve statistically significant changes in skin carotenoid levels. Future investigations into whether plasma carotenoids increase first, with skin changes occurring later, could offer valuable insights into the potential utility of this as a biomarker validation of change in fruit and vegetable intake.

A novel low-temperature procedure for oleogelation of heat-sensitive oils: Oleogels based on tucumã oil and ethyl cellulose

Oleogels are made by structuring oils with an oleogelator, e.g., ethyl cellulose (EC), and can be used as fat replacers in foods. Also, oleogels made from oils rich in bioactives, e.g., tucumã oil (TCO), could possess additional nutritional benefits. However, sensitive compounds are often degraded during the harsh conditions of most oleogelation procedures. Here we present an adapted low-temperature indirect method (IM) to structure TCO with EC, which is based on emulsification with aqueous ethanol as continuous phase, and the physicochemical properties are compared to oleogels with the same composition but produced by a direct method (DM) at high temperature. For IM, TCO was emulsified with EC ethanolic dispersions, followed by solvent removal and shearing. DM resulted in weak gels (G' < 10000 Pa), with low oil binding capacity (OBC) (12.63–66.26%), low carotenoid retention (CR) (20.7–31.6%) and complete depletion of α-tocopherol. Conversely, IM provided strong oleogels (G' > 10000 Pa), with high OBC (87.82–100.04%), CR (>95%) and α-tocopherol content (293–322 mg/kg). TCO oleogels with different physical properties and retention of sensitive compounds were obtained by DM and IM, showing the potential of IM oleogelation to preserve bioactives in the oleogels and producing healthier fat alternatives for the food industry.

Disponibilidade domiciliar e fontes de carotenoides importantes na saúde nos centro urbanos brasileiros segundo a renda em 2017/2018

ABSTRACT Objective Low carotenoid intake is associated with the incidence of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Given the large diversity and specificity of chemical structures and functions, along with the wide Brazilian geodiversity, it should be important for health to examine the cross-sectional distribution of carotenoid availability. Considering family incomes, the authors have calculated and analyzed the individual household availability of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin according to income in the eleven largest Brazilian urban centers in 2017-2018. Methods Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics’ latest Family Budget Survey on monetary food acquisitions and food composition tables were used to calculate the individual carotenoid contents of both vegetable and animal food sources. Results The family acquisitions of carotenogenic foods showed to be insufficient for most families living in these urban centers, except Salvador, Belem, Belo Horizonte, and Porto Alegre, where certain key-carotenoid sources did reach the higher income groups. The main foods identified that contributed to the supply of carotenoids were carrot and common squash (α-carotene), common squash, carrot, scallion/parsley, mango, and tomato (β-carotene), papaya, orange, and tangerine (β-cryptoxanthin), tomato sauce, tomato paste, guava, watermelon and papaya (lycopene) and scallion/parsley, kale, egg, corn meal and corn flakes (lutein/zeaxanthin). Conclusion Based on the home availability of specific carotenoids estimated in the present study, it is concluded that the population was not reasonably well protected against chronic diseases given the low acquisition of key carotenoid sources in these urban centers, especially among the lower-income class.

Carotenoid retention during post-harvest storage of Capsicum annuum: the role of the fruit surface structure.

In this study, a chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) panel for post-harvest carotenoid retention was studied to elucidate underlying mechanisms associated with this commercial trait of interest. Following drying and storage, some lines within the panel had an increase in carotenoids approaching 50% compared with the initial content at the fresh fruit stage. Other lines displayed a 25% loss of carotenoids. The quantitative determination of carotenoid pigments with concurrent cellular analysis indicated that in most cases, pepper fruit with thicker (up to 4-fold) lipid exocarp layers and smooth surfaces exhibit improved carotenoid retention properties. Total cutin monomer content increased in medium/high carotenoid retention fruits and subepidermal cutin deposits were responsible for the difference in exocarp thickness. Cutin biosynthesis and cuticle precursor transport genes were differentially expressed between medium/high and low carotenoid retention genotypes, and this supports the hypothesis that the fruit cuticle can contribute to carotenoid retention. Enzymatic degradation of the cuticle and cell wall suggests that in Capsicum the carotenoids (capsanthin and its esters) are embedded in the lipidic exocarp layer. This was not the case in tomato. Collectively, the data suggest that the fruit cuticle could provide an exploitable resource for the enhancement of fruit quality.