Carotenoids are brightly colored pigments synthesized in plants that play a key role in human nutrition and health. These organic compounds give many fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, ranging from yellow to red. Common carotenoids include alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, and offer a range of health benefits due to their diverse biological activities. Carotenoids are widely distributed in nature and are primarily derived from plant foods. Fruits such as mangoes, oranges, and papayas, as well as vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, are rich sources of these compounds. In addition, carotenoids are synthesized by certain algae and bacteria. The presence of dietary fat enhances the absorption and bioavailability of carotenoids, which emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet for optimal utilization.
Benefits of Carotenoids for the Body
- Functions of Provitamin A
Provitamin A carotenoids, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin, are converted by the body into retinol, a form of vitamin A that is essential for vision, immune function, and cell differentiation. These carotenoids contribute significantly to maintaining overall health and well-being.
Carotenoids have powerful antioxidant properties that scavenge harmful free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and cell damage. By neutralizing these reactive species, carotenoids help protect the body from a variety of chronic diseases and extend lifespan.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that accumulate in the macula of the eye and act as natural blue light filters. They absorb blue light, thereby reducing the risk of macular degeneration and maintaining optimal visual function, especially in the aging population.
Diets rich in carotenoid fruits and vegetables have been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and age-related eye diseases.
Classification of Carotenoids
Carotenes
Hydrocarbons that do not contain oxygen in their structure, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene.
Oxygenated
Oxygenated carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin are essential for eye health and have multiple biological functions in addition to their antioxidant properties.
Distribution
Carotenoids are a common pigment in plants. Carotenoids are widely distributed in plants, mainly including the following:
- Dark fruits and leaves: such as carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins, bell peppers, etc.
- Root vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Fruits: citrus fruits, kiwis, apricots
Structure
Carotenoids are a class of compounds with a common structure. Their structural features include long-chain multiple isoprene units (isomeric structures), one or more epoxy groups and benzene ring structures in the molecule. In plants, carotenoids are mainly found in vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, tomatoes, oranges, etc. The general structural formula of carotenoids is C40H56, and its basic structural unit is the pigment molecule β-carotene, whose structural formula is:
CH3-CH2-CH=CH-CH=CH-CH=CH-CH=CH-(CH2)4-CH=CH-CH=CH-(CH2)2-(CH=CH)2
Among them, carotenoids can be further divided into different types such as α-carotene, β-carotene, and γ-carotene. Their structural differences are mainly reflected in the different positions and numbers of epoxy groups.
Reference
- Britton, George. Carotenoid research: History and new perspectives for chemistry in biological systems. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids 2020,1865(11): 158699.
Alfa Chemistry offers a wide range of carotenoids that are raw materials that can be added to functional foods or used as dietary supplements. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
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