A review on factors influencing bioaccessibility and bioefficacy of carotenoids

The associations between serum carotenoids and hyperuricemia among U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for various metabolic disorders. We aimed to investigate the association between serum carotenoid levels and hyperuricemia using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis utilizing data from three specific NHANES cycles (2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2017-2018), containing the most complete serum carotenoid data from 12,253 participants aged 20 years and older. Serum carotenoids were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography, while hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid levels ≥ 416 μmol/L (7.0 mg/dL) in men and ≥ 357 μmol/L (6.0 mg/dL) in women. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship between carotenoids and hyperuricemia.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 50.1 ± 18.7 years, with a hyperuricemia prevalence of 20.5%. Higher serum carotenoids were associated with a lower prevalence of hyperuricemia, with each 1-unit increase in total carotenoids being inversely associated with hyperuricemia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.82) in multivariable analyses. Compared to participants with the lowest quartile, reduced ORs for hyperuricemia odds were observed for those with the highest quartile for total carotenoids (0.55 [0.47-0.64]), α-carotene (0.60 [0.52-0.71]), β-carotene (0.56 [0.48-0.65]), β-cryptoxanthin (0.58 [0.49-0.67]), trans-lycopene (0.75 [0.65-0.87]), cis-lycopene (0.83 [0.65-1.06]), total-lycopene (0.75 [0.64-0.87]), and lutein + zeaxanthin (0.66 [0.57-0.77]). Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations among younger individuals, women, and those without any history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher serum carotenoid levels are associated with reduced odds of hyperuricemia. These results underscore the potential role of carotenoids in managing hyperuricemia and its related health complications.

A review of bioanalytical methods, bioaccessibility, and toxicokinetics of emerging mycotoxins enniatins and beauvericin in the context of health risk assessment

Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, often contaminate agricultural products, posing risks to human and animal health. Among these, enniatins (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA) have gained attention due to their widespread occurrence in food and feed products and their potential toxic effects. This review comprehensively examines bioanalytical methods for detecting ENNs and BEA in biological matrices, focusing on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), solid-phase extraction (SPE), and advanced sample preparation techniques. It emphasizes the significance of assessing bioaccessibility, determining the proportion of mycotoxins absorbed during digestion and their associated exposure risk. The review also explores the toxicokinetic profiles of ENNs and BEA, providing insights into their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) in humans and animals. The review also explores the biotransformation of these mycotoxins, shedding light on their metabolism into various products. Biomonitoring studies are discussed, focusing on detecting the metabolites of ENNs and BEA in biological fluids such as urine, plasma, and tissues to assess exposure. Overall, this review advocates for more research on toxicokinetics and biotransformation to fully understand the health risks of ENNs and BEA, and calls for enhanced bioanalytical detection and biomonitoring methods to improve food safety and regulatory measures.

Natural pigments: innovative extraction technologies and their potential application in health and food industries

Natural pigments, or natural colorants, are frequently utilized in the food industry due to their diverse functional and nutritional attributes. Beyond their color properties, these pigments possess several biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects, as well as benefits for eye health. This review aims to provide a timely overview of the potential of natural pigments in the pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries. Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies for natural pigment extraction (thermal technologies, non-thermal technologies, and supercritical fluid extraction), their pharmacological effects, and their potential application in intelligent food packaging and as food colorants. Natural pigments show several pharmaceutical prospects. For example, delphinidin (30 µM) significantly inhibited the growth of three cancer cell lines (B16-F10, EO771, and RM1) by at least 90% after 48 h. Furthermore, as an antioxidant agent, fucoxanthin at the highest concentration (50 μg/mL) significantly increased the ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulfide (p < 0.05). In the food industry, natural pigments have been used to improve the nutritional value of food without significantly altering the sensory experience. Moreover, the use of natural pH-sensitive pigments as food freshness indicators in intelligent food packaging is a cutting-edge technological advancement. This innovation could provide useful information to consumers, increase shelf life, and assist in evaluating the quality of packaged food by observing color variations over time. However, the use of natural pigments presents certain challenges, particularly regarding their stability and higher production costs compared to synthetic pigments. This situation underscores the need for further investigation into alternative pigment sources and improved stabilization methods. The instability of these natural pigments emphasizes their tendency to degrade and change color when exposed to various external conditions, including light, oxygen, temperature fluctuations, pH levels, and interactions with other substances in the food matrix.

Bioaccessibility of Cafestol from Coffee Brew: A Metabolic Study Employing an In Vitro Digestion Model and LC-HRMS

Cafestol is an ent-kaurene skeleton diterpene that is present in coffee beans and brews. Although several biological activities have been described in the literature for cafestol, such as hypercholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, anticerous, and antidiabetic effects, its metabolism within the human body remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify cafestol in boiled coffee brew, assess its bioaccessibility using a static in vitro digestion model, and investigate the metabolites formed during the digestion process using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Cafestol content in the boiled coffee brew ranged from 127.47 to 132.65 mg L-1. The bioaccessibility of cafestol from boiled coffee brew using the in vitro digestion model was 93.65%; additionally, in the intestinal phase, cafestol was mainly found in its alcohol form. Additionally, a novel carboxylic acid derivative metabolite from cafestol with m/z 331.1909 [M + H]+ formed in the oral digestion phase is proposed. This metabolite was also detected in other digestion phases. Thus, this is the first article to investigate the metabolism of cafestol during digestion using an in vitro digestion model. The results indicate that cafestol is bioaccessible, is available to absorption, in its alcohol form, and suffers an oxidation reaction during the oral phase of digestion.

Inhibitory effects of chlorophyll pigments on the bioaccessibility of β-carotene: Influence of chlorophyll structure and oil matrix

Chlorophylls and β-carotene are fat-soluble phytochemicals in daily diets, while their bioaccessibility interaction remains unknown. Eight dietary chlorophylls and their derivatives (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, pheophytin a, pheophytin b, chlorophyllide a, chlorophyllide b, pheophorbide a, pheophorbide b) were combined with β-carotene in six different oil matrices (corn oil, coconut oil, medium-chain triglycerides, peanut oil, olive oil and fish oil) and were subjected to in vitro digestion. Generally, chlorophylls significantly decreased β-carotene bioaccessibility by competitive incorporation into micelles. Dephytylated chlorophylls had a greater inhibitory effect on the micellarization and bioaccessibility of β-carotene compared to phytylated chlorophylls. In their co-digestion system, olive oil group exhibited the smallest particle size and biggest zeta potential in both digesta and micelles. For chlorophylls, the phytol group and their levels are key factors, which was also buttressed by the mice model where additional supplementation of pheophorbide a significantly hindered the accumulation of β-carotene and retinoids compounds.

Low β-carotene bioaccessibility and bioavailability from high fat, dairy-based meal

PURPOSE

The original aim of the study was to determine, in a double-blind 3-arm crossover human trial (n = 7), the effect of supplemental levels of iron (25 mg) and zinc (30 mg) on β-carotene (synthetic) bioavailability (10 h postprandial). However, despite the high dose of supplemental β-carotene (15 mg) consumed with the high fat (18 g), dairy-based breakfast test meal, there was a negligible postprandial response in plasma and triglyceride rich fraction β-carotene concentrations. We then systematically investigated the possible reasons for this low bioavailability of β-carotene.

METHODS

We determined (1) if the supplemental β-carotene could be micellised and absorbed by epithelial cells, using a Caco-2 cell model, (2) if the fat from the test meal was sufficiently bioavailable to facilitate β-carotene bioavailability, (3) the extent to which the β-carotene could have been metabolised and converted to retinoic acid/retinol and (4) the effect of the test meal matrix on the β-carotene bioaccessibility (in vitro digestion) and Caco-2 cellular uptake.

RESULTS

We found that (1) The supplemental β-carotene could be micellised and absorbed by epithelial cells, (2) the postprandial plasma triacylglycerol response was substantial (approximately 75-100 mg dL-1 over 10 h), indicating sufficient lipid bioavailability to ensure β-carotene absorption, (3) the high fat content of the meal (approximately 18 g) could have resulted in increased β-carotene metabolism, (4) β-carotene bioaccessibility from the dairy-based test meal was sixfold lower (p < 0.05) than when digested with olive oil.

CONCLUSION

The low β-carotene bioavailability is probably due to a combination of the metabolism of β-carotene to retinol by BCMO1 and interactions of β-carotene with the food matrix, decreasing the bioaccessibility.

TRAIL REGISTRATION

The human trail was retrospectively registered (ClinicalTrail.gov ID: NCT05840848).

Carotenoid deposition in yolks of laying hens fed with corn diets differing in grain hardness and supplemented with rapeseed oil and emulsifier

This study investigated the effects of supplementing diets consisting of two dent corn hybrids (soft- and hard-type) with different amounts of rapeseed oil (2, 3, and 4%) and with (0.05%) or without emulsifier (Lysoforte Extended, Kemin) on the content and deposition of carotenoids in egg yolk. The feeding trial was conducted with 216 Lohmann Brown laying hens which were by 3 located in 72 cages. The cages were randomly assigned to 12 dietary treatments (2 hybrids × 3 rapeseed oil levels × 2 emulsifier levels), resulting in 6 cages (replicates) per each dietary treatment. After depletion, hens were fed treatment diets without added pigment for 7 wk. After stabilization of the carotenoid profile (lutein, zeaxanthin, α- and β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene and total carotenoids), eggs were collected once a week until the end of the experiment and deposition efficiency was calculated based on carotenoid content in yolk and diets, yolk weight, egg production and diet intake. Corn hybrid and rapeseed oil affected (P < 0.05) the yolk content and deposition efficiency of most carotenoids. Moreover, a significant (P < 0.05) hybrid × rapeseed oil level interaction for all carotenoids indicated hybrid-specific responses to rapeseed oil supplementation. In the soft-type hybrid, the addition of 3% rapeseed oil enhanced the carotenoid content compared to 2% of rapeseed oil, whereas for the hard-type hybrid, 2 and 3% of rapeseed oil resulted in similar contents. Supplementation of 4% rapeseed oil reduced the content regardless of the hybrid. Emulsifier addition positively affected (P < 0.05) the deposition efficiency of all carotenoids except β-carotene. In conclusion, supplementing corn diets with rapeseed oil and emulsifier affected carotenoid utilization and these responses varied in hybrids differing in grain hardness, which should be considered when using corn as the sole source of carotenoids in hen diets.

Carotenoid content and deposition efficiency in yolks of laying hens fed with dent corn hybrids differing in grain hardness and processing

Yolk carotenoid profile reflects the hen diet when corn grain is the only source of carotenoids, but corn origin and processing may affect carotenoid utilization. In the present study, 2 commercial dent corn hybrids differing in grain hardness (soft- and hard-type) were dried at low (40°C) and high (85°C) temperature and ground through a 5- and 9-mm sieve to investigate their effects on carotenoid bioavailability in laying hens. With 3 hens per cage, 168 Lohmann Brown laying hens were allocated to 8 dietary treatments (2 hybrids × 2 drying temperatures × 2 grinding sieves) in a completely randomized design (8 treatments × 7 cages). The trial lasted 8 wk, during which eggs were collected for analysis every 3 d until carotenoid content stabilized, and then once a week until the end of the experiment. The carotenoid profile of the experimental diets and yolks was analyzed using an HPLC method and deposition efficiency was calculated based on carotenoid contents, yolk weight, egg production and diet intake. The deposition efficiency for lutein, zeaxanthin, α- and β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene averaged 27.37, 18.67, 6.29, 3,32, and 0.94%, respectively. As expected, the tested hybrids highly affected the carotenoid content in egg yolk due to their differences in carotenoid profile. Interestingly, hard- and soft-type hybrids differed in the deposition efficiency for all individual carotenoids but not for the total carotenoids. High grain drying temperature tended to increase the bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin in both hybrids. For the hard-type hybrid, the content of β-carotene in egg yolk was higher when grains were dried at a high temperature, while the opposite response was found in the soft-type hybrid. The effect of grinding sieve size was important for the zeaxanthin bioavailability in the soft-type hybrid only. In conclusion, our findings showed that corn hybrid had a primary influence on the carotenoid content in the yolks of laying hens, but grain processing may change the bioavailability of carotenoids.

Synergistic effect of chitosan and β-carotene in inhibiting MNU-induced retinitis pigmentosa

In this study, N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) was intraperitoneally injected to construct a mouse retinitis pigmentosa (RP) model to evaluate the protective effect of chitosan and β-carotene on RP. The results demonstrated that chitosan synergized with β-carotene significantly reduced retinal histopathological structural damage in RP mice. The co-treatment group of β-carotene and chitosan restored the retinal thickness and outer nuclear layer thickness better than the group treated with the two alone, and the thickness reached the normal level. The content of β-carotene and retinoids in the liver of chitosan and β-carotene co-treated group increased by 46.75 % and 20.69 %, respectively, compared to the β-carotene group. Chitosan and β-carotene supplement suppressed the expressions of Bax, Calpain2, Caspase3, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and promoted the up-regulation of Bcl2. Chitosan and β-carotene interventions remarkably contributed to the content of SCFAs and enhanced the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, Odoribacteraceae and Helicobacteraceae. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong association between gut microbiota and improvement in retinitis pigmentosa. This study will provide a reference for the study of the gut-eye axis.

The profiles of free, esterified and insoluble-bound phenolics in peach juice after high pressure homogenization and evaluation of their antioxidant capacities, cytoprotective effect, and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-Ⅳ

The phenolic profiles, antioxidant capacities, cytoprotective effect, and α-glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibitory capacity of free (FP), esterified (EP) and insoluble-bound (IBP) phenolic fractions in 'Lijiang snow' peach juice after high pressure homogenization (HPH) were investigated, and the molecular docking was used to explore the enzyme inhibition mechanism. HPH increased total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in three fractions without changing compositions. The IC50 of radicals scavenged by three fractions were all reduced by HPH. The best inhibition on intracellular ROS production were found for phenolic fractions after HPH at 300 MPa, with ROS levels ranged within 95.26-119.16 %. HPH at 300 MPa reduced the apoptosis rates of FP and EP by 16.52 % and 9.33 %, respectively. All phenolic fractions showed effective inhibition on α-glucosidase and DPP-IV by formation of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. This study explored the feasibility of HPH to enhance the phenolics and bioactivity of peach juice.

Kernel properties related to carotenoid release during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion in commercial dent maize hybrids

The objective of study was to investigate the relationships between maize kernel properties and carotenoid release during simulated gastrointestinal digestion of 103 hybrids of dent type. Commercial maize hybrids significantly differed in kernel hardness, chemical composition and carotenoid profile. Across all hybrids, the amount of digestible individual carotenoids increased as follows: β-carotene < α-cryptoxanthin < β-cryptoxanthin < lutein < zeaxanthin. The amount of digested carotenoids correlated negatively with amylose content and amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, while it correlated positively with the content of neutral detergent fibres and amylopectin as well as the Stenvert index. However, the content of endosperm lipids could not be related to carotenoid digestibility. Findings clearly indicate that the carotenoid release from the kernel during digestion is related to specific physical and chemical properties, leading to a better understanding of the effects of kernel matrix structure on carotenoid digestibility in dent-type maize hybrids.

Carotenoid enrichment in eggs: From biochemistry perspective

The emergence of safe and functional eggs for consumer acceptance has gained focus. The production of carotenoid-enriched eggs has received attention due to its multifunctional biological properties. Nutritional modification of laying hens' diet can be a strategy to produce such eggs. This review presents the chemistry of carotenoids in nature and eggs, the accumulation process of carotenoids into eggs, and the functions of carotenoids in eggs. Our findings showed that carotenoids can be deposited into the egg and contribute to improving its nutritive value. The biosynthesis, chemical structure, and metabolism pathways of carotenoids lead to the deposition of carotenoids into eggs in their original or metabolized forms. Also, some factors modulate the efficiency of carotenoids in fowls before accumulation into eggs. Carotenoid-enriched eggs may be promising, ensuring the availability of highly nutritive eggs. However, further studies are still needed to comprehend the full metabolism process and the extensive functions of carotenoids in eggs.

Bioaccessibility and bioactive potential of different phytochemical classes from nutraceuticals and functional foods

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are composed of especially complex matrices, with polyphenols, carotenoids, minerals, and vitamins, among others, being the main classes of phytochemicals involved in their bioactivities. Despite their wide use, further investigations are needed to certify the proper release of these phytochemicals into the gastrointestinal medium, where the bioaccessibility assay is one of the most frequently used method. The aim of this review was to gather and describe different methods that can be used to assess the bioaccessibility of nutraceuticals and functional foods, along with the most important factors that can impact this process. The link between simulated digestion testing of phytochemicals and their in vitro bioactivity is also discussed, with a special focus on the potential of developing nutraceuticals and functional foods from simple plant materials. The bioactive potential of certain classes of phytochemicals from nutraceuticals and functional foods is susceptible to different variations during the bioaccessibility assessment, with different factors contributing to this variability, namely the chemical composition and the nature of the matrix. Regardless of the high number of studies, the current methodology fails to assume correlations between bioaccessibility and bioactivity, and the findings of this review indicate a necessity for updated and standardized protocols.

Progress on the Extraction, Separation, Biological Activity, and Delivery of Natural Plant Pigments

Natural plant pigments are safe and have low toxicity, with various nutrients and biological activities. However, the extraction, preservation, and application of pigments are limited due to the instability of natural pigments. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the extraction and application processes of natural plant pigments in detail. This review discusses the classification, extraction methods, biological activities, and modification methods that could improve the stability of various pigments from plants, providing a reference for applying natural plant pigments in the industry and the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Improving the Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Carotenoids by Means of Nanostructured Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Carotenoids are bioactive compounds provided by the diet playing a key role in maintaining human health. Therefore, they should be ingested daily in an adequate amount. However, even a varied and well-balanced diet does not guarantee an adequate intake, as both the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the compounds significantly affect their absorption. This review summarizes the main results achieved in improving the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of carotenoids by means of nanostructured delivery systems, discussing in detail the available lipid-based and biopolymeric nanocarriers at present, with a focus on their formulation and functional efficiency. Although the toxicity profile of these innovative delivery systems is not fully understood, especially for long-term intake, these systems are an effective and valuable approach to increase the availability of compounds of nutritional interest.

Assessment of in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds in a model milk-mandarine beverage

Mandarine juice is one of the richest sources of β-cryptoxanthin and flavonoids, which have been positively associated with bone mineral density. Carotenoids are lipophilic isoprenoid compounds with a complex absorption process that can be affected by different factors. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of the food matrix on the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds in a model milk-mandarine beverage (MMB). MMBs were formulated with mandarine juice and different dairy products to achieve three fat levels (0.2%, 1.7% and 3.2%) and three calcium levels (120, 310 and 500 mg Ca²⁺ per 100 ml). The bioaccessibility was evaluated using a harmonised in vitro digestion method. The results showed that the content of milk fat increased the bioaccessibility in vitro of phenolic compounds (p < 0.05), while a moderate fat level (1.7%) resulted in the highest bioaccessibility for bioactive carotenoids. On the other hand, calcium fortification at the highest level (500 mg Ca²⁺ per 100 mL) decreased the bioaccessibility of bioactive carotenoids from 76% to 43% (66% for the major β-cryptoxanthin) compared to the lower calcium fortification level (120 mg Ca²⁺ per 100 mL). The bioaccessibility of hesperidin, the main flavanone in mandarine juice, was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the MMB with the highest calcium level. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds is affected by fat and calcium levels. When formulating functional beverages, the impact of the formulation should be carefully considered to optimize the bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds.

Construction of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds for loading and delivery of carotenoids: Preparation methods, structural properties, and absorption-enhancing mechanisms

Due to the unstable chemical properties and poor water solubility of carotenoids, their processing adaptation and oral bioavailability are poor, limiting their application in hydrophilic food systems. Lipid-biomacromolecular compounds can be excellent carriers for carotenoid delivery by taking full advantage of the solubilization of lipids to non-polar nutrients and the water dispersion and gastrointestinal controlled release properties of biomacromolecules. This paper reviewed the research progress of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds as encapsulation and delivery carriers of carotenoids and summarized the material selection and preparation methods for biomacromolecular compounds. By considering the interaction between the two, this paper briefly discussed the effect of these compounds on carotenoid water solubility, stability, and bioavailability, emphasizing their delivery effect on carotenoids. Finally, various challenges and future trends of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds as carotenoid delivery carriers were discussed, providing new insight into efficient loading and delivery of carotenoids.

Black pepper and vegetable oil-based emulsion synergistically enhance carotenoid bioavailability of raw vegetables in humans

This study demonstrated the combination of black pepper and a canola oil-based emulsion synergistically enhanced carotenoid bioavailability of raw vegetables in humans. In a randomized crossover design, healthy young adults consumed (1) vegetable salad (control), (2) salad with canola oil emulsion (COE), (3) salad with black pepper (BP), and (4) salad with canola oil emulsion and black pepper (COE + BP). COE + BP led to a higher AUC_0-10h of total plasma carotenoids (p < 0.0005) than the control (6.1-fold), BP (2.1-fold), and COE (3.0-fold). COE + BP increased AUC_0-10h of plasma lutein, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene by 4.8, 9.7, 7.6, and 5.5-fold than the control, respectively (p < 0.0001). COE + BP produced a significant synergy in increasing both C_max and AUC_0-10h of total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene. Moreover, COE + BP produced a stronger enhancement on AUC_0-10h of total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene in females than in males.

Residential Food Environment, Household Wealth and Maternal Education Association to Preschoolers' Consumption of Plant-Based Vitamin A-Rich Foods: The EAT Addis Survey in Addis Ababa

Vitamin A deficiency is common among preschoolers in low-income settings and a serious public health concern due to its association to increased morbidity and mortality. The limited consumption of vitamin A-rich food is contributing to the problem. Many factors may influence children's diet, including residential food environment, household wealth, and maternal education. However, very few studies in low-income settings have examined the relationship of these factors to children's diet together. This study aimed to assess the importance of residential food availability of three plant-based groups of vitamin A-rich foods, household wealth, and maternal education for preschoolers' consumption of plant-based vitamin A-rich foods in Addis Ababa. A multistage sampling procedure was used to enroll 5467 households with under-five children and 233 residential food environments with 2568 vendors. Data were analyzed using a multilevel binary logistic regression model. Overall, 36% (95% CI: 34.26, 36.95) of the study children reportedly consumed at least one plant-based vitamin A-rich food group in the 24-h dietary recall period. The odds of consuming any plant-based vitamin A-rich food were significantly higher among children whose mothers had a higher education level (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 2.01, 3.25), those living in the highest wealth quintile households (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.92, 2.93), and in residentials where vitamin A-rich fruits were available (AOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.41). Further research in residential food environment is necessary to understand the purchasing habits, affordability, and desirability of plant-based vitamin A-rich foods to widen strategic options to improve its consumption among preschoolers in low-income and low-education communities.

Optimization of nutritional and functional qualities of local complementary foods of southern Ethiopia using a customized mixture design

Commercially produced complementary foods are inaccessible to rural households in Ethiopia. This study aimed to optimize the nutritional and functional properties of local complementary foods using flours of the following locally available crops: maize, red kidney bean, kocho, and pumpkin fruit. Ten formulations were generated using a customized mixture design. A five-point hedonic scale was used for the determination of organoleptic properties, and standard methods were used for the analyses of nutritional composition and functional properties. The flours were mixed in the range of 20%-30% for kocho, 10%-25% for pumpkin fruit, 10%-40% for red kidney bean, and 15%-30% for maize. Optimal nutritional and functional properties were obtained using 33.5% kocho, 22.5% maize, 17.5% pumpkin, and 26.5% red kidney bean. Optimal values for functional properties were 0.86 g/ml, 5.94 ml/g, 4.14 ml/g, 2.96 g/g, 5.0 ml/g, and 1225.3 cP for bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity, swelling index, and viscosity, respectively. All formulations were within acceptable limits with scores ranging from 3.00 to 4.32 on a scale of 5. The inclusion of 25% pumpkin fruit flour and other ingredients between 20% and 30% increased the pro-vitamin A carotenoid and vitamin E contents of the composite flours. Aside from optimization, a higher concentration of limiting amino acids was achieved with 40% kidney beans and 15%-25% of the other ingredients. The mineral contents improved with increasing pumpkin, kidney bean, and kocho. To sum up, the nutrient quality, energy density, and functional quality of complementary foods can be optimized at a low cost using local ingredients.

Commercial Corn Hybrids as a Single Source of Dietary Carotenoids: Effect on Egg Yolk Carotenoid Profile and Pigmentation

Commercial high-yielding corn hybrids have not been evaluated for their ability to pigment egg yolk. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effects of commercial hybrids with different carotenoid profiles as the only source of pigments in the diets of hens on yolk color and carotenoid content, as well as the carotenoid deposition efficiency into the yolk. Treatment diets, differing only in one of five corn hybrids, were offered in a completely randomized design in six cages per treatment, each with three hens. Treatment diets and yolks differed in carotenoid profile (contents of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene, p < 0.001), with total carotenoid contents ranging from 17.13–13.45 µg/g in diet and 25.99–21.97 µg/g in yolk. The treatments differed (p < 0.001) in yolk color, which was determined by yolk color fan (10.8–9.83) and CIE Lab (redness; range 12.47–10.05). The highest yolk color intensity was achieved by a diet with the highest content of zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. The deposition efficiency of lutein and zeaxanthin (25.52 and 26.05%, respectively) was higher than that of β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene (8.30 and 5.65%, respectively), and the deposition efficiency of all carotenoids decreased with increasing dietary content. Commercial corn hybrids provided adequate yolk color and could be the only source of carotenoids in the diets of hens, which could reduce the cost of egg production and increase farmers’ income.

Dietary astaxanthin: an excellent carotenoid with multiple health benefits

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid widely found in marine organisms and microorganisms. With extensive use in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed, astaxanthin will have the largest share in the global market for carotenoids in the near future. Owing to its unique molecular features, astaxanthin has excellent antioxidant activity and holds promise for use in biochemical studies. This review focuses on the observed health benefits of dietary astaxanthin, as well as its underlying bioactivity mechanisms. Recent studies have increased our understanding of the role of isomerization and esterification in the structure-function relationship of dietary astaxanthin. Gut microbiota may involve the fate of astaxanthin during digestion and absorption; thus, further knowledge is needed to establish accurate recommendations for dietary intake of both healthy and special populations. Associated with the regulation of redox balance and multiple biological mechanisms, astaxanthin is proposed to affect oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and lipid metabolism in humans, thus exerting benefits for skin condition, eye health, cardiovascular system, neurological function, exercise performance, and immune response. Additionally, preclinical trials predict its potential effects such as intestinal flora regulation and anti-diabetic activity. Therefore, astaxanthin is worthy of further investigation for boosting human health, and wide applications in the food industry.

Bioaccessibility of microalgae-based carotenoids and their association with the lipid matrix

The composition of microalgae can contribute to nutritious and functional diets. Among the functional compounds, carotenoids are in focus since positive effects on human health have been established, which are in turn related to their bioaccessibility. In addition to essential nutrients, our hypothesis was that microalgae biomasses could be used as sources of bioaccessible carotenoids. Thus, this study determined for the first time the bioaccessibility of carotenoids from biomass of Scenedesmus bijuga and Chlorella sorokiniana and their possible relationship with the lipid composition of the matrix. The samples were submitted to in vitro digestion protocol, and carotenoids were determined by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. Individual bioaccessibility of carotenoids was ≥ 3.25%. In general, compounds in their cis conformation were more bioaccessible than trans; and total carotenes more than total xanthophylls. Twelve compounds were bioaccessible from the biomass of S. bijuga, and eight in C. sorokiniana. In S. bijuga, the bioaccessibility of total carotenoids was 7.30%, and the major bioaccessible carotenoids were 9-cis-β-carotene (43.78%), 9-cis-zeaxanthin (42.30%) followed by 9-cis-lutein (26.73%); while in C. sorokiniana, the total bioaccessibility was 8.03%, and 9-cis-β-carotene (26.18%), all-trans-β-carotene (13.56%), followed by 13-cis-lutein (10.71%) were the major compounds. Overall, the total content of lipids does not influence the bioaccessibility of total carotenoids. Still, the lipid composition, including structural characteristics such as degree of saturation and chain length of the fatty acid, impacts the promotion of individual bioaccessibility of carotenes and xanthophylls of microalgae. Finally, the results of this study can assist the development of microalgae-based functional food ingredients and products.

Protective capacity of gum Arabic, maltodextrin, different starches, and fibers on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of an orange puree (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) against freeze-drying and in vitro digestion

Dehydrated fruit puree may be a convenient way to promote the healthy consumption of fruit based foods. Drying carriers, highly used by the food industry to stabilize dried fruit products, may show a potential encapsulating capacity of the biocompounds, that could also limit their bioaccesibility. This study analyzed the impact of gum Arabic (GA), bamboo fiber (BF), native corn starch, starch substituted with octenylsuccinic groups, pea fiber, and maltodextrin on the in vitro bioaccessibility of vitamin C (VC), total phenols (TP), and β-carotene, as well as on the antioxidant capacity during the freeze-drying and in vitro digestion of an orange puree. Amongst the formulations studied, GA + BF was the most effective for phytochemicals protection of the freeze-dried orange puree during the intestinal stage of digestion, resulting in a higher TP and VC bioaccessibility (59% and 36%, respectively).

High Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Moderate Fat Intake Are Associated with Higher Carotenoid Concentration in Human Plasma

Carotenoids are pigments contained mainly in fruit and vegetables (F&V) that have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health. Due to their lipophilic nature, co-ingestion of fat appears to increase their bioavailability via facilitating transfer to the aqueous micellar phase during digestion. However, the extent to which high fat intake may contribute to increased carotenoid plasma concentrations is still unclear. The objective was to examine the degree to which the consumption of different amounts of both carotenoid-rich foods and fats is associated with plasma carotenoid concentrations within a Mediterranean lifestyle context (subsample from the PREDIMED-Plus study baseline) where consumption of F&V and fat is high. The study population was categorized into four groups according to their self-reported consumption of F&V and fat. Carotenoids were extracted from plasma samples and analyzed by HPLC-UV-VIS-QqQ-MS/MS. Carotenoid systemic concentrations were greater in high consumers of F&V than in low consumers of these foods (+3.04 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.90, 5.17), p-value = 0.005), but circulating concentrations seemed to decrease when total fat intake was very high (-2.69 μmol/L (-5.54; 0.16), p-value = 0.064). High consumption of F&V is associated with greater systemic levels of total carotenoids, in particular when fat intake is low-to-moderate rather than very high.

Study on the bioavailability of stevioside-encapsulized lutein and its mechanism

This study aims to develop novel lutein nanoparticles encapsulized by stevioside (LUT-STE, 165 ± 2 nm average particles size) and systematically evaluate its bioavailability. Multiple spectroscopy and NMR analyses showed lutein and stevioside could interact through hydrogen bonds, CHπ interaction and van der Waals forces. Molecular docking simulation showed lutein was well distributed in the hydrophobic cavity of stevioside. Analyzed by Caco-2 cellular models, the transported amount of LUT-STE was 2.39 times that of lutein in 120 min with a P_app (B → A)/P_app (A → B) value of 0.63 ± 0.04. Nystatin and dynasore significantly reduced the cellular uptake of LUT-STE by 41.3% and 57.7%, respectively. Compared with free lutein, LUT-STE increased the C_max in mice plasma by 5.01-fold and promoted the accumulation in multiple organs. LUT-STE promoted the protein expressions of CD36, NPC1L1 and PPARγ in both cell and animal models. In conclusion, stevioside entrapment significantly promote the bioavailability of lutein through multiple transmembrane pathways.

Bioaccessibility of fat-soluble bioactive compounds (FSBC) from avocado fruit as affected by ripening and FSBC composition in the food matrix

Dried fruit pulp and oil from avocado fruit (Persea americana, Cv Hass) at five different ripening stages were digested in vitro to determine the bioaccessibility of several fat-soluble bioactive compounds (FSBC). Viscosity, particle size, ζ-potential and lipolysis were evaluated and related to the bioaccessibility of the tested compounds. Fatty acids were more bioaccessible than carotenoids and tocopherols. The viscosity of gastrointestinal medium was related to the initial fruit firmness and modulated the bioaccessibility of neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein and luteoxanthin, while particle size and ζ-potential influenced the bioaccessibility of fatty acids. Lipolysis degree highly altered the bioaccessibility of luteoxanthin, pheophytin b, and α-tocopherol indicating that these digestive events are highly involved in the bioaccessibility of FSBC. In summary, FSBC from avocado fruit are highly bioaccessible, but their bioaccessibility depends on fruit ripening stage and FSBC type and concentration.

A review of factors that affect carotenoid concentrations in human plasma: differences between Mediterranean and Northern diets

Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments of autotroph organisms that have been related to many health benefits and this is not only because some of them are precursors of vitamin A. Individual or whole carotenoid consumption has been associated with a lower risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases among others. However, the blood levels of carotenoids vary largely from person to person due to different factors. Diet is the most important one because of the dietary patterns that different populations follow, the time of the year of consumption or the personal preferences. Nevertheless, the intrinsic host factors such as the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion genetic polymorphisms, the volume of distribution and the person's microbiota and others such as carotenoid interactions are also inducing this so called inter-individual variability. Besides, culinary methods and processing produce changes in the foods that directly affect carotenoid content and hence their blood profile. Different types of studies have been performed to understand the between-subject variation of the carotenoid profile in human plasma. This research is focused on this matter as levels of carotenoids in human plasma could be useful for the prediction of some diseases. The Mediterranean diet is probably the most carotenoid rich diet stemming from its high proportion of fruits and vegetables. Its differences with other diets and the effect on the carotenoid blood profile of the consumers are currently a very interesting topic of study.

Impact of onions in tomato-based sauces on isomerization and bioaccessibility of colorless carotenes: phytoene and phytofluene

Onions as an interesting ingredient have been proved to promote Z-isomerization of lycopene and increase bioaccessibility of total-lycopene. Phytoene (PT) and phytofluene (PTF), the precursors of lycopene, are colorless carotenes, which are attracting much attention and are also abundant in tomatoes. Therefore, onions might also affect the distribution and bioaccessibility of PT and PTF isomers during heating tomato (hot-break and cold-break purees)-onion-extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) sauces. The addition of onions (or diallyl disulfide present in onions) into tomato purees did not cause degradation of PT or PTF; however it favored E/Z-isomerization of PT and PTF by reducing the proportions of their natural Z-isomers (Z-15-PT and Z2,3-PTF) and decreased the bioaccessibility of total-PT and total-PTF. Simultaneously, a complex picture was obtained for the effect of onions on the bioaccessibility of individual PT and PTF isomers, depending on the precise isomer. Bioaccessibility of PT and PTF isomers in tomato-based sauces decreased in the order: 15-Z-PT > all-E-PT; Z2,3-PTF > all-E-PTF > Z4 or Z5-PTF; total-PT > total-PTF. E-isomerization of PT and PTF enhanced by onions during heating tomato-onion purees decreased their bioaccessibility.

Retinol deficiency in animals: Etiopathogenesis and consequences

Infertility is widespread for all species of animals and causes significant economic losses to livestock due to the loss and shortage of offspring, their reduced viability and, consequently, increased morbidity and mortality. Alimentary-deficiency factors are among the commonest causes of infertility, from which A-vitamin deficiency should be singled out. The precursor of vitamin A in the body is carotene, which is an unstable compound which is easily destroyed even under the influence of moderate factors of influence, in connection with which its deficiency is global, especially at the end of the winter – stall period of keeping animals. Accordingly it is the leading etiological factor of retinol deficiency infertility. As a result, the body has two negatives that act in parallel: carotene / vitamin A deficiency adversely affects the organs, the constituent and major functional unit of which is the secretory epithelial cell, and the free radical oxides formed in high concentration are extremely effective in destroying the cells, weakening antioxidant protection. Vitamin A has a significant effect on the reproductive function of animals both directly and indirectly. It is necessary to ensure the structure and functioning of the epithelial tissues of the organs of regulation and performance of sexual function, and therefore the physiological development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum period, ovo- and spermiogenesis, the manifestation of sexual reflexes. Instead, its deficiency underlies the etiology and pathogenesis of retinol deficiency infertility of animals, causing changes in individual indices of homeostasis and prooxidate-antioxidant system, morphostructure of the reproductive and endocrine organs, hormonal status, sperm quality and reproductive function. The consequence is the emergence and development of gynecological, andrological, mammological and perinatal (ante-, intra-, post- and neo-) pathologies. At the same time, the addition of carotene or retinol to the diets of animals or their oral administration in cases of deficiency of vitamin A prevents impaired reproductive function. The study of the features of the etiopathogenesis of retinol deficiency infertility of animals allows programs of complex diagnostics, therapy and prevention to be developed which provide determination of carotene and vitamin A content and replenishment of the organism in cases of their deficiency.

Physiological relevance of food antioxidants

Dietary antioxidants are associated with prevention of oxidative stress related chronic diseases including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in extending the knowledge on their physiological effects in human body. There are numbers of epidemiological, clinical, meta-analysis, and in vitro studies to explain formation mechanisms of each chronic diseases as well as the potential effects of dietary antioxidants on these diseases and gut health. Comprehensive studies for food antioxidants' journey from dietary intake to target tissues/organs deserve a serious consideration to have a clear understanding on the physiological effects of dietary antioxidants. Therefore, absorption and metabolism of dietary antioxidants, and the factors affecting their absorption, such as solubility of antioxidants, food matrix, and interaction between antioxidants have been evaluated in several research articles. This chapter provides an overview about potential health effects of dietary antioxidants considering with their absorption and metabolism in human body.

Determinants and Suitability of Carotenoid Reflection Score as a Measure of Carotenoid Status

Carotenoids, orange-coloured pigments found in vegetables, fruit, eggs and dairy foods, act as antioxidants and vitamin A precursors in the human body. Skin carotenoid concentration is a biomarker of vegetable and fruit intake. The aim was to identify determinants of skin carotenoid concentration by measuring “Veggie Meter™” carotenoid reflection spectroscopy scores (CRS) from the fingertip of adults with a range of ages, ethnicity and body size. Frequencies of daily intake of vegetables and fruit and weekly intake of pumpkin and carrot, dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), eggs (yolk), and dairy were determined from a self-completed food-frequency-questionnaire. A total of 571 (324 Women, 247 Men) adults, aged 16 to 85 years, completed measurements. The CRS ranged from 83 to 769, with a median of 327. Women and men did not score differently. For all participants there were negative correlations of CRS with weight (r = −0.312) and BMI (r = −0.338) and positive correlations with weekly intakes of DGLV (r = 0.242) and carrots and pumpkin (r = 0.202). Based on a review of health outcomes associated with plasma carotenoids, 82% of the participants in the current study are at moderate risk, or more, of negative health outcomes. Determinants of carotenoid status were body size, intake of DGLV, carrots and pumpkin, and ethnicity.

Role of Vitamin A in Mammary Gland Development and Lactation

Vitamin A (all-trans-retinol), its active derivatives retinal and retinoic acid, and their synthetic analogues constitute the group of retinoids. It is obtained from diet either as preformed vitamin A or as carotenoids. Retinal plays a biological role in vision, but most of the effects of vitamin A are exerted by retinoic acid, which binds to nuclear receptors and regulates gene transcription. Vitamin A deficiency is an important nutritional problem, particularly in the developing world. Retinol and carotenoids from diet during pregnancy and lactation influence their concentration in breast milk, which is important in the long term, not only for the offspring, but also for maternal health. In this study, we review the role of vitamin A in mammary gland metabolism, where retinoid signaling is required not only for morphogenesis and development of the gland and for adequate milk production, but also during the weaning process, when epithelial cell death is coupled with tissue remodeling.

A D-optimal mixture design of tomato-based sauce formulations: effects of onion and EVOO on lycopene isomerization and bioaccessibility

A D-optimal mixture design was used to study the effects of onion and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on lycopene Z-isomerization, lycopene diffusion into oil (expressed as a partition factor between tomato-based puree and oil) and in vitro bioaccessibility of lycopene isomers after thermal treatment of tomato-based puree consisting of tomato (75-100%), onion (0-20%) and EVOO (0-5%). A decrease of tomato puree could improve lycopene Z-isomerization, lycopene diffusion and lycopene bioaccessibility. The component interactions had an important influence on the Z-isomerization of lycopene, besides the linear mixtures of components. However, only linear mixtures of components appeared to have significant effects on the diffusion and bioaccessibility of lycopene, in which EVOO had the highest positive effect followed by onion. The bioaccessibility of lycopene isomers in every tomato-based sauce formulation decreased in the order: 13-Z-lycopene > 9-Z-lycopene > 5-Z-lycopene > all-E-lycopene. The bioaccessibility of total-Z-lycopene was at least 10 times higher than that of all-E-lycopene. Proportions of total-Z-lycopene were correlated positively with the partition factor and bioaccessibility of total-lycopene, with an r over 0.730 (p = 0.0031). Therefore, increased Z-lycopene proportions probably contributed to enhanced lycopene diffusion and bioaccessibility. The positive effects of components, especially onion, on total-lycopene diffusion and bioaccessibility were probably because the components increased the Z-isomerization of lycopene during heating of tomato-based puree.

Nutritional Importance of Carotenoids and Their Effect on Liver Health: A Review

The consumption of carotenoids has beneficial effects on health, reducing the risk of certain forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and macular degeneration, among others. The mechanism of action of carotenoids has not been clearly identified; however, it has been associated with the antioxidant capacity of carotenoids, which acts against reactive oxygen species and inactivating free radicals, although it has also been shown that carotenoids modulate gene expression. Dietary carotenoids are absorbed and accumulated in the liver and other organs, where they exert their beneficial effects. In recent years, it has been described that the intake of carotenoids can significantly reduce the risk of suffering from liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disease is characterized by an imbalance in lipid metabolism producing the accumulation of fat in the hepatocyte, leading to lipoperoxidation, followed by oxidative stress and inflammation. In the first phases, the main treatment of NAFLD is to change the lifestyle, including dietary habits. In this sense, carotenoids have been shown to have a hepatoprotective effect due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress and regulate the lipid metabolism of hepatocytes by modulating certain genes. The objective of this review was to provide a description of the effects of dietary carotenoids from fruits and vegetables on liver health.

Iron, Catechin, and Ferulic Acid Inhibit Cellular Uptake of β-Carotene by Reducing Micellization

Green leafy vegetables have low β-carotene bioavailability, which we hypothesized to be, at least in part, due to high contents of fiber, minerals, and phenolics. We investigated the effects of pectin (40-120 μg/mL), iron (50-150 μg/mL), ferulic acid (30-90 μg/mL), and catechin (50-150 μg/mL), in a model system, on β-carotene micellization (in vitro digestion) and intestinal absorption (Caco-2 cell model). Iron, pectin, ferulic acid, and catechin on average reduced ( p < 0.05) β-carotene micellization (1.49 ± 0.05 μmol/L) by 66.9, 59.3, 43.2, and 51.7%, respectively. Iron reduced micellization by precipitating bile salts from solution and ferulic acid and catechin by inhibition of pancreatic lipase. β-Carotene uptake by Caco-2 cells (2.63 ± 0.22%) was reduced ( p < 0.05) by 37.4, 70.1, 77.0, and 75.1%, respectively, when it was digested with pectin, iron, ferulic acid, or catechin. However, when individual test compounds were added to already micellized β-carotene, they did not inhibit β-carotene uptake. The large reductions in β-carotene micellization observed in vitro warrant further investigation in humans using model green leafy vegetable systems to elucidate their relevance under real-life conditions.

Acute Effect of a Single Dose of Tomato Sofrito on Plasmatic Inflammatory Biomarkers in Healthy Men

Sofrito is a Mediterranean tomato-based sauce that typically also contains olive oil, onion, and garlic. The preparation of sofrito modifies the bioactive compounds (carotenoids and polyphenols) in the ingredients to more bioavailable forms, promoting cis-lycopene formation and polyphenol bioaccessibility. To evaluate the health benefits of this cooking technique, the effect of consuming an acute dose of sofrito on the inflammatory status was studied. In a clinical trial, 22 healthy male subjects consumed a single dose of sofrito (240 g/70 kg) after three days without ingesting any tomato products and following a low-antioxidant diet the day before the intervention. Plasma carotenoids and total polyphenol excretion (TPE) were evaluated, as well as the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). After the sofrito intake, a significant decrease in CRP (p = 0.010) and TNF-α (p = 0.011) was observed, but only TNF-α was inversely correlated with an increase in TPE and plasma β-carotene (not the major carotenoid, lycopene). The positive health effects of this tomato-based product may be attributed not only to lycopene, but to the bioactive compounds of all the ingredients.

Multifunctional green supramolecular solvents for cost-effective production of highly stable astaxanthin-rich formulations from Haematococcus pluvialis

The interest of food industry to merchandise natural astaxanthin is growing up. However, it confronts scientific and technological challenges mainly related to its poor water solubility and chemical instability. Here, we present a new quick and efficient green process to simultaneously extract, encapsulate and stabilize astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. The process is based on the hitherto unexplored combination of supramolecular solvents (SUPRAS), nanostructured liquids generated from amphiphiles through sequential self-assembly and coacervation, and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). These novel nanosystems were characterized by means of dynamic light scattering, AFM and cryoSEM, revealing spherical particles of ∼100 nm. Their antioxidant activity was measured by ORAC (20.6 ± 3.9 μM TE) and α-TEAC (2.92 ± 0.58 µM α-TE) assays and their in vitro capacity to inhibit ROS by DHE probe. Results showed that the SUPRAS-NLCs proposed yield high extraction and encapsulation efficiencies (71 ± 4%) in combination with a remarkable time stability (180 d, 4 °C).

Bioaccessibility of Biofortified Sweet Potato Carotenoids in Baby Food: Impact of Manufacturing Process

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), a biofortified crop rich in β-carotene, can be used as a component of baby food recipes in order to tackle vitamin A deficiency in children <6 years old. In this work, the impact of formulation (addition of pumpkin, oil, and egg yolk) and industrial heat processing (pasteurization, sterilization) on carotenoid content and bioaccessibility was evaluated in an OFSP-based baby puree. A commercial OFSP baby food product from Brazil and a homemade OFSP puree were used as references. The losses of all-trans-β-carotene ranged from 16 to 21% (pasteurization, homemade) to 32% (sterilization). Because of higher particle sizes and despite a higher content in carotenoids, the homemade puree had a lower bioaccessibility (i.e., micellar transfer using in vitro digestion: 0.50%) compared with the sterilized and commercial purees (5.3-6.2%). Taking into account bioaccessibility and applying a 50% conversion to retinol, a 115 g baby portion of the sterilized OFSP-puree formulated with 2% oil provided 31.4% of the daily vitamin A requirement (RDA) for children under 6 years. In comparison, 115 g of homemade OFSP-puree provided only 3.5% of the RDA. Addition of pumpkin to OFSP did not improve the percentage of RDA. Interestingly, the incorporation of an emulsifier (egg yolk powder) before cooking could improve the percentage of provision by a factor of 2.7. These results showed that reaching a balance between formulation and processing is determinant to maximize carotenoid bioaccessibility of carotenoids from OFSP-based baby food.

Enhancing Skin Health: By Oral Administration of Natural Compounds and Minerals with Implications to the Dermal Microbiome

The history of cosmetics goes back to early Egyptian times for hygiene and health benefits while the history of topical applications that provide a medicinal treatment to combat dermal aging is relatively new. For example, the term cosmeceutical was first coined by Albert Kligman in 1984 to describe topical products that afford both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. However, beauty comes from the inside. Therefore, for some time scientists have considered how nutrition reflects healthy skin and the aging process. The more recent link between nutrition and skin aging began in earnest around the year 2000 with the demonstrated increase in peer-reviewed scientific journal reports on this topic that included biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action. Thus, the application of: (a) topical administration from outside into the skin and (b) inside by oral consumption of nutritionals to the outer skin layers is now common place and many journal reports exhibit significant improvement for both on a variety of dermal parameters. Therefore, this review covers, where applicable, the history, chemical structure, and sources such as biological and biomedical properties in the skin along with animal and clinical data on the oral applications of: (a) collagen, (b) ceramide, (c) β-carotene, (d) astaxanthin, (e) coenzyme Q10, (f) colostrum, (g) zinc, and (h) selenium in their mode of action or function in improving dermal health by various quantified endpoints. Lastly, the importance of the human skin microbiome is briefly discussed in reference to the genomics, measurement, and factors influencing its expression and how it may alter the immune system, various dermal disorders, and potentially be involved in chemoprevention.