Author(s): Ferreira da Vinha, Ana ; Silva, Carla Sousa e ; Moutinho, Carla ; Matos, Carla ; Espírito-Santo, Liliana ; SG Costa, Anabela ; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.
Date: 2023
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10284/11928
Origin: Repositório Institucional - Universidade Fernando Pessoa
Subject(s): Natural pigments; Chemical strutures; Functional properties; Bioavailability; Carotenoids applications
Carotenoids are versatile isoprenoids that have been related to a number of health benefits. Their presence in foods, dietary intake and circulating levels have been associated with a reduced incidence of obesity, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and even lower total mortality. In this review, several considerations for their safe and sustainable use in foods mostly intended for health promotion are provided. Specifically, information about biosynthesis, sources, ingestion, and factors affecting their bioavailability is summarized. Furthermore, their health-promoting actions and their importance in public health regarding their contribution to reduce the risk of several deseases are synthesized. Also, in this review is emphasized carotenoids benefits as potential strategy for nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industrial applications.This study also addressed the significant obstacles as well as the synergistic factors that interfere with the bioavailability and consequent biological functions of carotenoids. Finally, this review enhances the use of carotenoids as functional compounds in different industries.
