Carotenoids Diet: Digestion, Gut Microbiota Modulation, and Inflammatory Diseases

Abstract

Several epidemiologic studies have found that consuming fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of getting a variety of chronic illnesses, including several types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and bowel diseases. Although there is still debate over the bioactive components, various secondary plant metabolites have been linked to these positive health benefits. Many of these features have recently been connected to carotenoids and their metabolites’ effects on intracellular signalling cascades, which influence gene expression and protein translation. Carotenoids are the most prevalent lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, are found in micromolar amounts in human serum, and are very susceptible to multiple oxidation and isomerisation reactions. The gastrointestinal delivery system, digestion processes, stability, and functionality of carotenoids, as well as their impact on the gut microbiota and how carotenoids may be effective modulators of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, are still lacking research advances. Although several pathways involved in carotenoids’ bioactivity have been identified, future studies should focus on the carotenoids’ relationships, related metabolites, and their effects on transcription factors and metabolism.

Carotenoids and Intestinal Harmony: Exploring the Link for Health

“…The results obtained for the plain β-carotene sample are not consistent with those obtained in a previous study [ 41 ], in which lutein, as a xanthophyll, more significantly impacted the IM than carotenes such as β-carotene. This result shows that carotenoids are structurally different from each other and may alter the composition of the IM in distinct ways [ 57 ].…”

Plasma Carotenoids and Polyphenols and Their Association with MetS: The Need for Nutritional Interventions

“…Similarly, the bioavailability of carotenoids in nature is limited, and there is insufficient knowledge on their pathway through the gastrointestinal tract regarding inflammation and related digestive processes. Additionally, the role of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in the metabolism and absorption of carotenoids remains unclear based on the research conducted [37,38,58].…”

Introductory Chapter: Dietary Carotenoids – Sources, Properties, and Role in Human Health

“…Martini et al [10] in 2022 provided insight into the future directions in research related to carotenoids. Similarly, Melendez-Martinez et al [11] and Rocha et al [12] also pointed out to the need for future research on carotenoids and human health.…”