Carotenoid fates in plant foods: Chemical changes from farm to table and nutrition

Abstract

Carotenoids in plant foods are sources of pro-vitamin A and nutrients with several health benefits, including antioxidant and anticancer activities. However, humans cannot synthesize carotenoids de novo and must obtain them from the diet, typically via plant foods. We review the chemical changes of carotenoids in plant foods from farm to table and nutrition, including nutrient release and degradation during processing and metabolism in vivo. We also describe the influencing factors and proposals corresponding to enhancing the release, retention and utilization of carotenoids, thus benefiting human health. Processing methods influence the release and degradation of carotenoids, and nonthermal processing may optimize processing effects. The carotenoid profile, food matrix, and body status influence the digestion, absorption, and biotransformation of carotenoids in vivo; food design (diet and carotenoid delivery systems) can increase the bioavailability levels of carotenoids in the human body. In this review, the dynamic fate of carotenoids in plant foods is summarized systematically and deeply, focusing on changes in their chemical structure; identifying critical control points and influencing factors to facilitate carotenoid regulation; and suggesting multi-dimensional strategies based on the current state of food processing industries to achieve health benefits for consumers.

Keywords:

• Carotenoid
• plant food
• chemical change
• release
• degradation
• metabolism

Author contributions

Yanqi Wang, Feilong Yang, Ting Liu, and Fengying Gu sorted all references and compiled data. Yanqi Wang and Jinkai Zheng drafted the manuscript together. Jinkai Zheng, Feng Wang, Hengjun Du, and Hang Xiao further analyzed the results and revised the manuscript

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

We would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32072181), the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No. 31871730), and CHENGUANG Biotech Group Co., Ltd. We would also acknowledge the support of Elite Youth Program from Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences for Jinkai Zheng.