Carotenoids: Biological Properties and Function in Human Health

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the impact of food on the human body. Epidemiological studies provide evidence that consumption of food rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases and oxidative stress. The group of substances favorably affecting health, found in plant material, includes carotenoids.

Carotenoids are present in plant pigments and in both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic organisms (algae, fungi, bacteria, and at least one animal species). They have valuable biological properties, among which the most documented is the activity of the provitamin A. Due to the presence in the molecule of a number of double bonds, carotenoids readily react with electrophiles. Carotenoids are classified as both prevention and intervention antioxidants—they may inactivate free radicals by forming adducts with them or electron transfer. Scientific evidence has strongly shown that regular intake of dietary carotenoids reduces the risk of oxidative stress and civilization diseases. In the human body, they perform many important functions, since they prevent atherosclerosis, are involved in maintaining the immune function, maintain the health of the eyes and skin, and reduce the risk of macular degeneration, cataract, cancer, and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Therefore, this Special Issue is dedicated to original research articles and review articles which cover the latest findings on the biological properties of carotenoids, their function in human health, and methods for their determination.

Dr. Agnieszka Nawirska-Olszańska
Dr. Joanna Kolniak-Ostek
Guest Editors

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