Dietary sources, bioavailability and health effects of carotenoids

Carotenoids are non-polar compounds found in fruits and vegetables. The consumption of these has been associated with many beneficial effects on human health, especially the prevention chronic diseases that currently considered as problems public health. These have mainly attributed to antioxidant properties carotenoids, although other mechanisms involved, including influence carotenoids expression genes involved pathogenesis diseases. Unfortunately, bioavailability is very limited. several factors carotenoid studied order identify best strategies increase absorption and, consequently, their bioactivity. Currently, important efforts being carried out determine content from underutilized foods effects. In this review, recent findings sources, bioactivity discussed.