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CAROTENES

What are carotenoids? Carotenoids are the red, orange, and yellow plant pigments. In plants, carotenoids function as storage sites for solar energy to support photosynthesis. In humans, carotenoids may play a role in immune system support and/or enhancement.

There are some 500 plus members of the carotenoid family. Of the 50 to 60 carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables, some of the key carotenoids identified include: alpha carotene, beta carotene, lycopene, xanthophylls, and zeaxanthin.

The hydrocarbon carotenoids have the most provitamin A activity - with beta carotene having the greatest activity - alpha carotene less and lycopene practically none. Xanthophylls can be divided into several groups of compounds. These include: monohydroxycarotenoids -cryptoxanthin - some provitamin A activity; dihydroxycarotenoids - lutein and zeaxanthin - no provitamin A activity. CAROTENOIDS IN THE HUMAN BODY J.Erdman, Clin.Nutr. 1988;7:101-106 reported the presence of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, and lutein in human serum. R.S.Parker, J. Nutr. 1989; 119:101-104 reported that in most well-nourished persons, only about 1% of the total body pool of carotenoids (100-150 mg.) is found in serum.

A.S. Gissen at www.vrp.com/2library/carote.htm presented literature that indicates that the carotenoids show significant variations in their content in different organs. Beta carotene and lycopene were the predominant carotenoids in thyroid, kidneys, spleen, liver, heart, and pancreas. Lycopene clearly predominated in adrenals and testes. Zeaxanthin and beta carotene mostly found in fat and ovaries. The retina of humans contains main lutein and zeaxanthin, with no beta carotene.

Click to see complete article by A.S. Gissen

LYCOPENE - the new kid on the block.