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β-Carotene in the Human Body: Metabolic Bioactivation Pathways - From Digestion to Tissue Distribution and Excretion

β-Carotene in the Human Body: Metabolic Bioactivation Pathways - From Digestion to Tissue Distribution and Excretion

Torsten Bohn, Charles Desmarchelier, Sedef N El, Jaap Keijer, Evert van Schothorst, Ralph Rühl, Patrick Borel

Proc Nutr Soc. 2019 Feb;78(1):68-87.

PMID: 30747092

Abstract:

β-Carotene intake and tissue/blood concentrations have been associated with reduced incidence of several chronic diseases. Further bioactive carotenoid-metabolites can modulate the expression of specific genes mainly via the nuclear hormone receptors: retinoic acid receptor- and retinoid X receptor-mediated signalling. To better understand the metabolic conversion of β-carotene, inter-individual differences regarding β-carotene bioavailability and bioactivity are key steps that determine its further metabolism and bioactivation and mediated signalling. Major carotenoid metabolites, the retinoids, can be stored as esters or further oxidised and excreted via phase 2 metabolism pathways. In this review, we aim to highlight the major critical control points that determine the fate of β-carotene in the human body, with a special emphasis on β-carotene oxygenase 1. The hypothesis that higher dietary β-carotene intake and serum level results in higher β-carotene-mediated signalling is partly questioned. Alternative autoregulatory mechanisms in β-carotene / retinoid-mediated signalling are highlighted to better predict and optimise nutritional strategies involving β-carotene-related health beneficial mediated effects.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP7235407	β-Carotene		7235-40-7	Price

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