Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Nutritional and potential disease prevention properties of carotenoids

Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society

Cite this article

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have shown that people who consume diets with a high content of vegetables have a reduced risk of degenerative diseases such as specific cancers, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degenerative disease (AMD), and cataracts. There is no convincing evidence that the protective role of vegetables against cancer and cardiovascular disease is due to carotenoids. However, there is a strong possibility that lutein and zeaxanthin present in food materials may prevent AMD and cataract formation. Increased use of cooked tomato products also has been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk as a result of increased bioavailability of cis-lycopene. One of the most important biochemical mechanisms underlying the cancer-preventive activity of carottenoids is the stimulation of intercellular gap junction communications. β-Carotene, canthaxanthin, and lutein are efficient inducers of intercellular gap junction communication, whereas α-carotene and lycopene are less active.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. American Institute for Cancer Research-World Cancer Research Fund report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, Diet, and Health Recommendation for Cancer Prevention, American Institute for Cancer Research, Washington, DC, 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Bertram, J.S., Carotenoids and Gene Regulation, Nutr. Rev. 57:182–191 (1999).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Mayne, S.T., Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, and Disease Prevention in Humans, FASEB J. 10:690–701 (1996).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Moon, R.C., R.G. Mehta, and K.V.N. Rao, Retinoids and Cancer in Experimental Animals, in The Retinoids, edited by M.B. Sporn, A.B. Roberts, and D.S. Goodman, 2nd edn, Raven Press, New York, 1994, pp. 573–596.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Hong, W.K., and L.M. Itri, Retinoids and Human Cancer, in The Retinoids, edited by M.B. Sporn, A.B. Roberts, and D.S. Goodman, 2nd edn., Raven Press, New York, 1994, pp. 597–630.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Clevidence, B.A., F. Khachik, E.D. Brown, P.P., Nair, E.R. Wiley, R.L. Prior, G. Cao, D.W. Morel, W. Stone, M. Gross, and T.R. Kramer, Human Consumption of Carotenoid-Rich Vegetables, in Antioxidant Methodology in vivo and in vitro Concepts, edited by O.I. Aruoma and S.L. Cuppett, AOCS Press, 1997, pp. 53–63.

  7. Willet, W.C., and D. Trichopoulos, Nutrition and Cancer: A Summary of the Evidence, Cancer Causes Control 7:178–180 (1996).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Handelman, G.J., E.A. Dratz, C.C. Reay, and F.J.G.M. Van Kuijk, Carotenoids in the Human Macula and Whole Retina, Intvest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. 29:850–855 (1988).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Britton, G., Structure and Properties of Carotenoids in Relation to Function, FASEB J. 9:1551–1558 (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Snodderly, D.M., Evidence for Protection Aganist Age-Related Macular Degeneration by Carotenoids and Antioxidant Vitamins, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 62 (suppl.):1448S-1461S (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Mares-Pearlman, J.A., W.E. Brady, R. Klein, G.M. Vandenlangenberg, B.E.K. Klein, and M. Palta, Dietary Fat and Age-Related Maculopathy, Arch. Ophthalmol. 113:743–748 (1995).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Seddon, J.M., U.A. Ajani, R.D. Sperduto, R. Hiller, N. Blair, T.C. Burton, M.D. Farber, E.S. Gragoudas, J. Haller, D.T. Miller, L.A. Yannuzzi, and A. Willett, Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E, and Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration, JAMA 272:1413–1420 (1994).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group, Antioxidant Status and Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration, Arch. Ophthalmol 111:104–109 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  14. Mares-Perlman, J.A., W.E. Brady, and R. Klein, Serum Antioxidants and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Population-Based Case Control Study, ——Ibid. 113:1518–1523 (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Cooper, D.A., A.L. Eldridge, and J.C. Peters, Dietary Carotenoids and Certain Cancers, Heart Disease, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review of Recent Research, Nutr. Rev. 67:201–214 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  16. West, S.K., Who Develops Cataract?, Arch. Ophthalmol. 109:196–197 (1991).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Jaques, P.E., and L.T. Chylack, Jr., Epidemiologic Evidence of a Role for the Antioxidant Vitamins and Carotenoids in Cataract Prevention, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 53 (supp.):352F-355S (1991).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Hammond, B.R., B.R. Wooten, and D.M. Snodderly, Density of the Human Crystalline Lens Is Related to the Macular Pigment Carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Optom. Vis. Sci. 74:499–504 (1997).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Jacques, P.F., and A. Taylor, Micronutrients and Age-Related Cataracts, in Micronutrients in Health and Disease Prevention, edited by A. Bendich, and C.E. Butterworth, Jr., Marcel Dekker, New York, 1991, pp. 359–379.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Woodall, A.A., S.W.-M. Lee, R.J. Weesie, M.J. Jackson, and G. Britton, Oxidation of Carotenoids by Free Radical: Relationship Between Structure and Reactivity, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1336:33–42 (1997).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Yeum, K.-J., T.G. Taylor, and R.M. Russel, Measurement of Carotenoids, Retinoids, and Tocopherols in Human Lenses, Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. 36:2756–2761 (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Chasan-Taber, L., W.C. Willet, J.M. Seddon, M.J. Stampfer, B. Rosner, G.A. Colditz, F.E. Speizer, and S.E. Hankinson, A Prospective Study of Carotenoid and Vitamin A Intakes and Risk of Cataract Extraction in U.S. Women, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 70:509–516 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Brown, L., E.B. Rimm, J.M. Seddon, E.L. Giovannucci, L. Chasan-Taber, D. Spiegelman, W. Willett, and S.E. Hankinson, A Prospective Study of Carotenoid Intake and Risk of Cataract Extraction in U.S. Men, ——Ibid. 70:517–524 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Mares-Pearlman, J.A., Too Soon for Lutein Supplements, ——Ibid. 70:531 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  25. Handleman, G.J., Z.D. Nightgale, A.H. Lichtenstein, E.J. Schaefer, and J.B. Blumberg, Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Plasma After Dietary Supplementation with Egg Yolk, ——Ibid. 70:247–251 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Van het Hof, K.H., I.A. Brouwer, C.E. West, E. Haddeman, and R.P.M. Steegers-Theunissen, Bioavailability of Lutein from Vegetables Is 5 Times Higher Than That of β-Carotene, ——Ibid. 70:261–268 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Gaziano, J.M., E.J. Johnson, R.M. Russel, J.E. Manson, M.J. Stampfer, P.M. Ridker, B. Frei, C.H. Hennekens, and N.I. Krinsky, Discrimination in Absorption or Transport of β-Carotene Isomers After Oral Supplementation with Either All-trans-or 9-cis-β-carotene, ——Ibid. 61:1248–1252 (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Johnson, E.J., J. Qin, N.I. Krinsky, and R.M. Russel, Ingestion by Men of a Combined Dose of β-Carotene and Lycopene Does Lycopene, J. Nutr. 127:1833–1837 (1997).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Giovannucci, E., A. Ascherio, E.B. Rimm, M.J. Stampfer, G.A. Colditz, and W.C. Willet, Intake of Carotenoids and Retinols in Relation to Risk of Prostate Cancer, J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 87:1767–1776 (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Torronen, R., M. Lehmusaho, S. Hakkinem, O. Hannien, and H. Mykkanen, Serum β-Carotene Response to Supplementation with Raw Carrots, Carrot Juice, or Purified β-Carotene in Healthy Nonsmoking Women, Nutr. Res. 16:565–575 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Erdman, J.R., Variable Bioavailability of Carotenoids from Vegetables, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 70:17–180 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  32. Van het Hof, K.H., C.E. West, J.A. Weststrate, and J.G.A.J. Hautvast, Dietary Factors That Affect the Bioavailability of Carotenoids, J. Nutr. 130:503–506 (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  33. Chug-Ahuja, J.K., J.M. Holden, M.R. Forman, A.R. Mangels, G.R. Beecher, and E. Lanza, The Development and Application of a Carotenoid Data Base for Fruits, Vegetables, and Selected Multicomponent Foods, J. Am. Diet. Assoc. 93:318–323 (1993).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Micozzi, M.S., E.D. Brown, B.K. Edwards, et al., Plasma Carotenoid Response to Chronic Intake of Selected Foods and β-Carotene Supplements in Men, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 55: 1120–1125 (1992).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Khachik, F., G.R. Beecher, and J.C. Smith, Jr., Lutein, Lycopenen, and Their Oxidative Metabolites in Chemo Prevention of Cancer, J. Cell. Biochem. 22 (suppl.):236–246 (1995).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Khachik, F., A. Steck, and H. Pfander, Bioavailability, Metabolism, and Possible Mechanism of Chemoprevention by Lutein and Lycopene in Humans, International Conference on Food Factors Chemistry and Cancer Prevention, Ohigashi, H. Springer Verlag, Tokyo, 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Schlipalius, L., M. Strahan, V. Blackbum, D. Healey, V. Highton, and G.E. Szoke, Carotenoid Formulation, International Patent No. WO98/52561; PCT/US98/10356.

  38. Van den Berg, H., Carotenoid Interactions, Nutr. Rev. 57:1–10, (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. O'Neill, M.E., and D.I. Thurnham, Intestinal Absorption of β-Carotene, Lycopene, and Lutein in Men and Women Following a Standard Meal: Response Curve in the Triacylglycerol-Rich Lipoprotein Fraction, Br. J. Nutr. 79:149–159 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Van den Berg, H., and T. van Vilet, Effect of Simultaneous, Single Oral Doses of β-Carotene with Lutein or Lycopene on the β-Carotene and Retinyl Ester Responses in the Triacylglycerol-rich Lipoprotein Fraction on Men, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 68:82–89 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Kostic, D., W.S. White, and J.A. Olson, Intestinal Absorption, Serum Clearance, and Interactions Between Lutein and β-Carotene When Administered to Human Adults in Separate or Combined Oral Doses, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 62:604–610 (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Boileau, A.C., N.R. Merchen, K. Wasson, C.A. Atkinson, and J.W. Erdman, Jr., Cis-Lycopene Is More Bioavailable Than trans-Lycopene in vitro and in vivo in Lymph-Cannulated Ferrets J. Nutr.: 1176–1181 (1999).

  43. Rao, A.V., and S. Agarwal, Role of Lycopene as Antioxidant Carotenoid in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases: A Review, Nutr. Res. 19:305–323 (1999).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Stahl, W., and H. Sies, Lycopene, A Biologically Important Carotenoid for Humans?, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 336:1–9 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Kaplan, L.A., J.M. Lau, and E.A. Stein, Carotenoid Composition, Concentrations, and Relationship in Various Human Organs, Clin. Physiol. Biochem. 8:1–10 (1990).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Clinton, S.K., Emenhiser, S.J. Schwartz, D.G. Bostwick, A.W. Williams, B.J. Moore, and J.W. Erdman, Jr., Cis-trans Lycopene Isomers, Carotenoids, and Retinol in the Human Prostate, Cancer Epidemio. Biomarkers Prev. 5:823–833 (1996).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Tinkler, J.H., and T.G. Truscott, Carotenoids Protect Against Cell Membrane Damage by Nitrogen Dioxide Radical, Nature Med. 1:98–99 (1995).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Oshima, S., F. Ojima, H. Sakamoto, Y. Ishiguro, and J. Terao, Supplementation with Carotenoids Inhibits Singlet Oxygen Mediated Oxidation of Human Plasma Low Density Lipoprotein, J. Agric. Food. Chem. 44:2306–2309 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Ribaya-Mercado, J.D., M. Garmyn, B.A. Gilchert, and R.M. Russell, Skin Lycopene Is Destroyed Preferentially over β-Carotene During Ultraviolet Irradiation in Humans, J. Nutr. 125:1854–1859 (1995).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Paetau, I., D. Rao, E.R. Wiley, E.D. Brown, and B.A. Clevidence, Carotenoids in Human Buccal Mucosa Cells After Four Weeks of Supplementation with Tomato Juice or Lycopene Supplements, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 70:490–449 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Johnson, E.J., J. Quin, N.I. Krinsky, and R.M. Russel, β-Carotene Isomers in Human Serum, Breast Milk and Buccal Mucosa Cells After Continuous Oral Doses of All-trans and 9-cis-β-carotene, J. Nutr. 127:1993–1997 (1997).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene, and Cancer Prevention Study Group, The Effect of Vitamin E and β-Carotene on the Incidence of Lung Cancer and Other Cancers in Male Smokers, Engl. J. Med. 330:1029–1035 (1994).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Omenn, G.S., G.E. Goodman, M.D. Thornquist, J. Balmes, M.R. Cullen, A. Glass, J.P. Keogh, F.L. Meyskens, B. Valanis, J.H. Williams, S. Barnhart, and S. Hammar, Effects of a Combination of Beta Carotene and Vitamin A on Lung Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease, N. Engl. J. Med. 334:1150–1155 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Greenberg, E.R., J.A. Baron, M.R. Karagas, T.A. Stukel, D.W. Nierenberg, M.M. Stevens, J.S. Mandel, and R.W. Haile, Mortality Associated with Low Plasma Concentration of Beta Carotene and the Effect of Oral Supplementation, JAMA 275:699–703 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Hennekens, C.H., J.E. Buring, J.E. Manson, M. Stampfer, B. Rosner, N.R. Cook, C. Belanger, F. Lamotte, J.M. Gaziano, P.M. Ridker, W. Willett, and R. Peto, Lack of Effect of Long-Term Supplementation with Beta Carotene on the Incidence of Malignant Neoplasms and Cardiovascular Disease, N. Engl. J. Med. 334:1145–1149 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Kritchevsky, S.B., β-Carotene, Carotenoids and the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease, J. Nutr. 129:5–8 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Kohlmeier, L., J.D. Kark, E. Gomez-Garcia, B.C. Martin, S.E. Steck, A.F. Kardinaal, J. Ringstad, M. Thamm, V. Masaey, R. Riemersma, J.M. Martin-Moreno, and F.J. Kok, Lycopene and Myocardial Infarction Risk in the EURAMIC Study, Am. J. Epidemiol 146:618–626 (1997).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Sahyoun, N.R., P.F. Jacques, and R.M. Russell Vitamins C and E, and Mortality in an Elderly Population, ——Ibid. 144:501–511 (1996).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Mayer, E.L., D.W. Jacobson, and K. Robinson, Homocysteine and Coronary Atherosclerosis, J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 27:217–227 (1996).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Lewis, C.J., N.T. Crane, D.B. Wilson, and E.A. Yetley, Estimated Folate Intakes: Data Updated to Reflect Food Fortification, Increased Bioavailability, and Dietary Supplement Use, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 70:198–205 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Goulinet, S., and M.J. Chapman, Plasma LDL and HDL Subspecies Are Heterogeneous in Particle Content of Tocopherols and Oxygenated and Hydrocarbon Carotenoids: Relevance to Oxidative Resistance and Atherogenesis, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 17:786–796 (1997).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Talwar, D., T.K. Ha, H.R. Scott, J. Cooney, G.S. Fell, D. St. O'Reily, M.E. Lean, and D.C. McMillan, Effect of Inflammation on Measures of Antioxidants Status in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 66:1283–1285 (1997).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Kushi, L.H., A.R. Folson, R.J. Prineas, P.J. Mink, Y. Wu, and R.M. Bostick, Dietary Antioxidant Vitamin and Death from Coronary Heart Disease in Postmenopausal Women, N. Engl. J. Med. 334:1156–1162 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Cartmel, B., T.E. Moon, and N. Levine, Effect of Long-Term Intake of Retinal on Selected Clinical and Laboratory Indexes, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 69:937–943 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Dugas, T.R., D.W. Morel, and E.H. Harrison, Impact of LDL Carotenoids and Alpha Tocopherol Content on LDL Oxidation by Endothelial Cells in Culture, J. Lipid Res. 39:1661–1666 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  66. Leo, L.A., and C.S. Lieber, Alcohol, Vitamin A and β-Carotene: Adverse Interactions, Including Hepatotoxicity and Carcinogenicity: A Review Article, ——Ibid. 69:1071–1085 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Ahmed, S., M.A. Leo, and C.S. Lieber, Interaction Between Alcohol and Beta-Carotene in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 60:430–436 (1994).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Paolini, M., G. Cantelli-Forti, P. Perocco, G.F. Pedulli, S.Z. Abdel-Rahman, and M.S. Legator, Co-Carcinogenic Effect of β-Carotene, Nature 398:760–761 (1999).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Perocco, P., M. Paolini, M. Mazzullo, G.L. Biagi, and G. Cantelli-Forti, Beta-Carotene as Enhancer of Cell Transforming Activity of Powerful Carcinogens and Cigarette-Smoke Condensate on BALB/c 3T3 Cells in vitro, Mutat. Res. 398:83–90 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  70. Wang, X.D., and R.M. Russell, Procarcinogenic and Anticarcinogenic Effects of β-Carotene, Nutr. Res. 57:263–272 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Olson, J.A., and O. Hayaishi, The Enzymatic Cleavage of β-Carotene into Vitamin A by Soluble Enzyme of Rat Liver and Intestine, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 54:1364–1369 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Wang, X.D., R.M. Russell, C. Liu, F. Stickel, D.E. Smith, and N.L. Krinky, β-Oxidation in Rabbit Liver in vitro and in the Perfused Ferret Liver Contributes to Retinoic Acid Biosynthesis from β-Apo-carotenoic Acids, J. Biol. Chem. 271:26490–26498 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Lowe, G.M., L.A. Booth, A.J. Young, and R.F. Bilton, Lycopene and β-Carotene Protect Against Oxidative Damage in HT 29 Cells at Low Concentrations but Rapidly Lose This Capacity at Higher Doses, Free Radical Biol. Med. 30:141–151 (1999).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Ramaswamy, G., V.R. Rao, S.V. Kumarswamy, and N. Anantha, Serum Vitamins' Status in Oral Leucoplakias—A Preliminary Study, Eur. J. Cancer B. Oral Oncol. 32B:120–122 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Papadimitrakopoulou, V.A., W.K. Hong, J.S. Lee, J.W. Martin, J.J. Lee, J.G. Batsakis, and S.M. Lippman, Low-Dose Isotretinoin Versus β-Carotene to Prevent Oral Carcinogenesis: Long-Term Follow-Up, J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 89:257–258 (1997).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Sankranarayanan, R., B. Mathew, C. Varghese, P.R. Sudhakaran, V. Menon, A. Jayadeep, M.K. Nair, C. Mathews, T.R. Mahalingam, P. Balaram, and P.P. Nair, Chemoprevention of Oral Leukoplakia with Vitamin A and Beta Carotene: An Assessment, Oral Oncol. 33:231–236 (1997).

    Google Scholar 

  77. Barbone, F., S. Franceschi, R. Talamini, et al. A Follow-Up Study of Determinants of Second Tumors and Metastasis Among Subjects with Cancer of the Oral Cavity, Pharynx, and Larynx, J. Clin. Epidemiol. 49:367–372 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Blot, W.J., J.Y. Li, P.R. Taylor, W. Guo, S.M. Dawsey, and B. Li, The Trials: Mortality Rates by Vitamin Mineral Intervention Group, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 62:1420S-1423S (1995).

    Google Scholar 

  79. Merriman, R., and J.S. Bertram, Reversible Inhibition by Retinoids of 3-Methyl Cholanthrene-Induced Neoplastic Transformation in C3H10T1/2 Cells, Cancer Res. 39:1611–1666 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  80. Pung, A., J.E. Rundhaug, C.N. Yoshizawa, and J.S. Bertram, β-Carotene and Canthaxanthin Inhibit Chemically- and Physically-Induced Neoplastic Transformation in 10T 1/2 Cells, Carcinogenesis 9:1533–1539 (1988).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Banoub, R.W., M. Fernstrom, and R.J. Ruch, Lack of Growth Inhibition or Enhancement of Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication and Connexin 43 Expression by β-Carotene in Murine Lung Epithelial Cells in vitro, Cancer Lett. 108:35–40 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Stahl, W., S. Nicolai, B. Karlis, M. Hanusch, G. Broszeit, M. Peters, H.D. Marin, and H. Sies, Biological Activities of Natural and Synthetic Carotenoids: Induction of Gap Junctional Communication and Singlet Oxygen Quenching, Carcinogenesis 18:89–92 (1997).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Zhang, L.-X., R.V. Cooney, and J.S. Bertram, Carotenoids Enhance Gap Junctional Communication and Inhibit Lipid Peroxidation in C3H/10 H1/2 Cells. Relationship to Their Cancer Prevention Action, ——Ibid. 12:2109–2114 (1991).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Sies, H., and W. Stahl, Carotenoids and Intercellular Communication via Gap Junctions, Internat. Vit. Nutr. Res. 67:364–367 (1997).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Pfahl, M., and F. Chytil, Regulation of Metabolism by Retinoic Acid and Its Nuclear Receptor, Annu. Res. Nutr. 16:257–283 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Pijapple, W.W.M., H.F.J. Hendriks, G.E. Folkers, C.E. van den Brink, E.J. Dekker, C. Edelenbosch, P. van der Saag, and A.J. Durston, Nature 366:340–344 (1993).

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Hemendra N. Basu

    Present address: , Monsanto

  2. Anthony J. Del Vecchio

    Present address: , 1737 victoria Circle, 18103, Allentown, PA

  3. Frank Flider

    Present address: Rockridge Group LLC, 60193, Schauburg, IL

  4. Frank T. Orthoeter

    Present address: ACH Foods, 38018-4909, Memphis, TN

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northeast Consultant Resources, 44017, Berea, Ohio

    Hemendra N. Basu, Anthony J. Del Vecchio, Frank Flider & Frank T. Orthoeter

Authors
  1. Hemendra N. Basu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Anthony J. Del Vecchio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Frank Flider
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Frank T. Orthoeter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hemendra N. Basu.

About this article

Cite this article

Basu, H.N., Vecchio, A.J.D., Flider, F. et al. Nutritional and potential disease prevention properties of carotenoids. J Amer Oil Chem Soc 78, 665–675 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-001-0324-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-001-0324-x

Key Words

search

Navigation