Comparative in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids from relevant contributors to carotenoid intake

J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jul 25;55(15):6387-94. doi: 10.1021/jf070301t. Epub 2007 Jun 27.

Abstract

To compare the in vitro bioaccessibility of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and alpha-and beta-carotenes from relevant dietary contributors, a gastrointestinal model was used to assess the stability, isomerization, carotenol ester hydrolysis, and micellarization. Salivar, gastric, duodenal, and micellar phases were extracted, with and without saponification, and analyzed by using a quality-controlled HPLC method. The stability of carotenoids under digestion conditions was >75%, regardless of the food analyzed, whereas micellarization ranged from 5 to 100%, depending on the carotenoid and the food. cis-Isomers were maintained in processed foods, but increased in fresh foods. Xanthophyll ester hydrolysis was incomplete (<40%), and both free and ester forms were incorporated into supernatants, regardless of the xanthophyll involved and the food assessed. In vitro bioaccesibility varies widely both for different carotenoids in a given food and for a given carotenoid in different foods. Although in vitro bioaccesibility may not be enough to predict the in vivo bioavailability, it may be relevant for the food industry and for food-based dietary guidelines.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Availability
  • Carotenoids / administration & dosage*
  • Carotenoids / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Diet
  • Digestion
  • Drug Stability
  • Fruit
  • Hydrolysis
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Isomerism
  • Micelles
  • Vegetables

Substances

  • Micelles
  • Carotenoids