title: Biological actions of carotenoids.
abstract: Of approximately 600 naturally occurring characterized carotenoids, fewer than 10% serve as precursors of vitamin A in mammals. Apart from vitamin A formation, carotenoids show unique physicochemical properties and interesting biological effects. The inverse association between the ingestion of carotenoid-containing fruits and vegetables and the risk of certain forms of cancer has attracted significant attention. In considering the effects of carotenoids in mammals, a distinction should clearly be made among functions, actions and associations. Furthermore, carotenoids might well be classified in relation to defined biological actions, and not just in relation to nutritional activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Olson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009753:Nutritive Value
chemical_list: D002338:Carotenoids