Carotenoids: separation methods applicable to biological samples.

Abstract

Epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown that a high intake of vegetables and fruit, with consequently high intakes and circulating concentrations of carotenoids, is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. The antioxidant properties of carotenoids are thought to contribute to these effects. The analysis of carotenoids in plasma, foods and tissues has thus become of interest in studies examining the role of diet in chronic disease prevention and management. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultra-violet or photodiode array detection is most often employed in routine use. We review these and other current methods for carotenoid analysis and information on sample stability relevant to epidemiological studies. The carotenoids remain an important and intriguing subject of study, with relevance to prevention of several important "lifestyle-related" diseases. Research into their physiological functions and their use as dietary markers requires sensitive, accurate and precise measurement. Further advances in these methodological areas will contribute to basic, clinical and public health research into the significance of carotenoid compounds in disease prevention.

• Authors: Qing Su, Kevin G Rowley, Nicholas D H Balazs
• Journal: Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences (J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci) Vol. 781 Issue 1-2 Pg. 393-418 (Dec 05 2002) ISSN: 1570-0232 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 12450671 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Carotenoids

Topics

• Carotenoids (blood, chemistry, isolation & purification)
• Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid (methods)
• Chromatography, Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary (methods)
• Humans