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Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
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Carotenoid esters analysis and occurrence: What do we know so far?
Lilian R B Mariutti1, Adriana Z Mercadante2
1Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|April 15, 2018
Summary
Carotenoid esters, found in foods, are challenging to analyze due to interfering compounds. Despite good bioavailability, xanthophyll esters are rarely found in human tissues, requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Carotenoids with hydroxyl groups exist as free xanthophylls or fatty acid-acylated carotenoid esters.
- A single carotenoid can be esterified with various fatty acids, creating diverse structures.
- Carotenoid esters are prevalent in fruits and possess comparable or superior bioavailability to free carotenoids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges in analyzing carotenoid esters.
- To highlight the limited occurrence of xanthophyll esters in human plasma and tissues.
- To identify areas for future research on carotenoid esters.
Main Methods:
- Extraction techniques similar to free carotenoids.
- Tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) for identification due to lack of chromophore changes.
- Analysis of UV-visible spectrum features.
Main Results:
- Interfering compounds like triacylglycerides can cause background noise and ionization suppression during mass spectrometric analysis.
- Identification requires MSn due to acylation not altering the chromophore.
- Xanthophyll esters are scarce in human plasma and tissues despite their presence in food.
Conclusions:
- Analysis of carotenoid esters presents significant challenges, particularly in mass spectrometry.
- The limited presence of xanthophyll esters in humans warrants further investigation.
- Understanding carotenoid ester metabolism and distribution is crucial.
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