Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
From carotenoid intake to carotenoid blood and tissue concentrations - implications for dietary intake
Volker Böhm1, Georg Lietz2, Begoña Olmedilla-Alonso3
1Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
Abstract:
There is uncertainty regarding carotenoid intake recommendations, because positive and negative health effects have been found or are correlated with carotenoid intake and tissue levels (including blood, adipose tissue, and the macula), depending on the type of study (epidemiological vs intervention), the dose (physiological vs supraphysiological) and the matrix (foods vs supplements, isolated or used in combination). All these factors, combined with interindividual response variations (eg, depending on age, sex, disease state, genetic makeup), make the relationship between carotenoid intake and their blood/tissue concentrations often unclear and highly variable. Although blood total carotenoid concentrations <1000 nmol/L have been related to increased chronic disease risk, no dietary reference intakes (DRIs) exist. Although high total plasma/serum carotenoid concentrations of up to 7500 nmol/L are achievable after supplementation, a plateauing effect for higher doses and prolonged intake is apparent. In this review and position paper, the current knowledge on carotenoids in serum/plasma and tissues and their relationship to dietary intake and health status is summarized with the aim of proposing suggestions for a "normal," safe, and desirable range of concentrations that presumably are beneficial for health. Existing recommendations are likewise evaluated and practical dietary suggestions are included.
More Related Videos
08:18Author Spotlight: Unraveling Vitamin A Transport Mechanisms — Linking Liver Receptors to Vision Health Through RBPR2 and RBP4 Interactions
Published on: October 4, 2024
05:03Author Spotlight: Investigating Physiological Functions of Vitamin A Transporters Using HPLC-Based Vitamin A Profiling
Published on: December 27, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Carbohydrates: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Connective Tissue Cell Types
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...