Carotenoids for Healthy Longevity
摘要
Carotenoids are widely distributed pigments responsible for yellow, orange, and red colors in nature. As potent antioxidants, carotenoids can counteract oxidative stress by directly scavenging or quenching reactive oxygen species. They can also enhance endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms, particularly through activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 signaling pathway. Additionally, by the inhibition of nuclear factor κB pathway they prevent the production and release of inflammatory cytokines. Epidemiological studies indicate that increased consumption of carotenoid-rich foods or elevated blood levels of carotenoids may be associated with a reduced risk of various aging-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, sarcopenia, and skin aging. However, the results of clinical trials investigating the effects of carotenoid supplementation have yielded conflicting results. This chapter aims to summarize the current evidence on the role of carotenoids in preventing or delaying the development of aging-related diseases and supporting healthy longevity.