Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Aarathy Bose and Dr. Suvartan Ranvir

Abstract:
Carotenoids are phytochemicals constituted with a ubiquitous group of isoprenoid pigments with great dietary importance and health benefits. Carotene rich foods like carrot, spinach, sweet potato among several others reduced the incidence of innumerable diseases like cardio-vascular diseases, muscular dystrophy, cancer, diseases related to low immune function and several other degenerative diseases are not synthesized by humans and animals. Carotenoids act as singlet oxygen quenchers and exhibit anti and pro oxidant activity. Recent developments in both conventional and non-conventional methods for the extraction of carotenoids have helped in optimized extraction with highest recovery and methods include Ultra-sound assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), Extraction using organic solvents (Green solvents), Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and Ionic liquid extraction. The therapeutic and other health benefits of carotenoids lead to fortify them in food and also in the field of feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Fortification made it convenient for manipulating the carotenoid-profile of the product and thereby to increase the bio-availability of carotenoids Fortification of carotenoid helps to increase its bio availability in various products. This review aims for a systematic approach towards the health benefits, methods of extraction and how they can be used in fortification of various products.