This book presents an up-to-date, thorough volume devoted to the chemistry, pathobiology, visual science, and medical and public health significance of the macular carotenoids. With contributions from leading experts around the world, this book covers a range of topics, from macular anatomy and molecular genetics to retinal disease epidemiology,

This volume is the newest release in the authoritative series of quantitative estimates of nutrient intakes to be used for planning and assessing diets for healthy people. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) is the newest framework for an expanded approach developed by U.S. and Canadian scientists. This book discusses in detail the role of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and the carotenoids in human physiology and health. For each nutrient the committee presents what is known about how it functions in the human body, which factors may affect how it works, and how the nutrient may be related to chronic disease. Dietary Reference Intakes provides reference intakes, such as Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), for use in planning nutritionally adequate diets for different groups based on age and gender, along with a new reference intake, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), designed to assist an individual in knowing how much is "too much" of a nutrient.

The first source to collect the latest evidence linking carotenoids to human health and disease, this stimulating reference studies the role of carotenoids in the prevention of chronic disease and reviews breakthrough studies from more than 40 field authorities on the latest research. The book reveals the most recent findings regarding the use of c

The macular carotenoids play key roles in eye health and retinal disease. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of acquired blindness in much of the world, is associated with low levels of macular pigment. Macular pigment is also essential for enhancing visual performance by reducing glare disability and improving photostress recovery. Carotenoids and Retinal Disease presents an up-to-date, thorough volume devoted to the chemistry, pathobiology, visual science, and medical and public health significance of the macular carotenoids. With contributions from an international group of leading experts, this book covers a range of topics, from macular anatomy to clinical trials. It begins with a chapter tracing the discovery of macular pigment through the more recent functional recognition of carotenoids. The text covers AMD risk factors, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and classifications. It reviews evidence from epidemiological studies of relationships between AMD and the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, as well as evidence from clinical trials on the effects of macular carotenoid supplementation in subjects with AMD and normal subjects. The book explores the use of molecular genetics in studying macular pigment and AMD pathogenesis; bioavailability of macular pigment; functions of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin; and the identification of macular carotenoid binding proteins involved in pigment uptake and transport. It also covers xanthophyll–membrane interactions, and the macular carotenoids in human serum and their capacity to protect against AMD. Further, the implications of light distribution on the retina for AMD are discussed. Advancing our understanding of how the macular carotenoids enhance vision and prevent vision loss, this book provides a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians involved in the treatment and prevention of retinal disease.

Plants produce chemicals as part of their normal metabolic activities. These include primary metabolites found in all plants, such as sugars and fats, as well as secondary metabolites, which can have therapeutic effects in humans and be refined to produce drugs. Plants synthesize a bewildering variety of phytochemicals, but most are derivatives of a few biochemical motifs. Numerous herbal-derived substances have been evaluated for their therapeutic potential. These include alkaloids, coumarins, saponins, plant pigments and flavonoids. Flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins are probably the best known of these substances due to their antioxidant properties. Carotenoids: Structure and Function in the Human Body presents comprehensive coverage of carotenoids. The text covers the scientific literature and clinical significance of this organic pigment, with an emphasis on its therapeutic potential. The authors approach carotenoids from a range of perspectives, from their structural and physicochemical properties to their distribution in nature, interaction with the human metabolism, and use as a coloring agent in various products. The intake, metabolism and secretion of anthocyanins in the human body are covered in-depth, as are the biosynthetic pathways through which these compounds are synthesized in the natural system. Factors affecting stability and extraction are listed, and health-related uses and biological activities are covered in great detail. Present and future trends in carotenoid research are also presented. This book provides a solid background in carotenoids for researchers and professionals in food science, food technology, nutrition, biology, chemistry and medical sciences.

Physicians can use this fact-filled second edition to advise patients in their quest to learn about proper use of supplements and functional foods. Now updated and including new information on functional foods.

Carotenoids and Human Health provides an introduction to food sources and metabolism. Written by experts in their fields and including the most up-to-date information, this volume serves as an in-depth guide to studies that have been performed in humans and observations that have been made in population level assessments. Special emphasis is given to associations with disease, as well as the importance of carotenoids internationally, specifically as a source of vitamin A for the world. Comprehensive and easy to use, Carotenoids and Human Health is a very useful resource for nutritionists, registered dieticians, medical students, and graduate students.

Significant advancements in nutrition's impact on the eye have occurred faster than any volume can document... until now. This book gives the background and rationale regarding the physiological damage caused by biological oxidants as well as the rationale for the protective roles for nutrient-antioxidants and how they affect the risk for cataracts. This volume also contains information on how to quantitatively assess age-related diseases of the eye including cataracts and age-related maculopathy. Smoking and light exposure as factors for age-related eye diseases as well as the utility of potential anticataract pharmaceuticals is discussed.

This volume is the newest release in the authoritative series issued by the National Academy of Sciences on dietary reference intakes (DRIs). This series provides recommended intakes, such as Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), for use in planning nutritionally adequate diets for individuals based on age and gender. In addition, a new reference intake, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), has also been established to assist an individual in knowing how much is "too much" of a nutrient. Based on the Institute of Medicine's review of the scientific literature regarding dietary micronutrients, recommendations have been formulated regarding vitamins A and K, iron, iodine, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and other potentially beneficial trace elements such as boron to determine the roles, if any, they play in health. The book also: Reviews selected components of food that may influence the bioavailability of these compounds. Develops estimates of dietary intake of these compounds that are compatible with good nutrition throughout the life span and that may decrease risk of chronic disease where data indicate they play a role. Determines Tolerable Upper Intake levels for each nutrient reviewed where adequate scientific data are available in specific population subgroups. Identifies research needed to improve knowledge of the role of these micronutrients in human health. This book will be important to professionals in nutrition research and education.

Carotenoids are of great interest due to their essential biological functions in both plants and animals. However, the properties and functions of carotenoids in natural systems are surprisingly complex. With an emphasis on the chemical aspects of these compounds, Carotenoids: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Functions and Properties presents a b