Although the chemistry of carotenoids has been studied
extensively, their bioavailability, metabolism and biological functions are only now beginning to be investigated.
Recent interest in carotenoids
has focused on the role of lycopene in human health. Unlike some other carotenoids, lycopene does not have pro-vitamin A properties.
Because of
the unsaturated nature of lycopene it is considered to be a potent antioxidant and a singlet oxygen quencher.
This article will review carotenoids
in general and lycopene in particular for their role in human health.
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