In general, vegetables are comparatively richer source of carotenoids
than fruits; however carotenoids from fruits are more bioavailable than
from vegetables. Different pre- and post-harvesting factors related to
carotenoid bioaccessibility and bioavailability should be completely
studied to increase the intake of carotenoids in animals with optimum
diet. The biosynthesis of carotenoids in plants has been extensively
studied; however their importance for plants and animals is still not
well established. The role of carotenoids as antioxidants and its mechanism
of action are needed to be investigated further. The process of carotenoid
esterification in plants is also not established. This knowledge
will facilitate further advancement in the field of carotenoid metabolic
engineering to improve nutritional quality and nutrient density in
food crops. Enhanced production of carotenoids in staple food crop
such as wheat is the most appropriate measure to improve the intake
of carotenoids in populations of developed and developing countries.
Protection of carotenoids from degradation during processing is also
equally important to maintain its required level in human diet. Advance
and cost affective processing methods need to be developed to preserve
the carotenoids and other bioactive compounds.