Vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem worldwide, affecting approximately 190 million preschool-aged children and 19.1 million pregnant women. Fortification of vegetable oils with vitamin A is an effective, low-cost technology to improve vitamin A intake.
Matched MeSH terms: Vitamin A Deficiency/prevention & control
Since the discovery of vitamin A as a fat-soluble growth factor in the early part of the century, research into carotenoids and retinoids has attracted the attention of many scientists. These two groups of compounds are still being actively studied all over the world since many gaps in knowledge exist and new frontiers are being pursued. Recent developments in studies into the possible roles of carotenoids and retinoids beyond their classical functions in vision have created a great deal of excitement in the biomedical community. This review covers a wide range of topics pertaining to these two closely related compounds. Particular emphasis is given to the functions of these compounds and their roles in human nutrition. Various aspects of vitamin A deficiency and studies on carotenoids and retinoids in cancer development and prevention are reviewed in some detail.
Matched MeSH terms: Vitamin A Deficiency/prevention & control
The fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineesis) is the source of antioxidant-rich red palm oil. Red palm oil is a rich source of phytonutrients such as tocotrienols, tocopherols, carotenoids, phytosterols, squalene, and coenzyme Q10, all of which exhibit nutritional properties and oxidative stability. Mutagenic, nutritional, and toxicological studies have shown that red palm oil contains highly bioavailable β-carotene and vitamin A and is reasonably stable to heat without any adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional properties of red palm oil. The possible antiatherogenic, antihemorrhagic, antihypertensive, anticancer, and anti-infective properties of red palm oil are examined. Moreover, evidence supporting the potential effectiveness of red palm oil to overcome vitamin A deficiency in children and pregnant women, to improve ocular complications of vitamin A deficiency, to protect against ischemic heart disease, to promote normal reproduction in males and females, to aid in the management of diabetes, to ameliorate the adverse effects of chemotherapy, and to aid in managing hypobaric conditions is presented.
Matched MeSH terms: Vitamin A Deficiency/prevention & control