Exploring carotenoid-intestinal microbiota interplay: in vitro insights into gastrointestinal interactions and health-enriching effects

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 41 million deaths each year, are often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. To combat this, nutrition and health organizations recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (1). These foods are abundant in carotenoids, lipid-soluble phytochemicals (2) known for their health-enhancing properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-mutagenic effects (3). However, the intestinal microbiota (IM) significantly influences the efficiency of carotenoids (4). The IM plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of carotenoids (4). A balanced diet can modulate the composition of the IM, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting harmful ones (5). The IM also synthesizes and releases various metabolites, which can be absorbed into the circulatory system, influencing the host’s health (6). These interactions are crucial for understanding carotenoids' preventive and therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aimed to explore the interaction between carotenoids and the IM during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. Three carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene), a pigment mixture (MIX), and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were analyzed. The focus was on understanding how carotenoids affect bioaccessibility, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid production. Additionally, the study assessed the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties of carotenoids, providing insights into their potential health benefits.