Karotenoidisia

Karotenoidisia is a term used in some scientific and educational sources to denote the study of carotenoids and their roles in living organisms. It is not a standardized term in English-language science, and its meaning can differ between texts, ranging from a broad overview of carotenoid chemistry and biosynthesis to a focus on their physiological functions in organisms.

Carotenoids are a diverse class of fat-soluble pigments known as isoprenoids. They include carotenes such as beta-carotene and lycopene, and oxygen-containing xanthophylls such as lutein and zeaxanthin. In plants, algae and some bacteria, carotenoids participate in light harvesting, photoprotection, and coloration, and they influence ecological interactions by attracting pollinators or scattering light.

In animals and humans, carotenoids are obtained from diet and metabolized in the gut and liver. Some are converted to vitamin A, while others function as antioxidants or contribute to eye and skin health. Dietary sources include colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as seafood and algae. The health effects of carotenoids are an area of active research, with evidence for benefits in certain contexts but inconsistent results for others; high-dose supplementation can have adverse effects in some populations, underscoring the need for balanced intake.

Applications of karotenoidisia can be found in nutrition science, agriculture, and food industry, where carotenoids serve as nutrients, colorants, or functional additives. Analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry are used to profile carotenoid content. The field intersects with plant genetics, metabolic engineering, and public health policy, reflecting the multifaceted roles of carotenoids in biology and society.