carotenoidrich

Carotenoidrich is an informal descriptor used in nutrition science and food labeling to indicate materials that contain high concentrations of carotenoids, a diverse class of pigmented terpenoids. It is not a formal taxonomic term, but is widely employed to characterize foods, supplements, or research samples with elevated carotenoid content compared with typical references.

Carotenoids include provitamin A forms such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body, and non-provitamin A forms such as lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Foods described as carotenoidrich include carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, and certain fruits like mango and apricot. In agriculture and fortification programs, crops are bred or processed to be carotenoidrich to improve dietary intake.

Content is usually reported as milligrams of carotenoids per 100 grams, and the composition is commonly measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Bioavailability depends on food matrix, processing, and the presence of dietary fat, since carotenoids are fat-soluble. Cooking and milling can alter specific carotenoid profiles.

In health and nutrition contexts, carotenoidrich products are associated with antioxidant activity and potential benefits for vision and immune function, though effects vary by compound and intake level. The term carotenoidrich is also used in marketing and research to denote high-carotenoid samples; labeling and safety considerations follow applicable dietary supplement and food regulations.