Carotenoids: updates on legal statutory and competence for nutraceutical properties

Abstract

Growing health disorders have increased the present-day research for developing health- promoting biomolecules. Carotenoids are one such prospective bioactive compound that has plenipotentiary health benefits. Carotenoids are yellow to red pigments that are naturally synthesized by plants and micro-organisms. Continuous research is being conducted to explore the wide range of activities of carotenoids so that it can be helpful for humankind in the near future. This might also pave a new arena in the nutraceutical research. The present review deals with the legal statutory status of carotenoids as nutraceuticals with relevance to their pro-vitamin A activity, anti-oxidant activity and protection from heart diseases. In a nutshell, the chapter describes the usefulness of carotenoids as a nutraceutical.