Carotenoids in Human Organs

The uneven but wide tissue distribution of most dietary carotenoids may indicate an active biological role for these compounds (see Chapter 20). The organs with the greatest number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and the highest rates of lipoprotein uptake (adrenals, testes, and liver) 

FIGURE 63.2 Essentially all carotenoids, which are widespread in nature, possess certain common chemical features — a polyisoprenoid structure, a long conjugated chain of double bonds in the central portion of the molecule, and near symmetry around the central double bond. This basic structure can be modified in a variety of ways, most prominently by cyclization of the end groups and by the introduction of oxygen functions, to yield a large family of 600 compounds, exclusive of cis/trans isomers. 

Tomatoes Fresh, raw Fresh, cooked Sauce, canned Paste, canned Fresh, raw Juice, canned Catsup 

Concentration of Lycopene in Human Tissues (nmol/g Wet Tissue) 

Median Levels of Tissue Carotenoids (ptg/g Wet Tissue Range) 

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