β-Carotene: Preventive Role for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Review

Carotenoids are vital antioxidants for plants and animals. They protect cells from oxidative events and act against the inflammatory process and carcinogenesis. Among the most abundant carotenoids in human and foods is beta-carotene. This carotenoid has the highest level of provitamin A activity, as it splits into two molecules of retinol through the actions of the cytosolic enzymes: beta-carotene-15,15 '-monooxygenase (beta-carotene-15,15 '-oxygenase 1) and beta-carotene-9 ',10 '-dioxygenase (beta-carotene-9 ',10 '-oxygenase 2). The literature supports the idea that beta-carotene acts against type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Due to the many processes involved in beta-carotene biosynthesis and metabolic function, little is known about such components, since many mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, our study concisely described the relationships between the consumption of carotenoids, with emphasis on beta-carotene, and obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated parameters in order to understand the preventive role of carotenoids better and encourage their consumption.