The presence of carotenoids in the diet and their role in human health has become a subject of unprecedented interest. The chapters in this book represent an account of the information presented at a recent workshop, combined with several additional invited contributions to cover topics more completely that are currently at the cutting edge of research. Some of the highlights of this book include a thorough review of the special role that vitamin A intake plays in the health status of developing countries, the essential role of vitamin A in cell signaling, the molecular targets involved in carotenoid action in smoke-induced lung pathology, and how carotenoids are beneficial in cardiovascular health.
