The role of carotenoids in bone health—A narrative review

Osteoporosis constitutes a serious challenge for public health. Dietary patterns belong to important, modifiable risk factors of this disease. Therefore, what and in what quantities we consume on a daily basis is extremely relevant. It is commonly known that bone health is positively affected by vitamins (e.g. vitamin D, vitamin K), as well as mineral components (e.g. calcium, magnesium). However, the human diet consists of many other groups of compounds, which exhibit a potential antiosteoporotic and supporting bone-building effect. These dietary components include carotenoids. This paper presents a broad review of studies on the influence of particular carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene) on bones. The paper discusses up-to-date in vitro experiments, research on animal models, and presents how its results translate into a clinical effect in humans.