Victor R Preedy 
Vitamin A and Carotenoids 
Chemistry, Analysis, Function and Effects

Vitamin A has an important role to play in vision, bone growth, reproduction, cell division, and cell differentiation. With the focus on Vitamin A and Carotenoids, this book includes the latest research in these areas and starts with an overview putting the compounds in context with other vitamins, supplementation and discussing the importance of beta-carotene. Details of the chemistry, structure and biochemistry of the compounds begins with nomenclature followed by information on encapsulation, thermal degradation and occurrence. Developments in analytical and bioanalytical techniques concerning these compounds in plant, milk and human tissue systems are covered in detail. Finally, the book covers the extensive functions and effects of Vitamin A on eg developmental growth, immune function, cancer risk, the brain and lungs as well as vision. Delivering high quality information, this book will be of benefit to anyone researching this area of health and nutritional science. It will bridge scientific disciplines so that the information is more meaningful and applicable to health in general. Part of a series of books, it is specifically designed for chemists, analytical scientists, forensic scientists, food scientists, dieticians and health care workers, nutritionists, toxicologists and research academics. Due to its interdisciplinary nature it could also be suitable for lecturers and teachers in food and nutritional sciences and as a college or university library reference guide.

Table of Content

Vitamin A in Context; Chemistry, Structure and Biochemistry; Analysis; Function and Effects; Subject Index

About the author

Victor Preedy is currently Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry and Director of Genomics Centre, King’s College London and Professor of Clinical Biochemistry at King’s College Hospital London. After graduating with a BSc degree in Physiology with Pharmacology and Biology, Professor Preedy carried out a period of research on protein metabolism in the Department of Nutrition at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. After the successful award of his Ph D he studied aspects of cardiac protein metabolism at the National Heart Hospital. After 4 years, he then moved to the MRC Clinical Research Centre in Harrow, which was followed by his appointment as a lecturer to Kings College in 1988. He was promoted to Reader in 1995 and Professor in 2003. Professor Preedy has published over 550 articles, which includes over 160 peer-reviewed manuscripts based on original research and 90 reviews as well as 35 books.