Carotenoid cellular uptake and antioxidant activity from differently cooked semolina and whole wheat pasta

In this study, we evaluated the impact of the food matrix and cooking duration on the cellular uptake of lutein from refined semolina (RS) and whole wheat flour (WWF) durum wheat pasta cooked to al dente (Al), fully cooked (FCT), and overcooked (OC). Cellular antioxidant actions of carotenoid from digested and cooked pasta samples against 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress in human Caco-2 cells were also assessed. Results revealed that the percentage of lutein cellular uptake was below 10%. Cooking duration was non-significant in the cellular uptake of lutein. There were no significant differences in bioaccessibility and uptake efficiency between RS and WWF pasta. Antioxidant actions of carotenoid against AAPH-induced oxidative stress showed an efficient cytoprotective effect and intracellular oxidative stress attenuation. This was, however, flour type and concentration dependent. Intricate physical and chemical structural changes in the pasta matrix might have accounted for the observed differences. Hence, carotenoid absorption and protection against oxidants are mediated by pasta cooking and the overall food matrix, as they affect the digestive outcome of carotenoids. Understanding the effects of food processing can help improve the functionality of pasta carotenoids and enhance their ability to reach target organs and promote optimum health.