Carotenoids in Food

No members of the animal kingdom, including humans, can synthesize carotenoids. Even those animals (birds, fish, invertebrates) that use carotenoids for colouration must obtain them from the diet. Although humans, being mammals, are normally not coloured by carotenoids, analysis of human blood and tissues reveals a significant content of carotenoids which, as discussed later in this book, are associated with good health and reduced risk of diseases. Although some carotenoids are added to manufactured foods as colourants, or are taken as supplements (Chapter 4), most ingested carotenoid is obtained direct from natural food, especially vegetables and fruit.