Tag: Xanthophylls

Over 1,100 different carotenoids have been identified in nature, revealing what is considered a carotenoid: a class of yellow, orange, and red fat-soluble pigments found in plants, algae, and some microorganisms. These vibrant compounds are not just responsible for color, but also perform critical biological functions, including acting as precursors to Vitamin A in the human body.

According to the USDA, the skin of raw poultry can range from a bluish-white to yellow, and the hue is not an indicator of quality. The most common and benign reason for the varying pigmentation is a chicken's diet, but several other factors also influence what causes chicken skin to be yellow.

Many plants and algae produce carotenoids, which are vibrant yellow, orange, and red organic pigments. These crucial compounds are responsible for absorbing maximum light in the blue-violet portion of the visible spectrum, a process essential for both photosynthesis and protecting cellular structures from photo-damage.

Over 700 carotenoids exist in nature, and only about 20 to 30 of them enter the human bloodstream. Within this group, zeaxanthin is indeed a carotenoid, belonging to the xanthophyll subclass of pigments, which are widely found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. Its classification as a carotenoid is foundational to understanding its function as an antioxidant in the body.

Over 600 different carotenoids exist in nature, but contrary to a common assumption, lutein and zeaxanthin are not yellow provitamin A carotenoids. While they do give many fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange, and reddish color, they belong to a class of non-provitamin A carotenoids called xanthophylls.

Over 700 different carotenoids have been identified in nature, yet few are as ubiquitous and important as beta-carotene. Often masked by chlorophyll, beta-carotene is the most widely distributed carotenoid in nature, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis and serving as a vital precursor to vitamin A for many organisms, including humans.

According to numerous studies, marigold flowers (*Tagetes erecta*) are the most significant commercial source of lutein globally, with their extracts widely used in supplements and food products. In fact, the answer to the question "what flower is a source of lutein?" is predominantly centered on the vibrant petals of the African marigold.

Over 1,100 carotenoids have been identified in nature, with lutein being one of the most prominent xanthophylls sought for its health benefits, particularly for eye health. While lutein is found in many fruits and vegetables, the industrial demand for this powerful antioxidant relies on specific, highly concentrated raw materials for efficient extraction.

Lutein is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids, found exclusively in plants. Despite its natural origin, many people wonder: **Is lutein artificial?** The answer lies in understanding the difference between the naturally synthesized compound and the manufacturing processes used to create supplements.

Over 600 types of carotenoids exist in nature, but not all common statements about them are accurate. This article will reveal which of the following is not true about carotenoids and explore the science behind these vital plant pigments.