Origin and history
Carotenoids are natural pigments of plant origin, responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors of many fruits, vegetables, and plants. They are produced exclusively by plants, algae, and certain bacteria, and are then transmitted to humans through food. Discovered in the 19th century, carotenoids are now recognized as major antioxidants, essential for cell protection, skin health, and vision.
There are more than 600 carotenoids, the best known of which are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, andastaxanthin.