-
DE
Carotenoids – Functions, Sources and Health
Carotenoids are natural pigments found in fruits and vegetables with powerful antioxidant properties. They support immune function, eye health, and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Add as Preferred SourceThings worth knowing about "Carotenoids"
Carotenoids are natural pigments found in fruits and vegetables with powerful antioxidant properties. They support immune function, eye health, and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
What Are Carotenoids?
Carotenoids are a group of more than 600 naturally occurring pigments produced by plants, algae, fungi, and certain bacteria. They are responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors found in many fruits and vegetables. Well-known carotenoids include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. The human body cannot produce carotenoids on its own and must obtain them through diet.
Biological Functions
Carotenoids play a variety of important roles in the human body:
- Antioxidant protection: Carotenoids neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging.
- Provitamin A activity: Certain carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, are converted in the body into vitamin A (retinol) as needed. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and cell differentiation.
- Eye health: Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the retina and help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
- Immune support: Carotenoids support immune system function and may help reduce inflammatory processes in the body.
- Skin health: They can protect the skin from UV damage and contribute to skin elasticity and appearance.
Dietary Sources
Carotenoids are found in a wide variety of plant-based foods. Their characteristic colors are a helpful guide to their content:
- Beta-carotene: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apricots, mangoes, green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale)
- Lycopene: Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, rosehips
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: Kale, spinach, corn, peas, egg yolk
- Astaxanthin: Salmon, shrimp, crab, trout (derived from microalgae)
- Cryptoxanthin: Papaya, tangerines, peaches
Important: Because carotenoids are fat-soluble compounds, their absorption from food is significantly improved when consumed alongside healthy fats. Light cooking (e.g., heating tomatoes) can also increase the bioavailability of carotenoids such as lycopene.
Recommended Intake
There is no single universally established daily recommended intake for total carotenoids. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake. For beta-carotene as a precursor to vitamin A, requirements are expressed in terms of vitamin A needs: adults require approximately 700–900 µg of retinol equivalents per day.
Deficiency and At-Risk Groups
An isolated carotenoid deficiency is uncommon but may occur with a very restricted diet, fat malabsorption syndromes (e.g., Crohn's disease, celiac disease), or extremely low-fat diets. A deficiency in beta-carotene can indirectly contribute to vitamin A deficiency, which may manifest as night blindness, skin changes, and a weakened immune system. Groups at higher risk include:
- People with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
- Individuals following very low-fat diets
- Older adults with reduced food intake
- People in developing countries with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables
Carotenoids as Dietary Supplements
Carotenoids are available as dietary supplements, particularly beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and astaxanthin. Supplementation may be beneficial for certain at-risk groups but should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Important warning: High-dose beta-carotene supplements are not recommended for smokers or former smokers. Studies, including the CARET study, have shown that high supplemental doses of beta-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. This risk has not been observed with carotenoids obtained from natural food sources.
Toxicity
Carotenoids from natural food sources are considered safe. Very high intake may lead to a harmless yellowing of the skin known as carotenodermia (or hypercarotenemia), which resolves after reducing intake. Unlike preformed vitamin A (retinol), dietary carotenoids are not toxic because the body regulates their conversion into vitamin A.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Vitamin A deficiency. WHO Nutrition Guidance. Geneva, 2023.
- Eggersdorfer M, Wyss A. Carotenoids in human nutrition and health. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 2018;652:18-26. PubMed PMID: 29885291.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the safety of beta-carotene use in food supplements. EFSA Journal, 2012;10(3):2593.
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Skip product gallery
Subscription available
Floral
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®30 lozenges
Regular price:
22,90 €
Discount
Subscription available
Lactoferrin 60 Capsules
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
60 Capsules
Sale price:
50,00 €
Regular price:
59,90 €
Subscription available
Multivitamin Mineral Complex
Daily basic supply: the complete spectrum of micronutrients
Natural multivitamin complex for the immune system, energy, and central body functions
30 Capsules
Regular price:
29,90 €
Subscription available
Natural Iron
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
30 Capsules
Regular price:
35,90 €