Carotenoids are yellow, orange and red lipid pigments. Most carotenoids are tetraterpenoids. About 700 types of carotenoids are found in plants. Humans consume 40-50 types of carotenoids from fruits and vegetables. Plants, algae, fungi and bacteria produce carotenoids. The major carotenoids are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, G-xanthin, lutein, lycopene, carotene, xanthophyll etc. Beta-carotene is available in egg yolks, carrots, tomatoes, etc.
Functions of carotenoids : Carotenoids play a major role in the absorption of light energy in the process of photosynthesis. Carotenoids obtained from food are stored in the body. Beta-carotene causes phototropism. Rhodopsin gives vision. Dr. Siddiq Publications