Carotenoids

Beta-Carotene is a member of the carotenoid family: Highly pigmented (red, orange and yellow), fat or water soluble. Our CaroCare^® solution offers a range of natural-source beta-carotene formulations which is fat soluble compounds found in many fruits, grains, oils, and vegetables. 

Beta-carotene is probably the most prominent of carotenoids and aside from imparting beautiful color into a food also plays an important role as a precursor to vitamin A – an essential vitamin for the body especially when combined with vitamins E and C. When combined there is strong evidence to suggest they can prevent degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease or cancer. 

As an intense pigment, Beta-Carotene is widely used as a colorant in food, beverage and pharmaceutical application.

Our range of coloration-specific Beta-Carotene formulations offer ease-of-use, superior color stability and guaranteed minimum color intensity.

Apocarotenal, or trans-β-apo-8'-carotenal, is a carotenoid found in spinach and citrus fruits. Like other carotenoids, apocarotenal plays a role as a precursor to vitamin A, even though it has 50% less pro-vitamin A activity than Beta-Carotene.

Apocarotenal has an orange-red color shade and is used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. Depending on the product forms, apocarotenal is used in fat-based foods (sauces, margarine, salad dressing), beverages, dairy products and confectionery. Its E number is 160E.

Apocarotenal is predominantly used as a colorant in food and pharmaceutical preparations where it provides an orange to orange-red color shade.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with unique cell membrane antioxidant functions. According to a growing body of scientific evidence, astaxanthin plays a role in supporting eye and heart health.

Astaxanthin is not made in the human body and is currently obtained almost exclusively from dietary sources such as salmon and crustaceans. Its intense red color contributes to the color pigmentation of salmon, shrimp, crabs and other marine life.

Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that allows it to insert itself across the cell membrane bi-layer. In this position, astaxanthin can intercept reactive oxygen species (free radical molecules) and limit damage to cells. This positioning also allows astaxanthin to complement the activities of other antioxidants, which are located at the surface of cell membranes to protect cells from harmful oxidation.

AstaSana™ Product Forms:

• For softgel capsules
• For tablets

Canthaxanthin is known mainly as the natural pigment of the orange-yellow Chanterelle mushroom, but also occurs in various lower animals, some crustaceans, insects, fishes and birds. Besides its pigmentation properties, Canthaxanthin has various physiological functions and can be converted into vitamin A in case of deficiency. Canthaxanthin is used for egg yolk and broiler pigmentation as the red component of the yolk color - and in foods and cosmetics requiring a more orange-red hue.

Canthaxanthin is mainly used for egg yolk and broiler pigmentation, as the red component of the yolk. However, Canthaxanthin is also used as a colorant in food, beverage and pharmaceutical preparations where it imparts an orange-red to red color shade.

Lutein is a yellow pigment found in many plants – particularly the marigold. Of the 600-plus carotenoids found in nature, only lutein and zeaxanthin and their metabolites are located in macula of the eye, where they are found in the highest concentration anywhere in the human body - suggesting an important biological role for these molecules. Lutein absorbs blue light and acts as ‘internal sunglasses’ that may reduce photochemical damage caused by short-wavelength visible light.

Consuming lutein – though green leafy vegetables or dietary supplements – increases Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) in human eyes; which in turn decreases the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

redivivo® Lycopene from DSM is is a nature-identical lycopene with the highest purity level. It’s available in various forms and offers superior stability, greater nutrient absorption and very low extrusion losses. 

Lycopene is a red pigment found in plants belonging to the cartoenoid family. The greatest sources are found in fresh fruits and vegetables like watermelon, red grapefruit and tomatoes.

Lycopene is one of the six predominant carotenoids found in human plasma. Since humans can’t synthesize carotenoids, we need to get them from our diet - or dietary supplements. Lycopene has attracted much attention following various reports that associate high intakes of this carotenoid with prevention of heart diseases.  

As one of the most potent antioxidants, lycopene helps protect our body from free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to serious illnesses. Epidemiological studies also indicate an association between lycopene-rich diets and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

DSM is a leading provider of zeaxanthin – in the form of OPTISHARP® product. Zeaxanthin is a structural isomer that belongs the carotenoids family. Carotenoids are synthesized by plants for coloration and absorption of light. 

Of the 600-plus carotenoids found in nature, only two - zeaxanthin and lutein and their metabolites - are found in macula, at the highest concentration anywhere in the human body. Zeaxanthin together with lutein absorbs blue light and acts as ‘internal sunglasses’ that may reduce photochemical damage caused by short-wavelength visible light.

Taking lutein and zeaxanthin – through green leafy vegetables or dietary supplements – increases macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in human eyes – which in turn reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disease of the central retina that generally affects those over 55. Causes include environmental factors (nutrition, UV light exposure), risk factors (aging, hypertension, and smoking) and genetic predispositions.