Coming to Terms with Carotenoids

Carotenoids are one of the hottest trends in the personal care and cosmeceuticals markets. In fact, according to BCC Research's report, "The Global Market for Carotenoids," the global market for carotenoids was $766 million in 2007 and is expected to increase to $919 million by 2015.

So what, exactly, are carotenoids? WH Leong, vice president, Carotech Inc., shared his definition: “Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments found primarily in fruits and vegetables. The carotenoids, whose name is derived from the fact that they constitute the major pigment in the carrot root, Daucus carota, are undoubtedly among the most widespread and important pigments in nature. They are present in numerous vegetable oils, vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, watermelon, etc. It is these carotenoids that impart an orangey-red color to the vegetables and fruits. Of the more than 600 known carotenoids in nature, about 20 are found in human plasma and tissues.” Often, carotenoids are used as natural and safe colorants for personal care products, cosmetics and dietary supplements.

Fewer than 25 of the known 600 carotenoids are found in the foods we eat. "Only plants and protists are able to synthesize carotenoids, so humans, as well as animals, must obtain carotenoids from fruits and vegetables," said Charles DePrince, president, Fuji Health Science Inc. "Some of the major carotenoids found in our diet include alpha-carotene (carrots—from which the name 'carotenoids' is derived), beta-carotene (broccoli), lutein (spinach), zeaxanthin (red pepper), cryptoxanthin (oranges), lycopene (tomatoes) and astaxanthin (salmon)."

There are two types of carotenoids:

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