Carotenoids are pigments that are found in plants and other organisms that carry out photosynthesis such as algae and some species of fungi and bacteria. These pigments play a dual role: one to absorb energy from sunlight during photosynthesis and also to protect plant cells from photodamage.
Depending on the presence or absence of oxygen molecules, carotenoids are classified into either carotenes (Beta-carotene,Lycopene , or as Xanthophylls (Lutein , Zeaxanthin and Astaxanthin)
Beta-carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Astaxanthin are among the most important carotenoids that have been found to have a major impact in human health.
Astaxanthin is the red colored xanthophyll pigment that gives salmon its pink colour. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and a unique feature of Astaxanthin is that it performs all three of the key antioxidant tasks including quenching, scavenging, and trapping free radicals, and enhances the activity of other antioxidant nutrients.
Astaxanthin neutralizes free radicals as it traps them inside its structure, and does not have any "pro - oxidant effect
Astaxanthin has a peculiar chemical structure, and a very low molecular weight that enables it to cross the Blood - Brain barrier and the Blood - Retina Barrier, thereby having the potential to provide health benefits in eye health, brain health, joint health among other areas.
Lutein belongs to the xanthophylls family of carotenoids and is one of the two major components of the macular pigment in the retina.
Lutein is found either in the "Free" form (Trans-Lutein) or in the ester form, Parry Nutraceuticals produces both, and has a unique combination product of Free Lutein and Trans-Zeaxanthin.
Like Lutein, Zeaxanthin also belongs to the xanthophylls family of carotenoids is chemically very closely related to Lutein, both have the exact same chemical formulae, differing only in their physical structure.
In people, lutein and zeaxanthin make up most of the pigment in the center of the retina, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. These two pigments absorb wavelengths in the high-energy spectrum; they may help protect retinal cells in the macula against "phototoxic" damage caused by short-wavelength high-energy light radiation. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in both the macula and lens of the human eye.
Lycopene is the carotene responsible for the red color of the tomato, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Among the carotenoids, it is the most efficient quencher of singlet oxygen free radicals. Lycopene has been linked with reduced risk of prostate and cervical cancers, as well as supporting cardiovascular health.
Lycopene tends to concentrate in bodily tissues at higher amounts than all other carotenoids, especially in the testes and adrenal glands.
Beta-carotene is one of the orange colors found in most green leaves, sweet potatoes, papaya’s and in other fruits and vegetables that have the characteristic yellow coloring.
Beta-carotene is the most potent precursor to vitamin A, but its conversion to vitamin A in the body is limited by a feedback system. Depending on the nature if its isomers Natural Beta carotene has two roles in the body, It can be converted into vitamin A (retinol) (Trans isomers) if the body needs it. Vitamin A or Retinol is very important for the eyes and helps in maintaining eye health.
Additionally like all other carotenoids, beta-carotene is an antioxidant (Cis Isomers). Antioxidants are substances that help prevent or reduce the formation of damaging chemicals in the body called free radicals. Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene appears to protect the body from damaging molecules called free radicals.