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Carotenoids defined
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Carotenoids are a group of fat soluble pigments that absorb light in the
400-500 nm region of the visible spectrum. This physical property provides the
characteristic red/yellow color of the pigments. They are synthesized by plants to offer
protection against sunlight.
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Nutritionally,
carotenoids are actively involved in the maintenance of the visual system.
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Hydrocarbon carotenoids are classified as carotenes and xanthophylls.
Chemically the carotenes (C40 H56) are highly unsaturated
carotenoids and represented by beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene and lycopene.
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The hydroxy-keto and hydroxy-keto derivatives of Carotenes are called
"xanthophylls". It includes lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, capsorubin,
capsanthin, astaxanthin, and canthaxanthin.
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Some carotenoids such as beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin are converted
into Vitamin A in the body.
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| Lutein ( b-carotene
3,3’diol ) |
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| Zeaxanthin (b,b-carotene-3,3’-diol) |
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Cryptoxanthin
[(3R)-ß, ß-Caroten-3-ol) |
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Capsanthin
(3R,3’S,5’R)-3,3'-Dihydroxy-ß,
k-caroten-6'-oneOH |
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Capsorubin (3S, 5R,3'S,5'R)
3,3’ –dihy-droxy-k k carotene-6, 6’ dione |
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