Carotenoids are lipophilic plant pigments found in nature.

Although carotenes are commonly used as natural pigments in foods, they have other wide- ranging health benefits. The human body cannot manufacture carotenes, making supplementation and dietary incorporation a necessity.

α-, and β-carotene are Provitamin A, therefore they are essential for the promotion of growth, embryonal development and visual function. Furthermore, β-carotene inhibits cancer development and contributes to the defense against lipid peroxidation.