title: Marine carotenoids: biological functions and commercial applications.
abstract: Carotenoids are the most common pigments in nature and are synthesized by all photosynthetic organisms and fungi. Carotenoids are considered key molecules for life. Light capture, photosynthesis photoprotection, excess light dissipation and quenching of singlet oxygen are among key biological functions of carotenoids relevant for life on earth. Biological properties of carotenoids allow for a wide range of commercial applications. Indeed, recent interest in the carotenoids has been mainly for their nutraceutical properties. A large number of scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of carotenoids to health and their use for this purpose is growing rapidly. In addition, carotenoids have traditionally been used in food and animal feed for their color properties. Carotenoids are also known to improve consumer perception of quality; an example is the addition of carotenoids to fish feed to impart color to farmed salmon.
authors.affiliation: Algal Biotechnology Group, International Centre for Environmental Research (CIECEM), University of Huelva, 21760 Huelva, Spain.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vílchez
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Forján
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cuaresma
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bédmar
authors.forename: Inés
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Garbayo
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vega
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003116:Color; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D010788:Photosynthesis; D026082:Singlet Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D026082:Singlet Oxygen; D002338:Carotenoids