ABSTRACT
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The carotenoids are the most widely distributed group of pigments, occur naturally in large quantities, and are known for their structural diversity and various functions.1 The carotenoids constitute a widespread class of natural pigments that occur in all three domains of life: in the eubacteria, the archea, and the eucarya.2 Carotenoids are ubiquitous organic molecules, but they are not produced by the human body. They have been found to be essential to human health based on the nutritional understanding of vitamin A (retinol) and β-carotene.3
