Xanthophylls and Their Relationship with Health

Abstract

and fungus) as well as in some non-photosynthetic molds and yeasts. These compounds exist in photosynthetic organisms and assign the colors of most fruits and vegetables from yellow to red. Dietary intakes are particularly from fruits and vegetables. Their absorption and bioavailability in the body are affected by various factors. Dietary xanthophylls have been shown to have beneficial effects on the formation and course of chronic diseases such as eye, cardiovascular, bone, brain health and diabetes, obesity and cancers through their biological activities. Especially, due to their antioxidant activities and potential preventive and/or therapeutical properties on chronical diseases, they are now the focus of attention. In this review article, the bioavailability of xanthophylls and their effects on health were summarized.