What Is Canthaxanthin?

In order to understand the function of Canthaxanthin (pronounced CAN-THA-ZAN-THIN) an understanding of a group of molecules called carotenoids would be helpful.

There are two major groups of carotenoids:
1. Carotenoids - Bright colors (yellow, orange, and red) that are found in nature.

Carotenoids: Are biological pigments that are the coloring of living organisms and the necessary molecules needed for important metabolic reactions. They are distributed everywhere in leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of plants. Carotenoids are also found in many animals, especially in marine invertebrates. They tend to accumulate in brightly colored feathers of tropical birds.

All carotenoids that are found in animals are ultimately derived from plants or algae. Carotenoids are potent antioxidant molecules that protect plants from damage caused by singlet and triplet oxygen which is the by-product of ultra violet rays and photosynthetic metabolism. They are free radical scavengers that prevent harmful uncontrolled oxidation chain reactions.
more…