Natural Carotenoids
Product Description
SourceOne Natural Carotenoids are a group of natural fat-soluble pigments found principally in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. Natural Carotenoids are antioxidants that quench free radicals, haxardous molecule that can damage cells and contribute to aging. These carotenoids are responsible for much of the brighter colors in many of our foods: orange in carrots and citrus, red in peppers and tomatoes, and pink in salmon.
Carotenoids’ powerful provitamin A activity is also well established. The body produces vitamin A through the carotenoid beta-carotene, which is also contained in many fruits and vegetables. Alpha-carotene, another provitamin A carotene is found in carrots, pumpkin, and many peppers.
Lycopene, the carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color, is clinically proven effective at fighting the destructive potential of singlet oxygen. Lutein and zeaxanthin, xanthophylls found in corn and in leafy greens such as kale and spinach, are believed to serve protective functions in the macular region of the retina. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll found in salmon, shrimp, and other seafood, has known potent antioxidant properties. Carotenoids’ antioxidative potential, according to other studies, may also appear in enhancing immune system function, protecting against sunburn, and inhibiting development of certain types of cancers.
Market Opportunity
Scientific research suggests that diets rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that people consume five to nine daily servings of fruits and vegetables, including those that are rich in carotenoids. Unfortunately, the most recent Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals found that:
- 85% of Americans do not meet both USDA fruit and vegetable recommendations on a daily basis, and
- 60% if Americans do not reach the “5 a day” minimum servings for fruits and vegetables combined.
Although carotenoids do not replace a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, SourceOne’s Natural Carotenoids provide a convenient and effective solution for establishing a balanced diet with a known dose of carotenoids in a highly bioavailable form.
Innovation
SouceOne is a leader in introducing new innovations and scientific technologies that help deliver health and wellness through natural products. We are relentless in our pursuit of quality and improvements in nutritional supplements, functional foods and beverages, cosmetics, and animal nutrition that offer more and better solutions to the growing need for healthy and nutritious wellness options. Our dedicated team of global research partners invests heavily in research and development (R&D) and scientific studies. They also work closely with major universities, medical institutions, and clinical research organizations (CROs) to further ensure we have the newest developments keeping SourceOne on the cutting edge of the latest scientific discoveries.
The SourceOne network of research and technology partners work tirelessly to find solutions to the growing epidemic of health issues we face around the world. Collaboration between partners like Vesifact AGTwin Rivers Technologies (Baar,Switzerland), (Quincy, MA) and Ingredients By Nature (Montclair, California) are shining examples of our shared vision and commitment to this constantly changing and never ending challenge.
Solutions:
SourceOne’s Natural Carotenoids provide a solution for those seeking a more balanced diet with protective antioxidant activity. SourceOne’s Natural Carotenoids may also improve immune function as well as help maintain eye health.
SourceOne’s Natural Carotenoids are available for the nutritional supplement, functional food and beverage, animal nutrition, and cosmetic markets in the following applications: bulk raw material, soft gels, two-piece liquid-filled hard shelled capsule (Caplique™), two-piece powder-filled hard capsules, vegicaps, and beverage solutions such as powder sachets, meal replacement shakes, protein shakes, and more
Clinical Science:
A number of studies taken over many years have demonstrated carotenoids’ powerful role in contributing to health. A Finnish study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that introducing tomato products rich in beta-carotene into the everyday diet may cut LDL cholesterol levels up to 13 percent. Other studies have spoken to carotenoids’ possible protective contribution to cardiovascular disease, including several that showed carotenoid-rich diets may contribute to a significant lowering of plasma lipid levels. A 2005 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study indicated that high intake of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits may reduce C-reactive protein in healthy, nonsmoking men.
Other studies have spoken to carotenoids’ contribution to eye and skin health, thanks to beta-carotene’s provitamin A, including one study that suggests beta-carotene may actually help prevent sunburn. Others have shown that carotenoids may boost the activity of other ingredients found in anti-aging and skin care products, particularly those used as skin protectants.