Carotenoids are among the most common natural pigments responsible for many of the hues found in nature
as well as a variety of functions. Carotenoids are a class of 800 natural fat-soluble pigments found principally in
plants, algae, fungi, animals, photosynthetic bacteria and some non-photosynthetic bacteria. Only plants,
bacteria, fungi and algae can synthesize carotenoids; animals cannot biosynthesize them thus, they must be
obtained from the diet