Die Anwendung und Bedeutung von synthetischen Carotinoiden in der Lebens- und Futtermittel- sowie in der pharmazeutischen Industrie

Abstract

The carotenoids, over 100 of which are known, are naturally occuring substances. Some of them have biological activity as provitamin A.
Many have been synthesised and four, namely β-carotene, β-apo-8'-carotenal (C₃₀), β-apo-8'-carotenoic acid (C₃₀) ethyl ester, and canthaxanthin are becoming of commercial importance for colouring foods and pharmaceutical products, and particularly as additives in feedstuffs, mainly for the pigmentation of the egg yolk and broiler as well as for plumage.
This article describes the application of these commercially available carotenoids and the reasons for developing marketable forms responding to special requirements.