The carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) accumulate in the central retina, where they are collectively known as macular pigment (MP). Each of these three compounds exhibit a regional dominance, with MZ, Z, and L being the dominant carotenoids at the epicenter, mid-periphery, and periphery of the macula, respectively. Meso-zeaxanthin is formed directly in the retina from lutein. MZ has potent anti-inflammatory effect, which can be due to its down-regulated expression of various inflammatory mediator genes. Meso-zeaxanthin was also found to scavenge superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals. MZ is a part of formulation for MacuShield, which is now the UK’s most recommended eye supplement. Also exists experiments supporting that LMZ3 (meso-zeaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin) supplements may stabilize vision and improve the cavitation’s in patients with macular telangiectasia type 2.

Canthaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid pigment and potent lipid-soluble antioxidant widely distributed in nature. Canthaxanthin has been found in edible mushrooms green algae, bacteria, crustaceans, and bioaccumulates in fish such as carp, golden mullet, seabream and trash wrasse. Canthaxanthin is used to reduce sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) experienced by people who have a rare genetic disease called erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In these people, sunlight can cause skin reactions such as rash, itch, and eczema. Canthaxanthin is also used to reduce sun sensitivity caused by certain medications. Some people also try it for relieving itching caused by sun exposure. Canthaxanthin is associated with E number E161g and is approved for use as a food coloring agent in different countries, including the United States and the EU; however, it is not approved for use in Australia and New Zealand. It is generally authorized for feed applications in at least the following countries: US, Canada, EU. In the EU, canthaxanthin is allowed by law to be added to trout feed, salmon feed, and poultry feed. The European Union limit is 80 mg/kg of feedstuffs, 8 mg/kg feed for egg-laying hens and 25 mg/kg in feed for other poultry and salmonids.

Alpha-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid present in fruits and vegetables. Higher serum concentrations of α-carotene have been associated with lower risk of cancer and all-cause mortality. It was suggested that genetic variants influence serum concentrations of provitamin A. Recently was found, that α-carotene effectively inhibits Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) metastasis and suppresses lung metastasis in combination with taxol in LLC-bearing mice, suggesting that Alpha-carotene could be used as an anti-metastatic agent or as an adjuvant for anti-cancer drugs.