Carotenoids, symmetrical tetraterpenes with a linear C40 hydrocarbon backbone, are
natural pigment molecules produced by plants, algae, and fungi. Carotenoids have
important functions in the organisms (including animals) that obtain them from food. Due to
their characteristic structure, carotenoids have bioactive properties, such as antioxidant, anti‐
inflammatory, and autophagy‐modulatory activities. Given the protective function of
carotenoids, their levels in the human body have been significantly associated with the …