Carotenoids Pigments

Carotenoids: The Advantages of Kemin’s Natural Poultry Pigment Products

Consistent Egg Pigmentation and Health Benefits of Kemin’s Carotenoids

In poultry, skin, egg colour and appearance as well as consistency play a central role in the judging quality and marketability of the products. Oxycarotenoids are responsible for the pigmentation of egg yolks and skin as well as of legs, beak, combs and feathers and as poultry cannot produce these pigments, they must be consumed from the birds’ feed.

For more than 20 years, Kemin has been providing high-quality and safe carotenoid products to the poultry industry.

The use of natural pigments has increased due to consumer concerns. ORO GLO™ 20, a Marigold extract, and Kem GLO™ 5, a paprika extract, are natural pigments. Paprika (Capsicum annuum) contains red pigments whereas Marigolds are plants that are commonly used in yolk pigmentation and contains yellow carotenoids. Xanthophyll carotenoids in egg yolks are comprised of lutein and zeaxanthin, and Marigolds are one of the most concentrated sources of lutein (80% to 90% lutein).

Health Benefits of Lutein and Xanthophyll Carotenoid Supplements

Eggs supplemented with Lutein and Xantophyll carotenoids can have several developmental and physiological health benefits including:

• promoting overall eye health and function;
• acting as internal sunglasses to filter out blue light, the most damaging spectrum of visible light;
• helping to protect cells from oxidative damage and inflammation;
• boosting immune system functions; and
• supporting skin health.