Abstract: Micro-micelle forms of carotenoids and/or xanthophylls, which show improved absorption and biovailability by living organisms, provide higher levels of carotenoids in the blood stream, and consequently are deposited at the target tissues at a faster rate and more efficiently than crystalline carotenoids are provided. The micro-micelle forms do not contain any crystal forms of carotenoids, and are obtained as micro-micelles after melting Lutein diacetate or Lutein dipropionate in their natural original lipid vegetable matrix, in the presence of lipids, phospholipids, fatty acids, emulsifiers and moisture. The micro-micelle forms can be ingested at a dosage between 2 mg to 50 mg to provide an absorption of the carotenoid solubilizate that is at least 20% above that of crystalline carotenoids, and provides a macular pigment deposit that exceeds at least 10% of Macular Pigment Optical Density, than the deposition obtained by ingesting crystalline Lutein.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a microscopic physical state of xanthophylls or oxycarotenoids derivatives forms such as diacetates or dipropionates derivatives, which are readily incorporated in the digestive system as micelles providing an improved bioavailability, as compared to the bioavailability of carotenoids that are ingested in diverse preparations that contain microscopic carotenoids crystals and a method for its application.

Abstract: An industrial process to obtain xanthophyll concentrates of high purity from plant extracts, comprising: refining the plant extracts by treating them with a diluted alkali, followed by treating them with a diluted organic or inorganic acid in order to eliminate impurities and undesirable components and obtaining a refined extract; saponifying the refined extract by means of a strongly alkali aqueous solution; treating the diluted saponified mass with a dilute organic or inorganic acid to adjust the pH to a value from 4 to 7, in order to separate a xanthophylls concentrate; and removing any remaining impurities by extracting them by means of hexane.

Abstract: A process for obtaining 3′-epilutein, by epimerization of a lutein-containing extract with an aqueous solution of a strong organic acid which is slowly added under agitation at room temperature, in the presence of an organic aprotic media, to obtain 3′-epilutein(crystals) in a solution which is neutralized with an alkali and extracting the 3′-epilutein from said solution by means of an organic media, then washing and drying the crystals and purifying them by chromatography by means of a chromatography column.

Abstract: A saponified marigold extract having a zeaxanthin content between about 20% to 80% of the total xantophylls, as well as a formulation and a method of dosing, comprising incorporating about 10 to 55 ppm. of the saponified marigold xantophylls having a zeaxanthin content of about 20% to 80% in the bird feed or beverage, for the pigmentation of the broiler skin and yolk egg, to impart them the right hue as the market requires.

Abstract: A process to obtain a product having a high content of zeaxanthin, lutein or mixtures thereof, as short chain organic acid diesters of zeaxanthin, lutein or mixtures thereof, that can be used mainly for the pigmentation of broilers and egg yolks, as well as an intermediate in the cantaxanthin(.beta.,.beta.-Carotene-4,4'-dione) and astaxanthin(3,3'-Dihidroxy .beta.,.beta.-carotene,4,4'-dione) synthesis, by reacting extracts obtained from marigold (Tagetes Erecta L.), or plant extracts that contain lutein, zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof in any proportion, with acetic or propionic anhydride under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A process to obtain a product with a high zeaxanthin content, to be used mainly as an ingredient in poultry feed to enhance the pigmentation of broiler chickens and egg yolk, by reacting at a controlled temperature and pressure, marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) meal or its oleoresin, or formulations containing lutein, with strongly alkaline aqueous solutions under controlled conditions, to isomerize the luteine into zeaxanthin in a product with a higher pigmenting activity.