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Xanthophylls are a group of yellow to orange pigments that are oxygen derivatives of carotenes. They are a type of carotenoid, which are widely distributed in living organisms and are responsible for many of the yellow, orange, and red colors seen in nature. Xanthophylls are insoluble in water but dissolve in fat solvents. While some animals selectively store carotenes, others, like the domestic hen, store xanthophylls. These pigments are synthesized by plants and are found in flowers, fruits, and roots, and are also present in animals.12

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