Invertebrates commercial sources

The carotenoids are the most widespread group of pigments in nature, with an estimated yield of 100 million tonnes per annum. They are present in all photosynthetic organisms and responsible for most of the yellow to red colours of fruits and flowers. The characteristic colours of many birds, insects and marine invertebrates are also due to the presence of carotenoids, which have originated in the diet. Animals are unable to synthesise carotenoids de novo, and so rely upon the diet as the source of these compounds. Carotenoids found in the human diet are primarily derived from crop plants, where the carotenoids are located in roots, leaves, shoots, seeds, fruit and flowers. To a lesser extent, carotenoids are also ingested from eggs, poultry and fish. Commercially, carotenoids are used as food colourants and in nutritional supplements (Table 13.1). Over recent years there has been considerable... 

The crude chitin is isolated from the outer skeletons of crustaceans, molluscs or invertebrate animals, insects, and certain fimgi. Commercially, crab and shrimp shells are the major sources of chitin. Crustacean shells not only consist of 30 0% protein, 30-50% calcium carbonate, and... 

FUNCTIONS Biological function restricted to source of energy. Principal food-reserve materials in animals. Found in cells of vertebrates and invertebrates. No commercial... 

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