Apocarotenoic ester, or apo-ester, is a yellow to yellow-orange pigment used
as the yellow component of egg-yolk and broiler pigmentation when added to
poultry feed. Beside its pigmentation properties, apocarotenoic ester has a
provitamin A function.
It is partly converted in the body of the bird to natural apocarotenoic acid,
a widely distributed metabolite in green vegetables, grass, and citrus fruits.
Apocarotenoic ester is also used as a yellow pigment for fat-based foods.
Apocarotenoic ester from DSM Nutritional Products is marketed under the trade
name CAROPHYLL® Yellow.
Below: apo-ester crystals
