Astaxanthin (Ax) and lutein are important fat-soluble pigments and essential nutrients for human and animal health. Haematococcus pluvialis microalga and Phaffia rhodozyma yeast are ideal species for commercial Ax production. Marigold flowers are a main source of commercial lutein. Dynamics of dietary Ax and lutein in the gastrointestinal tract are similar to lipids, but their activities are tremendously challenged by many physiological and dietary factors; few data are available about these in poultry. Dietary Ax and lutein have insignificant effects on egg production and egg physical properties, but have pronounced effects on yolk color, nutrition, and functionality. The two pigments can also enhance antioxidative capacity and immune function of laying hens. A few studies have shown that Ax and lutein can improve fertilization and hatchability of laying hens. Considering the pigmentation and health benefits of Ax and lutein from hen feed to human food, the commercial availability, chicken yolk improvement, and immune function of Ax and lutein are the focuses of this review. The potential roles of carotenoids in the cytokine storm and gut microbiota are also briefly presented. The bioavailability, metabolism, and deposition of Ax and lutein in laying hens are suggested for future research.

虾青素 (Ax) 和叶黄素是重要的脂溶性色素和人类和动物健康的必需营养素。雨生红球藻微藻和法夫酵母酵母是商业生产 Axe 的理想物种。万寿菊花是商业叶黄素的主要来源。饮食中 Ax 和叶黄素在胃肠道中的动力学与脂质相似，但它们的活性受到许多生理和饮食因素的巨大挑战；关于这些在家禽中的数据很少。日粮中的斧头素和叶黄素对产蛋量和鸡蛋的物理特性影响不大，但对蛋黄颜色、营养和功能性有显着影响。这两种色素还可以增强蛋鸡的抗氧化能力和免疫功能。一些研究表明，斧头素和叶黄素可以提高蛋鸡的受精率和孵化率。考虑到 Ax 和叶黄素从母鸡饲料到人类食品的色素沉着和健康益处、商业可用性、鸡黄改善，Ax和叶黄素的免疫功能是本次综述的重点。还简要介绍了类胡萝卜素在细胞因子风暴和肠道微生物群中的潜在作用。Ax 和叶黄素在蛋鸡体内的生物利用度、代谢和沉积建议用于未来的研究。