A method is disclosed for increasing systemic carotenoid levels in humans through oral consumption of tablets, capsules, food or beverage products containing organisms capable of synthesizing carotenoid compounds. Carotenoid synthesis may occur in situ by organisms colonizing the gut, or in food or beverage products where carotenoids accumulate and are subsequently consumed dietarily. The organisms may be either transgenic—thus expressing genes in the carotenoid synthesis pathway derived from other organisms, or they may comprise species or strains selected for natural synthesis of carotenoids. The central objective of the invention is to provide an improvement in human health through a novel method for supplying and delivering carotenoid compounds.
