The purpose of the present invention is to provide an agent, food and beverage for improving a carotenoid balance in blood by increasing the blood level of normally non-present xanthophylls while inhibiting a decrease in the blood level of normally present carotenoids. It is possible to increase the blood level of normally non-present xanthophylls having high antioxidant properties while inhibiting a decrease in the blood level of normally present carotenoids, by combining: (A) at least one member selected from the group consisting of capsanthin, capsorubin, capsanthone, cucurbitaxanthin A, astaxanthin, mytiloxanthin, and fatty acid esters thereof； (B) at least one member selected from the group consisting of zeaxanthin, ²-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and fatty acid esters thereof； (C) at least one member selected from the group consisting of ²-carotene, ±-carotene, and lycopene； and (D) at least one member selected from the group consisting of vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin C derivatives.
