Did you know that flamingos and guarás have pink and reddish feathers, respectively, because of a tetraterpene called astaxanthin?
And that salmon has pink meat because of the same substance?
These animals feed on small crustaceans and microalgae that have the pigment and incorporate it in their organisms.
Have you seen white flamingo? In the absence of astaxanthin consumption, the feathers lose their pink color!
This carotenoid has antioxidant properties and has been used as a dietary supplement by athletes.
