Distribution of carotenoids in endosperm, germ, and aleurone fractions of cereal grain kernels

► TCC, lutein and zeaxanthin levels are unevenly distributed in the grain kernels. ► Lutein and zeaxanthin were found in aleurone layer of non-corn and corn cereals. ► Non-corn germ had higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin than yellow corn germ. ► Antioxidant activity of carotenoids from aleurone was 50% of the germ fraction.