An improved high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry method for determination of carotenoids and their precursors phytoene and phytofluene in human serum

► We develop HPLC-DAD-MS method for analysis of carotenoids in human serum. ► 30 carotenoids are separated within 45 min, identified and quantified. ► Sensitivity, recovery and reproducibility of the developed method are good. ► Method applied to samples from subjects fed with carotenoid-rich capsules.