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[Display omitted] • Carotenoids have a plenty of mechanisms by which they positively affect health. • Antioxidant and photoprotective properties are one of the most important. • Noticeable is their induction of intercellular communication via gap junctions. • Carotenoids also regulate many signalling pathways in cells. Carotenoids are tetraterpene pigments that are an essential part of the human diet and have a major impact on human health. Carotenoids possess some antioxidant, cytoprotective, photoprotective, and many other properties, enabling them to play their role against various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. This article comprehensively reviews carotenoids and their chemical characteristics, distribution, and metabolism inside human organisms. The data from many studies show their impact on cell metabolism, the induction of intercellular communication via gap junctions, their influence on the cell cycle, and the production of many substances leading to changes in signalling pathways. Moreover, the review attempted to provide an overview of how their various functions affect humans in general. Additionally, we provide a brief description of their potential negative effects. Understanding these interactions and recognising the respective roles of carotenoids may strongly influence a diagnostic workup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]