The present invention relates to a xanthophyll composition containing (trans, meso)-zeaxanthin), (trans, R,R)-zeaxanthin and (trans, R,R)-lutein useful for nutrition and health care and a process for its preparation. More particularly, the invention relates to a xanthophylls composition containing at least 80% by weight of total xanthophylls, out of which the (trans,3R,3′S, meso)-zeaxanthin content is at least 80%, the remaining being (trans, R,R)-zeaxanthin, (trans, R,R)-lutein and trace amounts of other carotenoids. This invention further provides a xanthophyll composition containing at least 80% by weight of total xanthophylls, out of which at least 50% being (trans, R,R)-zeaxanthin, the remaining being (trans,3R,3′S, meso)-zeaxanthin, (trans, R,R)-lutein and trace amounts of other carotenoids.