The present invention describes an improved commercial process for the production of carotenoid-cyclodextrin complexes and formulation of the complex for human ingestion. Complexation with cyclodextrins (e.g., .alpha.-cyclodextrin, .beta.-cyclodextrin, .gamma.-cyclodextrin, or HP-.beta.-cyclodextrin) significantly improves the uptake of carotenoids (e.g., lycopene, lutein, or zeaxanthin) and their mixtures in vitro. The method for making such complexes includes forming a carotenoid/cyclodextrin complex; freezing drying said carotenoid/cyclodextrin complex; and blending said freeze-dried carotenoid/cyclodextrin complex with a mixture of lecithin and a vegetable oil or a vegetable oil suitable for soft gelatin capsules. The cyclodextrin/carotenoid complex can be formed in a molar ratio of between about 0.5:1.0 and 10:1. In vivo, in a human study, the lutein/.gamma.-cyclodextrin complex formulated in lecithin-oil or oil showed a better absorption of lutein, as compared to the free lutein-oil formulation.