What is beta-carotene?
Beta-carotene is a carotenoid a plant pigment (red, yellow or orange) that is considered a precursor of vitamin A (retinol).
Beta-carotene, like all carotenoids, is fat-soluble as well as sensitive to light and heat. It is converted to vitamin A in the small intestine and then stored in the liver, where it is released gradually, according to the needs of the organism.
What is the purpose of beta-carotene?
Beta-carotene is vital for our body in terms of nutrition. It is above all an excellent antioxidant, thus able to protect the body from free radicals. It is also a primary source of vitamin A, which is essential for vision and growth, allowing the bones to develop evenly. A fair assumption can be made that beta-carotene is especially recommended for growth and development in children and young individuals.
The benefits of beta carotene increase in cases where it is simultaneously taken with vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc.
Which foods are rich in beta-carotene?
Beta-carotene is present in many fruits and green leafy vegetables, including carrots and pumpkins, as well as in cereals and oils.
What is the daily requirement of beta-carotene intake?
For an adult, the requirement of beta carotene ranges from 2 to 4 mg daily.
Beta-carotene deficiency
Beta-carotene deficiency does not cause any health problems, unless it is associated with vitamin A deficiency, in which case you may experience: impaired vision, an increased chance of contracting an infection, and delayed growth.
Excessive beta-carotene intake
Among smokers, taking higher doses of beta-carotene can result in an increased risk of lung cancer, as opposed to taking doses that fall within the normal range.
In women who are pregnant or breast feeding, beta-carotene doses must not be exceeded. Under normal conditions, excess amounts of beta-carotene may cause disturbances such as discoloration of the skin or other disorders which can only disappear with the decrease in carotene dosage.
