See Also: Beta-carotene(medicine)
carotene, beta(medicine)
Beta carotene(health)
Carotene, beta(health)
beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase(medicine)
beta-carotene hydroxylase(medicine)
beta-carotene cleavage enzyme(medicine)
Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
carotene(dictionary)
carotene(encyclopedia)

Beta-carotene (medicine)


beta-carotene


An antioxidant which protects cells against oxidation damage that can lead to cancer. Beta carotene is converted, as needed, to vitamin A.

A yellow carotenoid pigment that gives a reddish colour to plants such as carrots and tomatoes. It is often used as a vitamin supplement because the liver can convert it into Vitamin A.

Food sources of beta-carotene include vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and other leafy green vegetables; and fruit such as cantaloupes and apricots. Excessive carotene in the diet can temporarily yellow the skin, a condition called carotenaemia, commonly seen in infants fed largely mushed carrots.