Uses and Properties

Alternative sources of Vitamin A are the carotenes. Over 100 carotenes are identified in nature, including alpha, beta and gamma carotene that can give rise to Vitamin A. Cryptoxaqnthin and beta-zeacarotene are also Vitamin A precursors. Beta carotene is the most potent precursor of Vitamin A. 

Beta carotenes are potent antioxidants working with other natural protectors to defend the body's cells from harmful free radical damage formed in the body or acquired from environmental sources such as:

• air pollution
• cigarette smoke
• pesticide
• smoke carcinogens
• toxic chemicals
• water pollution

 FUNCTION

• Vitamin A is structurally related to carotene. Carotene is converted into Vitamin A (a safe source of Vitamin A) in the liver, two molecules of Vitamin A are formed from one molecule of beta carotene.

FOOD SOURCES

• all green and yellow fruits, such as apricots, cantaloupe (rock melon), guavas, mangoes, papayas (pawpaw), peaches
• asparagus
• butter
• cheese
• chilies
• cow's milk
• cream
• dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, endives, leeks, lettuce, spinach, spring greens, Swiss chard, turnip tops
• herbs, such as basil, coriander, parsley
• prunes
• red peppers
• tomatoes
• watercress
• yellow and orange vegetables, such as butternut squash, carrots, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes

EFFECTIVE WITH

Antioxidants, such as:

• Selenium
• Vitamin C

USED FOR

Beta Carotene may help protect against:

• cataracts
• certain cancers
• heart disease
• lung cancer induced by tobacco smoking

INCREASED INTAKES NEEDED

• it is possible to obtain full dietary requirements of Vitamin A from carotenes

DESTROYED BY

• high temperatures
• light
• oxygen

SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY

• not known

DEFICIENCY LEADS TO

• not known to cause any disease

SYMPTOMS OF TOXICITY

• symptoms of excess are yellowing of the skin which is harmless and reversible
  
  

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More Vitamin Information: 

Beta Carotene  ||  Biotin  ||  Choline & Choline/ Inositol  ||  Folic Acid  ||  Inositol  ||  Multivitamins  ||  Vitamin A  ||  Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)  ||  Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin)  ||  Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)  ||  Vitamin B-3(Niacin)  ||  Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)  ||  Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)  ||  Vitamin B-Complex  ||  Vitamin C/ Bioflavonoids  ||  Vitamin D  ||  Vitamin E  ||  Vitamin K