 |
Description
"Carotenoids are the principal pigments responsible for the red, orange, yellow and green colors of vegetables and fruits. Beta-carotene is responsible for the color of carrots.
Beta-carotene along with alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin are the principal dietary carotenoids. Three of these carotenoids, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, can serve as dietary precursors of retinol (all-trans retinol, vitamin A). Collectively, these carotenoids are called provitamin A carotenoids or provitamin A. Dietary carotenoids that are not converted into retinol (lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene) are referred to as nonprovitamin A carotenoids.
Carrots are the major contributors of beta-carotene in the diet. Beta-carotene is also found in cantaloupe, broccoli, spinach and collard greens. Palm oil, which is used as a food colorant, is rich in beta-carotene as well as alpha-carotene. Dietary intake of beta-carotene in the American diet ranges from 1.3 to 2.9 milligrams daily. The consumption of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per daywhich is recommended by a number of federal agencies and other organizations, including the National Cancer Institutewould provide 3 to 6 milligrams daily of beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene is considered a conditionally essential nutrient. Beta-carotene becomes an essential nutrient when the dietary intake of retinol (vitamin A) is inadequate. It is unclear whether beta-carotene has any biological function for humans other than as a precursor for vitamin A. There is some evidence that beta-carotene may play a beneficial role in human nutrition beyond its provitamin A function. Beta-carotene has antioxidant activity, at least in vitro, and it may enhance intercellular communication and may have immunomodulatory and anticarcinogenic activities in certain circumstances.*
Dietary Supplement
*Note: The FDA has not evaluated any claims made. The dietary supplement product is not intended to ""diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease""
"
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
