Beta Carotene - Vitamin A Precursor

Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A found in plant foods. In addition to being a vitamin A precursor, beta-carotene has its own role in the body as well. Natural beta carotene is the most abundant carotenoid in human foods and is generally thought to be the most important carotenoid for humans. Other members of the carotenoid family include cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene. However, unlike beta-carotene, most of these antioxidants are not converted into vitamin A in significant amounts.

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Similar to vitamin A, natural beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant, though the disease-fighting power of this and other carotenes appears to be of greatest value when it is derived from foods, not from supplements.

Beta carotene antioxidant can be found in a good liquid multivitamin. Since vitamin A is toxic when taken in high doses, people who take multivitamin supplements are well advised to choose a product that includes beta carotene antioxidant rather than vitamin A in its formula. Deep orange, yellow and green fruits and vegetables are fine sources of beta carotene. Typically the more intense the color, the more will appear in the food. Apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach are very high sources. Few people take in the suggested amount, and thus miss out on the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber found in carotenoid-rich foods.

Beta carotene antioxidant exists naturally in a wide collection of vegetables and fruits, foods that are associated with lowering the risk of cancer. The discrepancy in the reports may be linked to how the test subjects were given beta-carotene. There is a possibility that beta carotene supplementation is best when taken as part of a multi-vitamin group.

Beta-Carotene food helps prevent night blindness and other eye problems, skin disorders, enhance immunity, protects against toxins and cancer formations, colds, flu, and infections. Beta carotene is an antioxidant and protector of the cells while slowing the aging process.

Free radicals attack the body by a process known as oxidation. By inhibiting this process, beta carotene strengthens the immune system. Numerous studies have shown beta carotene's benefit to cancer. Of all forms, it best protects lung cancer because of the close relationship vitamin A has with nourishing the epithelial cells and lung tissues. It protects the mucus membranes reducing their susceptibility to infection.

Beta carotene antioxidant changes the structure of cholesterol, which makes it more difficult to adhere to the artery walls and cause build-up of fatty plaque. Beta carotene's benefits also extend to strengthens the body's T-cells, a prime target of the HIV virus.

Beta carotene supplement has long been known to be an immune booster, and recent studies support this contention. Beta carotene supplementation appears to be beneficial for individuals with compromised immune systems, and does not over stimulate the immune responses of healthy adults.

The cancer institute recommends that rather than rely on supplements, people eat low-fat diets abundant in fruits and vegetables, whose hundreds of substances combined might be fostering the disease protection that has been favorite in beta carotene.