Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene

25,000 IU 100 softgels | Item Catalogue Number: 00664

Beta-Carotene: Vitamin A (retinol) is a yellow, fat-soluble, generic term for a large number of related compounds obtained from some carotenoids by conversion in the liver, its storage organ. Retinol (an alcohol) and retinal (an aldehyde) are often referred to as preformed vitamin A. While carotenoids are widely distributed in such foods as green and yellow vegetables, retinal is not found in any vegetable sources, but is concentrated in egg yolks and the livers of many animals. Vitamin A, either from animal sources or synthesised in our own liver, is essential for growth and reproduction, maintaining healthy vision, and supporting protein synthesis and cell differentiation. Vitamin A and its analogues have shown the ability to help maintain proper DNA function.

One study, however, has shown that for certain lifestyles (e.g., smokers) supplemental intake of too much beta-carotene in the absence of other carotenoids and antioxidants (such as at least 400 IU/day of vitamin E)