And Beta Carotene

Beta-carotene is a pigment found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, giving them yellow, orange, and red colors. It is often manufactured synthetically for use as a food additive. In the body, beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A.

Beta-carotene is primarily used as a color additive, providing yellow to orange hues in foods. It is commonly found in products like margarine, shortenings, cheeses, and baked goods. It can also be used to fortify foods with vitamin A.

Beta-carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a color additive or nutrient. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated beta-carotene and established an acceptable daily intake. While beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, very high intakes from supplements have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers, but this is not typically seen with dietary intake from food sources.