Beta Carotene And Vitamin A

Beta carotene is a pigment found in many fruits and vegetables, giving them their orange and yellow colors. It is converted to vitamin A in the body, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Beta carotene can be extracted from natural sources or synthesized.

Beta carotene is used as a natural food coloring, providing yellow to orange hues in products like margarine, cheese, and baked goods. It is also added to foods as a source of vitamin A, especially in fortified products like milk and cereals. Its antioxidant properties are also a benefit.

Beta carotene is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a nutrient or color additive. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A as needed, reducing the risk of vitamin A toxicity compared to preformed vitamin A. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated beta carotene and vitamin A. High intake of beta carotene from supplements has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers, but this is not typically a concern from dietary sources.