Vitamin A & Beta-carotene

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. It occurs naturally in foods like liver, fish oils, eggs, and dairy products. Beta-carotene, a type of carotenoid, is a precursor to Vitamin A and is found in colorful fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Synthetic Vitamin A and beta-carotene are often produced through chemical processes.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene are added to foods as a nutrient fortification to help consumers meet their daily requirements. They are commonly found in fortified dairy products like milk and cheese, cereals, infant formulas, and some margarines and spreads. Beta-carotene is also used as a natural yellow-to-orange colorant.

In the U.S., Vitamin A and beta-carotene are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as nutrients or color additives. The National Academies have established upper intake levels for Vitamin A. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated these compounds. While essential in small amounts, very high intakes of preformed Vitamin A can be toxic, leading to health issues. Beta-carotene is generally considered safe, though high intake in smokers has been linked to increased lung cancer risk in some studies.