Beta-carotene and other carotenoids

The orange, red, and yellow colours of many vegetables and fruits can be traced back to the presence of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Certain carotenoids are also found in the animal kingdom, such as astaxanthin, which gives shrimp, salmon, and flamingos their characteristic pink colour. In nature, carotenoids primarily help to protect the organism (or its fruits) against the harmful effects of sunlight and oxygen.

Our body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. For this reason, beta-carotene is often referred to as pro-vitamin A. The body will never convert more beta-carotene into vitamin A than is necessary. Therefore, beta-carotene is a safe alternative to vitamin A. Many pregnancy multivitamins contain beta-carotene instead of vitamin A, or a combination of both. Beta-carotene is also an ingredient in certain skin supplements, as vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.

On this page, you will find an overview of supplements based on beta-carotene and related carotenoids. These supplements can be used alongside a multivitamin without any concerns.

Beta-carotene is available in two forms: synthetic and natural. In certain large-scale studies involving smokers, synthetic beta-carotene was used, with negative results. On this website, you will only find supplements containing natural beta-carotene, as found in vegetables and fruits.

Also, see our page on astaxanthin.