Beta-carotene is a type of pigment found in plants. It gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables their rich hue. The name beta-carotene is derived from the Latin name for ‘carrot’.

 

Among the carotenoids that can be converted to vitamin A in the human body, so-called ‘provitamin A carotenoids’, beta-carotene is the most abundant and most efficient one found in foods.

 

Currently available evidence suggests that in addition to being a source of vitamin A, beta-carotene plays many important biological roles that may be independent of its provitamin A status.