Table of Contents
Origin from Carrot
Beta Carotene is a Latin word derived from Carrot. H. Wachenroder had crystallised this compound from the root of carrot in 1831. It is a form of carotenoid. National Institutes of Health stated this as an essential compound for the body; however, taking more than necessary may have an adverse effect on the body. Hence, one must take it directly or as a dietary supplement with the suggestion of a nutritionist or physician. (2)
Natural Sources of Beta Carotene
The American Heart Association advises ingesting beta carotene directly from food rather than from supplements. Vegetables and fruits rich in beta carotene are:
- Carrots
- Pumpkins
- Sweet potatoes
- Apricot
- Winter squash
- Spinach
- Cantaloupe
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Green peppers (3)
There are two major sources of Vitamin A; Provitamin A, derived from plant sources and Performed vitamin A, derived from animal products such as dairy, fish, poultry, and meat. (4)
Deficiency in Vitamin A generally occurs due to a diet with poor nutrition. Some other reasons are lactose intolerance, gluten-sensitive enteropathy of the digestive tract, etc. (5)
Health Benefits
There are several benefits of Beta Carotene. Some of the stated health conditions it can cure or improve are:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Cataract
- Night blindness
- High blood pressure
- Cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s diseases
- Cardiac diseases
- Heartburn
- Parkinson’s disease
- Psoriasis
- Inflammatory Conditions or arthritis
- Asthma
- Skin health
- Cancer prevention
- Prevents kidney
- Improving reproductive health (6) Also Read- Medicines for Reproductive Health Conditions
Vitamin A has a positive effect on the human reproductive process. It promotes spermatogenesis in men and maintains a healthy condition of the male genital tract. It initiates the meiosis process during embryogenesis in women. (7)
The Beta carotene deficiency augments the problem of night blindness or disorder with visual adaption during darkness. It lowers immunity, induces dry skin, amongst other issues.
Risk Factors
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, hence, it accumulates in the liver. Excess intake of β-carotene is toxic for health. Doses above recommended dietary allowance may reduce the mineral density of bones and lead to fractures. (8)
Contraindications
Conclusion
β-carotene extracts are in demand for several Nutri-cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplementary products. Anzen Exports is the bulk supplier of nutraceutical extracts as well as cosmetic ingredients. We cater superlative quality of beta carotene across the globe. To know more about our product line connect with the sales team today.
Disclaimer:
Anzen Exports’ blog posts are based just on our research from cited websites. To be best informed, we advise consulting a doctor about an ingredient or medicine prior to taking it.
Sources:
- Medical News Today
Website – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252758 - Very Well Fit
Website – https://www.verywellfit.com/the-benefits-of-beta-carotene-88314 - WebMD
Website – https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/beta-carotene#1 - Medline Plus
Website – https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002400.html - University of Rochester
Website – https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=betacarotene - PubChem
Website – https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/beta-Carotene#section=Crystal-Structures - NCBI
Website – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257687/#:~:text=Vitamin%20A%20is%20also%20essential,in%20the%20male%20gonad%20postnatally