The body is able to transform beta-carotene, a compound derived from plants, into vitamin A. Beta-carotene also functions within the body as an immune system booster and an antioxidant.
Additional antioxidant carotenoids include lutein, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, and zeaxanthin. However, the majority of these nutrients differ from beta-carotene in that they are not, in any substantial amount, converted into vitamin A.
Foods that contain adequate levels of beta-carotene include orange-yellow and dark green vegetables. Beta-carotene can also be taken as a supplement.
Although beta-carotene is a nonessential nutrient and true deficiencies do not occur, people who limit their dietary intake of beta-carotene may increase their risk of developing low levels of vitamin A. Even so, research has shown that elderly people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have significantly reduced levels of carotenoids in their blood, regardless of their diet.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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