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 distinctive pink colour. In nature, carotenoids primarily help the organism (or its fruits) to protect against the harmful effects of sunlight and oxygen.

Our body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. For this reason, beta-carotene is also 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, for this reason. 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 issues.

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

See also our page on astaxanthin.