beta carotene

beta carotene Not actually a vitamin but a plant pigment that is a precursor of vitamin A. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative damage that may predispose a person to cancer. Beta carotene is converted to the oil-soluble vitamin A, as needed. Food sources include vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach and other leafy green vegetables; and fruits such as cantaloupes and apricots. Excessive carotene can temporarily yellow the skin, an innocuous condition called carotenemia that is commonly seen in infants who have been fed large amounts of mashed carrots.