Carotenoids are the nutritional elements that give fruits and vegetables their distinctive colors, odors and tastes.

Beta carotene is one type of carotenoid that is also a precursor to Vitamin A. Although beta carotene may be the best known of the carotenes, approximately 500 have been identified, and their health benefits are just beginning to be recognized. Beta carotenes and other carotenoids act as antioxidants in the body, protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Beta carotene is an important nutrient because it acts as a "protector" against toxic molecules in the environment called "free radicals". Free radicals damage delicate structures within cells and have been linked to many medical problems. Substances that protect cells by "neutralizing" free radicals are called "antioxidants". Beta carotene is one of the most powerful nutritional antioxidants known.

Research is proving the benefits of supplementing with natural beta carotene. Clinical studies have shown men with the highest blood levels of carotene had significantly fewer heart attacks than those with the lowest levels. In addition, carotenoids have been proven to assist the immune system.

Beta carotene is not only an important component internally but also has valuable external benefits as well. Results have shown beta carotene supplements reduce skin reddening and increase immunity to UV light.

Synthetic beta carotene does not provide the antioxidant benefits that natural beta carotene does because it contains only the trans isomer (isomer refers to the different shapes of the same vitamin).

The trans isomer is converted to Vitamin A by the body, which has little antioxidant benefit. Some of the controversy over beta carotene studies in the past came when researchers made the mistake of assuming beta carotene was the only beneficial carotene out of over 500 varieties occurring in food.

Natural beta carotene from Dunaliella salina algae is a 100% natural source of beta carotene and is approximately half trans and half cis isomers. The cis isomer is the more protective form of beta carotene. The higher amount of cis isomers occurs because it is grown in the sun in the clean ocean waters of Australia.

There are many carotenoids available that have antioxidant benefits. The following carotenoids occur in these foods:

• Beta Carotene- Apricots, Peaches, Sweet Potatoes
  
• Alpha Carotene- Carrots, Pumpkin, Peppers, Yellow Corn
  
• Cryptoxanthin- Papaya, Peaches, Tangerines, Oranges
  
• Lutein- Kale, Collard Greens, Spinach, Broccoli, Mustard Greens
  
• Zeaxanthin- Cress, Swiss Chard, Chicory, Beet Greens, Okra
  
• Lycopene- Tomato, Watermelon, Guava

Recommended Intake

The Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for Vitamin A is 5000 IU. 1 mg of beta carotene equals 1667 IU Vitamin A activity.

Smile brand Beta Carotene:

• High quality, 100% natural beta carotene from Dunaliella salina algae. 
• Easy-to-swallow soft gelatin capsule

References:

Nutritional Biochemistry. Brody, Tom. Academic Press. San Diego, California. 1994

Human Physiology and the Mechanisms of Disease. Guyton, Arthur. C.W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1992.

Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Murray, Michael. Prima Publishing Company. Rocklin, California.1996.