Beta carotene is considered pro-vitamin A within the vitamins and minerals list and is essential to human life. It can further be classified within vitamins and minerals within the subset of fat soluble vitamins. Vitamins are broken down as follows:
Fat Soluble Vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K.
Water Soluble Vitamins consist of the B-complex, Vitamin C.
The difference between the fat soluble and water soluble is the difference in absorption and excretion. Fat soluble vitamins are diffused into dietary fat and absorbed along with fat through the small intestines. Vitamin A, in particular, has about a 9 to 22 percent absorption rate.
Water soluble vitamins are absorbed after they bind with other molecules in the small intestines and are then actively absorbed rather than passively diffused.
In methods of excretion, fat soluble vitamins are metabolized in the liver and generally are not excreted in the urine, whereas water soluble vitamins in excess are sent to the kidneys where excessive amounts are expelled, turning the urine a bright yellow color that is especially noticeable after taking a potent multivitamin supplement.
Beta carotene, particularly, can be cleaved into two vitamin A molecules in the gut as it is absorbed. It is the plant form of vitamin A and must be converted into a retinyl before the body can put it to use. As a pro-vitamin, beta carotene is a precursor to the retinyls in their various forms in the body, and some of the beta carotene is lost in the conversion process.
Excessive amounts of beta carotene can also cause the skin to gain an orange pigment called carotenodermia and as a fat soluble vitamin, it is possible to take enough to become toxic with several serious health consequences.
|
Beta-carotene is also known as provitamin A because it can be converted into vi…
|
Retail: $11.19
$7.99
Save: 28.6%
a1n-25417
|
|
|
VM 100 Complete supplies optimum levels of vitamins, minerals, and 10 poten…
|
Retail: $30.99
$20.99
Save: 32.3%
a1n-31068
|
|
|
This advanced dry form is water-dispersible for maximum absorption.…
|
Retail: $15.99
$9.99
Save: 37.5%
a1n-24401
|
|
|
During normal aging, levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula decrease. Unlike most ot…
|
Retail: $17.39
$11.99
Save: 31%
a1n-25438
|
|
|
One of the most irresistible delicacies o…
|
Retail: $60.49
$46.99
Save: 22.3%
a1n-26390
|
|
|
Antioxidant Vitamins C & E with Beta-Carotene, High Potency, Dietary Suppl…
|
Retail: $26.95
$18.99
Save: 29.5%
a1n-30561
|
|
|
|
