β-carotene (beta-carotene) is an organic, strongly colored red-orange pigment abundant in fungi, plants, and fruits.
Being a polyene compound, derived from the acyclic structure, C40H56 possesses a long chain of conjugated double bonds. The high temperature promotes the isomerization of double bonds, which results in brightening of the resulting colour.
β-carotene have been recognized for their efficacy in providing vitamin A activity from vegetable sources in the human food supply. Carotenoids, whose structure is identical to the retinol molecule, present vitamin A activity and among this group, β-carotene reveals the highest bioactivity as vitamin A precursor.
Vitamin A are needed for good vision and eye health, for a strong immune system, and for healthy skin and mucous membranes. Taking big doses of vitamin A can be toxic, but human body only converts as much vitamin A from β-carotene as it needs.
Additionally, β-carotene has powerful antioxidant properties. It protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals. Free radicals damage cells through a process known as oxidation. Over time, this damage can lead to a number of chronic illnesses.
The name is derived from the Latin word for carrot. β-carotene was discovered by the scientist Heinrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Wackenroder, who crystallized it from carrots in 1831.
Properties of β-carotene
