Alpha-carotene is one of the most abundant carotenoids in the diet.
It can be converted in the body to an active form of vitamin A, a nutrient important for vision, immune function,
and skin and bone health. Alpha-carotene has less than half the vitamin A activity of the major vitamin A precursor,
beta-carotene. In addition to being a precursor for vitamin A, alpha-carotene
may act as an antioxidant in the body. Some food sources of alpha-carotene
include:
pumpkin
carrots
winter squash
tangerines
For more information, contact Elizabeth Pivonka, President & CEO, Ph.D., R.D.
