Beta Carotene as an antioxidant is widely accepted, but the only antioxidant activity that has been found with beta carotene is in vitro. Although studies suggest that beta carotene can enhance intercellular communication, but that it also has immunomodulatroy and anticarcinogenic activities in situations. Even though studies have suggested that beta carotenes as an antioxidant has potential benefits the evidence presented in the studies has not been very compelling, so the main benefit of beta carotenes is still its pro-vitamin A function.
Although beta carotene as an antioxidant’s main purpose is for Vitamin A, it can also help support the immune system because it is a powerful antioxidant for what it does. Beta carotene is a member of the carotenoid family. The carotenoids are found in fruits and vegetables, they are the pigment that gives the fruits and vegetables their red, orange, yellow, and green colors. Like other carotenoids, Beta Carotene is a natural fat-soluble pigment that is found naturally in various plants. Once the plant is ingested, the beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A by the human body. Other antioxidant carotenoids are converted into Vitamin inside the human body, but none of them can provide the high amounts of Vitamin A that beta carotenes do.
One thing that you need to be on the lookout for is consuming enough fruits and vegetables that contain beta carotenes. You want to consume foods that are rich in beta carotenes, so that you are consuming enough of this antioxidant in a given day. If you do not consume enough beta carotenes as an antioxidant, your body is not going to be receiving as much Vitamin A as it needs. The reason for this is that if your body cannot convert beta carotenes to Vitamin A you will be lacking the Vitamin A that is needed, which means you run the risk of suffering from a Vitamin A deficiency.
If you do not think, you consume enough fruits and vegetables that contain beta carotenes you can always take a beta carotene supplement. Most people who use a beta carotene supplement take 15 mg per day. The good news is that even if you take a supplement and eat foods that are rich in beta carotenes you do not have to worry about any serious side effects. The worst thing that usually happens from ingesting too many beta carotenes is that your skin can turn an orange color and your Vitamin E levels might drop.