The vital nutrient carotene is primarily found in vegetables and tends to be less present in fruits. Carotene gives plants their typical red, yellow, and orange hues.
Origin and Occurrence of Carotene
Carotene occurs in various forms in the plant world. More than 600 variants are known today. The most well-known is beta-carotene. The entire group of so-called carotenoids is derived from it. Beta-carotene is a provitamin and thus a precursor to vitamin A. Carotenes are attributed a wide range of effects and functions, including an antioxidant effect. The best sources of beta-carotene are yellow to orange fruits and vegetables (e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apricots, papayas, mangoes, nectarines, peaches, pears, sea buckthorn) as well as dark green ones (e.g., spinach, broccoli, endives, chicory, watercress, beetroot leaves).
Carotene: Natural Supplements
Beta-carotene supports the maintenance of eyesight, helps maintain normal skin and mucous membrane functions, and promotes the immune system and cell division. Various Medicom preparations provide the body with the vital nutrient beta-carotene as a precursor to vitamin A. The human body then converts it into the vitamin. Among other things, an additional supply of carotene is advisable for healthy skin in summer due to increased sun exposure. Beta-carotene preparations from Medicom promote cell specialization and support the maintenance of eyesight. This is because the retina needs the vital nutrient vitamin A for the conversion of light impulses into nerve impulses. Therefore, the pigments of the retina also contain a lot of retinol (vitamin A). During the conversion process, retinol is consumed. If extreme light situations prevail, i.e., very bright light or very little light, the need for vitamin A increases. Often, deficiencies only become noticeable at night. In addition, glare effects become more frequent, and the eye reacts more slowly to changes in light from bright to dark. In cases of vitamin A deficiency, night driving should therefore be avoided.
Carotene Supplements as Natural Prophylaxis
The recommended daily intake of carotene for prophylaxis is approximately 2 mg to 6 mg. For certain risk factors such as AMD (age-related macular degeneration), a daily amount of 15 mg – 50 mg from a combination with lutein and zeaxanthin is often suitable as intensive prophylaxis or therapy. In contrast to vitamin A, carotene essentially cannot be overdosed. Beta-carotene reduces the oxidation of harmful LDL cholesterol and thus offers protection against arteriosclerosis. Experts repeatedly point to the connection between a deficiency of vitamin A and arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke).
