Beta-carotene
The carotenoids are pigments of isoprenoid nature that are synthesized by certain bacteria, fungi and photosynthetic organisms. They can be divided into two types: pure hydrocarbons called carotenes, including compounds such as
beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene or lycopene; and molecules called xanthophylls, which contain oxygen in various forms (hydroxyl groups, epoxy groups, etc.), including astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, capsanthin, cantaxanthin, lutein, etc. These carotenoids are known to play an important role in modulating the immune system and enhancing the health of these species. Owing to their beneficial effects on health and their attractive colors, the carotenoids are of considerable commercial importance as colorants and food additives. The carotenes are chemical precursors of
vitamin A. Vitamin A, which is synthesized from carotenes, is essential to a wide variety of physiologic processes in animals, including humans. For example,
vitamin A is important in visual sensitivity, and deficiencies of vitamin A may lead to lack of night vision or even blindness. Vitamin A is also necessary to the proper functioning of epithelial tissues. Vitamin A is essential for man and animal and is largely formed in most organisms from its precursor carotenoids which, by themselves, can only be formed in plants, in photosynthetic active microorganisms and some other microorganisms. Man and most animals are able to convert such carotenoids, also called provitamins A, enzymatically into vitamin A. Chiefly known as the most important of the provitamins A, beta-carotene is currently the subject of detailed epidemiological and clinical studies which appear to attribute to it physiological roles other than those associated with vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a well known naturally occurring substance and has been used in the prior art in nutritional supplements, vitamin or vitamin related formulations, as well as in other formulations applied to the human skin. Beta-carotene plays an important role in the prevention of cancer. Beta-carotene as a provitamin A carotenoid is essential in regions of the world where vitamin A deficiency exists and food rich in retinol is not economically available. The use of beta-carotene to prevent or treat certain types of cancer and to reduce cellular or tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen species and phototoxic molecules, such occurs, for example, in cardiovascular disease. Beta-carotene may also be used to stabilize compounds subject to oxidation, particularly when exposed to light. Beta-carotene has been reported to have many important biological functions in addition to its role as a vitamin A precursor.
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