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The difference between Vitamin A and beta-carotene

by Alyson Greenhalgh and Dr. Sara Kirk

question
I keep hearing a lot about Vitamin A and beta-carotene, but how are they different?

answer
Vitamin A comes in two forms, either as preformed vitamin A or as one of a range of provitamins called carotenoids. Beta-carotene is the most well-known of these carotenoids, which actually convert themselves into vitamin A once digested. Preformed Vitamin A is found in fats (butter and margarine), whereas beta-carotene is found in fruit and vegetables, especially brightly coloured ones like tomatoes, peppers and oranges.

Vitamin A is needed for growth and maintenance of healthy skin. It also helps us to see in dim light, so prolonged deficiency can cause night blindness. Beta-carotene has antioxidant properties which can protect us against developing heart disease and some cancers.

Vitamin A is stored in the liver, thus taking large doses of the vitamin will accumulate in this organ and can be poisonous. High levels of the vitamin is also linked to an increase risk of some birth defects, which is why women who are pregnant, or might become pregnant are advised not to take vitamin A supplements or to eat liver or liver containing products. There is also evidence to suggest that taking beta-carotene supplements can increase the risk of cancer, particularly among smokers.

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