Carotene
Also known as: Provitamin A, Carotenoids, Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Carotene, Gamma-Carotene
Colorants
Safety rating
Eat Away!
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-Carotene (E160a) are naturally occurring pigments found in yellow, orange, and green leafy vegetables, used as natural food colorants and as precursors to Vitamin A.
Commonly found in
- —Juices, soft drinks, and flavored beverages
- —Margarine, butter, and cheese spreads
- —Candies and sweets
- —Cakes, pastries, and baked goods
Key functions
- —Provides yellow-to-orange coloring
- —Converts to Vitamin A in the body
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Excessive intake can cause carotenemia, a harmless orange skin tint that resolves when intake is reduced
- 02High-dose beta-carotene supplements (not food sources) may increase lung cancer risk in smokers
- 03Supports vision, immune function, and skin health when consumed through food