Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A as well as a potent antioxidant providing other protective functions in the body. Vitamin A is essential for many functions in the human body including: vision, growth, bone development, tooth development, maintenance of healthy epithelial tissues, protective effect against cancer, reproduction, and coenzyme and hormone roles. Although vitamin A has toxic effects at high doses, beta-carotene (as well as other carotenoids) have no known toxicity. Though beta-carotene may be the best known of the carotenes, approximately 500 have been identified, and their health benefits are just beginning to be recognized. Beta-carotenes and other carotenoids act as antioxidants in the body, protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. New Roots Herbal uses a natural algea form of beta carotene. Dunaliella salina (D. salina) is salt-water micro-algae that accumulates massive amounts of carotenoids under appropriate growth conditions. Beta-carotene, a vital antioxidant, constitutes about 90% of these. The other 10% are made up of alpha-carotene and xanthophylls like lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin - the same carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables. However, the amount of beta-carotene found in D. salina is many times more than in fruits and vegetables.
Trustpilot
1 week ago
5 days ago
