Alpha-carotene

The carotenoids, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and lycopene, are vitamin A precursors. These pigments produce yellow, orange, red, and dark green in fruits and vegetables. Alpha-carotene produces half the vitamin A that beta-carotene does. Alpha-carotene is found in similar foods to beta-carotene and is often studied in conjunction with that carotenoid, though it is rarer and less well-understood.
See also :

• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin A

Health Benefits and Uses of Alpha-carotene

• Longevity : Recently, scientists have been paying more attention to alpha-carotene, and have found some potential longevity benefits, in addition to the vitamin A goodness alpha-carotene can provide. Carotenoids act as antioxidants, fighting against the damage caused by oxidation, which plays a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality. A Japanese study published in the Journal of Epidemiology found that participants with the highest blood levels of alpha-carotene were less likely to die from heart disease — even less likely than participants with high beta-carotene levels.
• Lower risk of death from diabetes and lower respiratory disease.
• Alpha-carotene is a known fighter of free radicals.
• Cancer : While alpha-carotene is chemically similar to beta-carotene, several studies seem to demonstrate that alpha-carotene is much more effective in decreasing mortality for certain forms of cancer (lung, prostate, liver, etc.) Together with lycopene, alpha-carotene was associated with reduced risk of lung cancer in a study of two large cohorts published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
• Vision health. Alpha-carotene supports vision health by creating vitamin A, which is needed for low-light vision and cell health. Alpha-carotene's contribution to vision health is much the same as that of beta-carotene.
• Diabetes. Patients with highest levels of alpha-carotene intake are 48% (men) and 39% (women) less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, although intake of all antioxidants was not significant as a risk factor.

Food Sources of Alpha-carotene

Good sources of alpha-carotene include pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes, collards, tangerines, winter squash and peas, chilli powder, parsley, coriander, cinnamon

References

• Quansah, D.Y., Ha, K., et al, (2017), Associations of Dietary Antioxidants and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Data from the 2007-2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Molecules, Oct 5;22(10)
• Li, C., Ford, E.S., et al, (2011), Serum a-carotene concentrations and risk of death among US Adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Follow-up Study, Arch Intern Med.,Mar 28;171(6):507-15
• Ito, Y., Kurata, M., et al, (2006), Cardiovascular disease mortality and serum carotenoid levels: a Japanese population-based follow-up study, J Epidemiol., Jul;16(4):154-60.
• Michaud, D.S., Feskanich, D., et al, (2000), Intake of specific carotenoids and risk of lung cancer in 2 prospective US cohorts, Am J Clin Nutr., Oct;72(4):990-7.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.