Beta-carotene belongs to the family of a class of substances called carotenoids or carotenes. Carotene serves as an assistant or light-gathering pigment to protect fruits and vegetables from the ill effects of oxygen. The light energy it absorbs is then converted to chlorophyll, which is essential in photosynthesis.

Carotene is a provitamin. It can be stored and converted to vitamin A by the liver. The two primary isomers of carotene are alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is the more common and more important of these two primary isomers.

Beta-carotene is derived from the Latin name of carrot. Beta-carotene is a natural fat-soluble pigment. Carotene is responsible for the orange color of fruits and vegetables. Because of its ability to add color, carotene is used as food coloring. Without carotene, margarine will be white in color.

Beta-carotene can be found in yellow, red and deep green leafy vegetable and fruits. Carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash are just some of the best sources of beta-carotene. In general, the brighter the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more beta-carotene it contains.

Beta-carotene is also an excellent anti-oxidant. It is added in fats to keep the fat from going rancid. This anti-oxidant quality of beta-carotene makes it essential in removing the free radicals from the body. Free radicals damage the basic structure of cells leading to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Because of these qualities, there are claims that beta-carotene helps prevent cancer and other diseases such as arthritis, cystic fibrosis and heart disease. Its anti-oxidant qualities make it also an immune system booster. Apparently, beta-carotene enables the human body to be stronger and healthier, thus better capable to combat viral diseases. Because of the light gathering character of carotene, there are also claims that beta-carotene is a good protection from sunlight for people with certain skin sensitivities, allergies or diseases.

These qualities of beta-carotene made experts recommend a daily dosage of beta carotene from the natural sources - fruits and vegetables. We are plagued with a polluted environment. The air we breathe and the water we consume is contaminated with germs. Our choice of food may also have toxic effects on our health. Thus, it is very important to have a daily dose of anti-oxidant to combat all these bad substance in the environment and from our food intake.

Though it is advisable to get beta carotene from fruits and vegetables, the supply of fruits and vegetables is either not sufficient or due to preference, people find it difficult to consume the recommended daily allowance of beta-carotene. Thus, a dietary supplement is necessary.

Vitabase Beta Carotene softgel capsule is the perfect supplement for this much needed vitamin. At 25,000 IU, you are assured that you are taking just the right quantity for the needed effect. Likewise, you are assured of the quality of beta-carotene with the brand Vitabase Beta Carotene. The softgel capsules make it easy to swallow even for consumers who find it difficult to gulp down pills.