Beta-Carotene
The short version
A natural orange pigment from carrots and algae that also acts as a vitamin A precursor.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Naturally found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and many other plants. Commercial sources include extraction from carrots and palm oil, fermentation by the alga Dunaliella salina, and chemical synthesis.
How it's used
Used to color margarine, butter, juices, dairy drinks, and cheese. Doubles as a vitamin A source in fortified foods.
Safety profile
No ADI required. Considered safe at normal dietary levels. High-dose supplementation has been linked to increased lung cancer risk in heavy smokers in two large clinical trials (ATBC and CARET).
Physical & chemical properties
Deep orange-red crystalline solid or oily liquid. Fat-soluble. Heat-stable but sensitive to light and oxygen.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally without strict limits in food. Standard ingredient in vitamin fortification.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.