Alpha Carotene

FACTS

I kick off the Hot 10 with alpha carotene, first among the illustrious carotenoid family. Carotenoids are substances in fruits and vegetables that are natural coloring agents. Recently, researchers have discovered that carotenoids are much more than mere decoration-they have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties.  Although plants need sunlight to thrive and grow, constant exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun can trigger the formation of dangerous free radicals, which can cause genetic damage. In order to survive, plants need a mechanism to protect themselves from these potentially troublesome UV rays. Carotenoids are natural sunscreens that filter out UV radiation and protect plants and human beings from other environmental carcinogens. There are more than 500 different carotenoids in plants, and about 50 can be found in edible fruits and vegetables.

Of the entire carotenoid family, the most famous is beta-carotene. Scientists have primarily focused their research on beta-carotene because of its pro-vitamin A activity; that is, it is converted into vitamin A as the body needs it. Until recently, it was widely believed that beta-carotene itself was useless and could be used by the body only after its conversion into vitamin A. We now know that carotonoids such as beta-carotene may each offer particular advantages. In the 1980's, beta-carotene stole the spotlight because of studies that suggested it might protect against certain types of cancer. When researchers investigated whether other carotenoids could also have hidden benefits, the results were quite astonishing. Not only did some of these lesser-known carotenoids show significant anticancer activity, many were even more potent than beta-carotene. A case in point is alpha carotene, long neglected but now a rising star among supplements. Several studies have shown that alpha carotene can drastically reduce the number of tumors in animals with lung, liver, and skin cancer. In fact, alpha carotene may be ten times more powerful than beta-carotene in protecting skin, eye, liver and lung tissue against free radical damage. Like beta-carotene, alpha carotene is also converted to vitamin A. The best food sources of alpha carotene are cooked carrot and pumpkin.

Alpha carotene is sold alone, included in mixed carotenoid supplements, and included in antioxidant formulas.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

Works as a natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger.

Shows strong anticancer activity.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT

Take 3 -6 mg of mixed carotenoids daily.

Personal Advice

The fruits and vegetables that are commonly eaten in the United States provide about 20 different carotenoids, but Americans often do not get enough carotenoids from diet alone. In fact, studies show that only 10 percent of the population eats five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, as recommended by the National Cancer Institute. Try to eat as many carotenoid-rich foods as possible such as dark green leafy vegetables and red and orange fruits. To cover your bases, however, I recommend taking a broad-spectrum antioxidant with alpha and beta carotenoids, plus two other Hot 100 supplements, lycopene and lutein. (Lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of prostrate cancer; lutein may help protect against muscular degeneration.)

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