Beta carotene is a plant pigment that gives red, orange, and yellow vegetables their vibrant color. Beta carotene is considered a provitamin A carotenoid, meaning that the body can convert it into vitamin A (retinol). Additionally, beta carotene has powerful antioxidant properties. The name is derived from the Latin word for carrot. Beta carotene was discovered by the scientist Heinrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Wackenroder, who crystallized it from carrots in 1831. What are the benefits? In addition to serving as a dietary source of provitamin A, beta carotene functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals. When free-radical numbers get too high in the body, causing an imbalance, it leads to cellular and tissue damage, known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a known contributorTrusted Source to the development of certain chronic diseases. Antioxidants like beta carotene help reduce or prevent oxidative stress in the body.

Multivitamins

Generic name: multivitamins [ MUL-tee-VYE-ta-mins ] Dosage forms: oral capsule (Lipotropic with Multivitamins; Multiple Vitamins; Multiple Vitamins with Folic Acid and Antioxidants; Therapeutic Multiple Vitamins; Vitamin A and D; Vitamin A, D, E and K; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Complex with C; Vitamin B Complex with C and Folic Acid; Vitamin C and E etc.) Drug class: Vitamin and mineral combinations

What is a multivitamin?

Multivitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.

Multivitamins are used to provide vitamins that are not taken in through the diet. Multivitamins are also used to treat vitamin deficiencies (lack of vitamins) caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, and many other conditions. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of multivitamins. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Certain minerals contained in a multivitamin may also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much.

How should I take multivitamins?

• Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin. Avoid taking more than one multivitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to.