What is the β-carotene structure? What is its function?

Beta-carotene, the most abundant and efficient precursor of vitamin A, is a liposoluble antioxidant whose main activity occurs in collagen and elastin fibers. As a tetraterpenoid it consists of 40 carbon atoms in a core structure of conjugated double bonds substituted with 2 β-ionone rings. Due to its extended system of 9 fully conjugated double bonds, β-carotene shows a major absorption peak in the visible spectrum with a maximum at ∼450 nm, responsible for the orange to red color of the compound. β-carotene has been designated an antioxidant. It is a direct human food ingredient which functions as a color additive and a nutrient supplement. It is used in dairy products, fats and oils, and processed fruits and fruit juices.

You may like