Carotene

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Carotenes, a subgroup of the larger carotenoid group of chemicals, are hydrophobic, highly unsaturated compounds with a variety of beneficial health effects due to their antioxidant properties. Both -carotene and -carotene are chemical precursors of vitamin A. They are structurally very similar to a number of other carotenoids including lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and lycopene.


Alpha-carotene

© Image: David E. Volk
-carotene.

Beta-carotene

© Image: David E. Volk
-carotene.