The carrot gets its characteristic, bright orange color from β-carotene, and lesser amounts of α-carotene, γ-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.[21] α- and β-carotenes are partly metabolized into vitamin A,[22][23] providing more than 100% of the Daily Value (DV) per 100 g serving of carrots (right table). Carrots are also a good source of vitamin K (13% DV) and vitamin B6 (11% DV), but otherwise have modest content of other essential nutrients (right table).[24]
Carrots are 88% water, 4.7% sugar, 0.9% protein, 2.8% dietary fiber, 1% ash and 0.2% fat.[24] Carrot dietary fiber comprises mostly cellulose, with smaller proportions of hemicellulose, lignin and starch.[25] Free sugars in carrot include sucrose, glucose and fructose.[24]
The lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids characteristic of carrots are studied for their potential roles in vision and eye health.[21][26]