β-Carotene, belonging to the group of carotenoids, is
an important micronutrient to which particular health
related properties have been attributed. As a result of
its specific molecular structure consisting of a polyene
chain with 11 conjugated double bonds and a β-ring
at each end of the chain, β-carotene has provitamin A
and antioxidant activity (Rodriguez-Amaya, 2001).
β-Carotene is present in various plant-based food products.
In the human diet, carrots
(Daucus
carota)
are
a common
source
of β-carotene
and they are
often consumed