Karoten
Karoten, commonly called carotene, refers to a family of natural pigments found in plants, algae, and some bacteria. The best known member is beta-carotene. Carotenoids are fat-soluble, brightly colored compounds and are responsible for the orange to yellow hues of many fruits and vegetables. Chemically, carotene is a hydrocarbon with a long chain of conjugated double bonds; beta-carotene has two terminal beta-ionone rings.
Biological role and nutrition: Many carotenoids function as photosynthetic pigments and protect plant tissues from photooxidative
Sources and intake: Rich dietary sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, kale, spinach, and apricots. Dietary
Health considerations: Carotenoid intake from food is generally safe. High-dose beta-carotene supplements have been associated with
Uses: In industry, carotenoids are used as natural colorants (for example, in food and cosmetics) and as