Alpha-Carotene
Provitamin A carotenoid found in orange vegetables. Has about half the vitamin A activity of beta-carotene.
No established daily requirement for this nutrient.
Top Foods Highest in Alpha-Carotene
Amount per 100g serving. Values in µg per 100g.
Foods Highest in Alpha-Carotene (Table)
| # | Food | Per 100g | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot, dehydrated | 14,251 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 2 | Peppers, sweet, red, freeze-dried | 6,931 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 3 | Pumpkin, canned, with salt | 4,795 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 4 | Pumpkin, canned, without salt | 4,795 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 5 | Carrot juice, canned | 4,342 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 6 | Carrots, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt | 3,776 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 7 | Carrots, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt | 3,776 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 8 | Carrots, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt | 3,716 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 9 | Babyfood, carrots and beef, strained | 3,716 µg | Baby Foods |
| 10 | Carrots, frozen, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt | 3,716 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 11 | Carrots, raw | 3,477 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 12 | Babyfood, carrots, toddler | 3,340 µg | Baby Foods |
| 13 | Carrots, frozen, unprepared (Includes foods for USDA's Food | 2,958 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 14 | Soup, cream of vegetable, dry, powder | 2,820 µg | Soups, Sauces, and Gravies |
| 15 | Carrots, canned, no salt added, solids and liquids | 2,743 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 16 | Carrots, canned, no salt added, drained solids | 2,743 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 17 | Carrots, canned, regular pack, drained solids | 2,743 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 18 | Carrots, canned, regular pack, solids and liquids | 2,692 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
| 19 | Babyfood, vegetables, carrots, junior | 2,682 µg | Baby Foods |
| 20 | Vegetables, mixed (corn, lima beans, peas, green beans, carr | 2,636 µg | Vegetables and Vegetable Products |
Health Effects of Alpha-Carotene
Alpha-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid with about half the vitamin A activity of beta-carotene. It also functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
No specific alpha-carotene deficiency exists. Inadequate carotenoid intake may reduce antioxidant protection and vitamin A status.
Carotenoids from food are considered safe. Very high intake may cause harmless orange skin discoloration (carotenodermia). Unlike preformed vitamin A, carotenoids are not toxic.
Absorption & Interactions
Absorbed with dietary fat in the small intestine. Converted to retinal in intestinal cells by BCO1 enzyme. Absorption is enhanced by cooking (breaking cell walls) and consuming with fat.
Other Vitamins
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Alpha-Carotene do I need per day?
There is no established daily requirement for Alpha-Carotene.
Which food has the most Alpha-Carotene?
The food highest in Alpha-Carotene is Carrot, dehydrated with 14,251 µg per 100g.
What does Alpha-Carotene do in the body?
Provitamin A carotenoid found in orange vegetables. Has about half the vitamin A activity of beta-carotene.