β-Carotene Is an Important Vitamin A Source for Human

Experts in the field of carotenoids met at the Hohenheim consensus conference in July 2009 to elucidate the current status of beta-carotene research and to summarize the current knowledge with respect to the chemical properties physiological function and intake of beta-carotene The experts discussed 17 questions and reached an agreement formulated in a consensus answer in each case These consensus answers are based on published valid data which were carefully reviewed by the individual experts and are justified here by background statements Ascertaining the impact of beta-carotene on the total dietary intake of vitamin A is complicated because the efficiency of conversion of beta carotene to retinol is not a single ratio and different conversion factors have been used in various surveys and following governmental recommendations within different countries However a role of beta-carotene in fulfilling the recommended intake for vitamin A is apparent from a variety of studies Thus besides elucidating the various functions distribution and uptake of beta-carotene the consensus conference placed special emphasis on the provitamin A function of beta carotene and the role of beta-carotene in the realization of the required/recommended total vitamin A intake in both developed and developing countries There was consensus that beta carotene is a safe source of vitamin A and that the provitamin A function of beta-carotene contributes to vitamin A intake J Nutr 140 2268S-2285S 2010