by Daniel Onyango

Created on: March 31, 2010   Last Updated: April 01, 2010

Beta Carotene which is part of a family of chemicals known as carotenoids,is the molecule that gives carrots their orange colour. Many fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids, although carrots seem to have higher concentrations of it.

Because the human body can quickly, and easily convert Beta Carotene into vitamin A, and the fact that it is a cheaply available plant material, it has gained the reputation of a super-food. Its low cost production makes it valuable as relief food supply for poorer countries, particularly in the third world. Because of the increasing interest in its value, scientists have discovered rare variations of a maize gene(crtRB1) that can be used to influence an 18-fold increase in Beta-carotene content of other maize varieties. Plant breeders are also looking into its naturally occurring genetic variations to breed crops that can provide more beta carotene that would cheaply help sustain malnourished people around the world.

The human body converts beta carotene into retinol or pro-vitamin A carotenoids, which are very essential for keeping our bodies healthy. Beta carotene is an anti-oxidant that keeps at bay free radicals that cause cancer, and it also helps to prevent night blindness, skin disorders and enhances immunity. Its other benefits are its power against toxins, colds and flu. As an oxidant and protector of the cells, it can be said to slow down the aging process. As a plus, no vitamin overdose can occur with natural Beta carotene, making it one of the so-called miracle foods.

Finally, Beta carotene is not just only important as food supply to humans, but also a part of bio-stimulant materials that have been used to promote plant growth. They promote antioxidant production in plants which reduce free radicals that may damage lipids, proteins and DNA within plant cells. In this regard, Beta carotene is not only responsible for influencing maturity in plants, but also effectively fights against oxidants that stunt their development.

Its future production looks bright because Beta carotene produced in maizecan easily be converted into other carotenoids, which make less or no vitamin A. The favourable variations of crtRB1 gene slow down this conversion process resulting in more bet-carotene, and hence more vitamin A. The crtrB1 can be bred into any maize variety, making it easily available as food relief in locations of the world where it is much needed.

It is apparent, therefore, that more research on Beta carotene and its other benefits, is necessary as the rising world population looks for affordable and alternative sources of food.

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