Beta-Carotene, Lutein and Lycopene - Why Your Multivitamin Should Include These Nutrients

Carotenoids are a highly colored group of fat-soluble plant pigments. All have antioxidant properties and some are converted into vitamin A. The most well known that is converted into vitamin A is beta-carotene, it acts as an antioxidant and an immune system booster.

Be careful when supplementing with beta-carotene, make sure your multivitamin is using the natural and not the synthetic form of it, studies have shown that the natural form has antioxidant activity that the synthetic form lacks. Most store bought or cheap vitamins will contain the synthetic form. Experimental studies have found that a diet high in intake of caronoids offers some
protection against developing certain cancers such as; lung, skin, uterine, cervix, and stomach. Also they have been shown to offer protection against developing macular degeneration, cataracts and other diseases linked to free radical damage.


They may need to be taken with vitamin C and vitamin E to realize all of their benefits. Lutein is the primary carotenoid that is found in the center of the retina called the macula, it appears to help offer protection from age-related macular degeneration which is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Lutein may have other significant health benefits due to its high antioxidant effects. Lycopene has shown potential to protect cholesterol against oxidative damage caused by free radical damage.

One famous study showed that men who had the highest amounts of lycopene in their diet showed a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer. This study suggest that lycopene could be important in the prevention of prostate cancer. I hope you see the importance of your multivitamin having these three important carotenoids in its ingredients.

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