Main Difference – Vitamin A vs Beta Carotene
Vitamin A and beta carotene are essential organic compounds for health. The main difference between vitamin A and beta carotene is that vitamin A serves as an essential micronutrient whereas beta carotene serves as the precursor of vitamin A. However, vitamin A can be found in a ready-to-use form in animal food. Both vitamin A and beta carotene are lipid soluble compounds. Vitamin A is required for the synthesis of rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is essential for the vision during twilight and in the dark. Beta carotene is essential for the antioxidant activity of the body.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Vitamin A (Retinol)
– Definition, Facts, Role
2. What is Beta Carotene
– Definition, Facts, Role
3. What are the Similarities Between Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Antioxidant, Beta Carotene, Liver and Fat Tissues, Micronutrients, Provitamin A, Retinol, RE (Retinol Equivalent), Rhodopsin, Vitamin A
What is Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A (retinol) is a lipid-soluble vitamin, primarily found in animal sources that contain fat. Vitamin A is required by the body for better eyesight, fresh skin, and healthy teeth. It is also important for lung health, bone strength, and immune strength. It is stored in the liver and fat tissue for longer times. Vitamin A is released from the liver in the presence of zinc. The functions of vitamin A are listed below.
- Eyes and light perception: Required for the synthesis of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive receptor protein in the eye that provides vision during twilight and in the dark,
- Immune defense and protection against infections,
- To maintain mucous membranes,
- To keep the condition and moisture level of skin,
- For a healthy hormonal system, formation of new sperm cells, and reproduction,
- For genetic coding and growth and development of the fetus.
The synthesis of vitamin A from beta carotene is shown in figure 1.
Figure 1: Synthesis of Vitamin A
Vitamin A content is specified in RE (retinol equivalent). The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 800 micrograms/RE for adults and 400 micrograms/RE for the children below 10 years. Vitamin A deficiency symptoms include night blindness, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, dry skin and mucous membranes, fragile hair and nails, impaired immunity, and abnormal fetal development. Supplements are available for vitamin A. However, as vitamin A is concentrated in the liver and fat tissues, higher doses of vitamin A would be toxic to the body. Vitamin A supplements are required during pregnancy and lactation. But, it should be taken with precautions.
What is Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is a lipid-soluble organic compound. It acts as vitamin A in herbivores. Beta carotene serves as the provitamin A in omnivores. Thus, omnivores can consume beta carotene in the form of orange or yellow pigments of plants such as parsley, spinach, kale, tomatoes, rosehips, carrots, melon, and bell pepper. Thus, omnivores can consume beta carotene in the form of orange or yellow pigments. Beta carotene serves as a strong antioxidant, providing protection against the harmful impact of free radicals. Free radicals can arise from sunlight, tobacco smoke, inflammation, etc. It also avoids heart diseases, asthma, depression, infertility, and cancer. A source of beta carotene is shown in figure 2.
Figure 2: Tomatoes and Carrots
As beta carotene is not stored in the body for long period of times, it is better as a supplement of vitamin A. However, the use of synthetic forms of beta carotene as supplements may slightly increase the risk of lung cancers for heavy smokers.
Similarities Between Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
- Vitamin A and beta carotene are two types of essential micronutrients.
- Both vitamin A and beta carotene are lipid soluble compounds.
- Both vitamin A and beta carotene should be consumed by animals as food.
Difference Between Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
Definition
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a lipid-soluble vitamin primarily found in animal sources that contains fat.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene is a lipid-soluble organic compound readily found in orange and yellow plant structures that act as provitamin A.
Other Names
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is known as retinol.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene is known as provitamin A.
Significance
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is the pure form that can be directly obtained from animal sources.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene is the precursor that can be obtained from plant sources.
Found in
Vitamin A: Vitamin A can be obtained from cod liver oil, liver pate, liver, kidneys, cheese, butter, egg yolk, and oily fish.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene can be obtained from parsley, spinach, kale, tomatoes, rosehips, carrots, melon, and bell pepper.
Fate in the Body
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fatty tissues.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in the intestinal mucous membranes.
Storage
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is stored in the body for a relatively long time.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene is not stored in the body.
Potency
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is the most potent form.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene is the weaker form of vitamin A.
Role
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is required for the production of rhodopsin.
Beta Carotene: Beta carotene serves as a powerful antioxidant.
Conclusion
Vitamin A and beta carotene are two important micronutrients. Vitamin A is the pure form of the vitamin while beta carotene is the provitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the production of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive receptor protein in the eye. Beta carotene serves as an antioxidant. Vitamin A is stored in the body the further use. The main difference between vitamin A and beta carotene is the relationship between them and their function in the body.
Reference:
1. Vitamin A (Retinol and beta-Carotene), Health and Science, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “31710” (CC0) via pxhere
2. “Chem 157 vitamin a synthesis project” By Hssekhhon – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply