Definition: Alpha-carotene is a type of compound called a carotenoid that is found in colorful fruits and vegetables. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, are precursors of vitamin A; your body converts them to a form of vitamin A called retinol.
While all three carotenoids can be converted, your body is most efficient at converting beta-carotene to vitamin A.
There is some evidence that alpha-carotene may also work as an antioxidant to prevent cellular damage from free radicals.
