Definition: Phytochemicals found in red, orange or yellow fruits and vegetables. Your body can transform some carotenoids into vitamin A, especially beta-carotene. Other precursors to vitamin A include alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin.
Other carotenoids cannot be turned into vitamin A. However, they may trigger antioxidant reactions in your body. These include lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
