You’ve probably been hearing about vitamins for a long time, but what about phytochemicals? These lesser-known substances have been working right alongside vitamins in the wholesome foods you eat. It’s only been in recent years that scientists have begun to identify some of the many phytochemicals in foods and to better understand what these amazing compounds can do to help protect health.

One group of phytochemicals is called carotenoids (kuh-RAH-tuh-noids).

Does the word carotenoid remind you of any particular vegetable...say...carrots? The orange color of carrots is produced by a carotenoid called beta-carotene. Carotenoids are present in certain fruits and vegetables, giving them colors that range from yellow to red. Some carotenoids are found in dark green vegetables.

Besides beta-carotene, carotenoids include alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, lycopene, lutein, beta-crpytoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. To learn more about carotenoids, read the Vitamin A Fact Sheet for Health Professionals on the NIH website and answer the questions that follow.