Which statement best describes beta-carotene?

Which statement best describes beta-carotene?

• A. It is a water-soluble vitamin
• B. It is an inactive metabolite of Vitamin C
• C. It is an inactive precursor to Vitamin A found in colorful fruits and vegetables
• D. It is a protein

Answer: (C)

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid pigment that acts as a provitamin A. The body can convert it into retinol, the active form of vitamin A, as needed. Because it must be converted before providing vitamin A activity, beta-carotene is an inactive precursor to Vitamin A. It is fat-soluble and found in colorful fruits and vegetables, not a water-soluble vitamin or a protein. It’s not an inactive metabolite of Vitamin C. So describing beta-carotene as an inactive precursor to Vitamin A found in colorful fruits and vegetables fits best.

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid pigment that acts as a provitamin A. The body can convert it into retinol, the active form of vitamin A, as needed. Because it must be converted before providing vitamin A activity, beta-carotene is an inactive precursor to Vitamin A. It is fat-soluble and found in colorful fruits and vegetables, not a water-soluble vitamin or a protein. It’s not an inactive metabolite of Vitamin C. So describing beta-carotene as an inactive precursor to Vitamin A found in colorful fruits and vegetables fits best.