Comparing E160A - carotene vs E160BII - Annatto norbixin

What is beta carotene?

Beta‑carotene (E160a) is an orange plant pigment used as a food color and provitamin A; humans can convert it into vitamin A as needed.

Does beta carotene make you tan?

High intakes can cause a yellow‑orange skin tint (carotenodermia), especially on palms and soles, but this is not a true melanin tan and offers no UV protection.

Is beta carotene bad for you?

It’s generally safe at normal dietary and additive levels; very high supplemental doses can discolor skin and have been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers and asbestos‑exposed people.

What foods have beta carotene?

Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin/squash, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), cantaloupe, apricots, and mangoes are rich sources; it’s also present in red palm oil and used to color or fortify various foods.

Is beta carotene vitamin a?

No—it's a provitamin A that the body converts to vitamin A (retinol); conversion varies by individual and diet (e.g., fat intake).