carotene

Everyday

1. (science) An orange-yellow substance found in carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and many green leaves, which gives them their colour. tree →
2. The body turns it into vitamin A, which helps eyes, skin and the immune system. tree →

In the lessons

In science and food lessons carotene explains why carrots are orange and why autumn leaves show yellow and orange when the green chlorophyll fades. Myth: eating carrots will not let you see in the dark, though vitamin A does help eyes. Related: beta-carotene, vitamin A.

Examples

• Carrots are orange because of carotene. tree →
• Carotene turns into vitamin A in your body. tree →
• Sweet potatoes and mangoes are full of carotene. tree →
• In autumn, when the green fades, the carotene in leaves shows up. tree →
• Eating huge amounts of carrots can turn your skin a bit orange because of carotene. tree →
• Flamingos are not pink from carotene but from similar colourings in their food. tree →

Note

Say «KARR-uh-teen». Uncountable. Named after the carrot. Myth trap: carrots help healthy eyes but do not give night vision; that story was spread in wartime as a cover story.