What is the difference between preformed vitamin A and provitamin A?
Vitamin A falls under two categories: Preformed vitamin A and provitamin A. So why should you be concerned about the difference between preformed vitamin A and provitamin A? Well because of the way they are metabolized in the body. Retinol (Preformed vitamin A )the most beneficial form of vitamin A can easily be taken in amounts toxic to the body. Beta-carotene on the other hand, as a provitamin (meaning that they are transformed into vitamin A after certain metabolic reactions in the body) is only utilized on an as needed basis by the body. Simply put, your body only converts as much beta-carotene into vitamin A as it needs; for this reason you cannot ingest toxic levels of beta-carotene.
