Retinal
Unlike the carotenoids, retinoids are potentially toxic if consumed in large amounts. The human intestine possesses a feedback system that regulates the rate of carotene conversion into retinal and therefore ensures protection from vitamin A toxicity even when carotene intake is extreme.
For many years, carotene supplementation has been successful in providing therapeutic levels of vitamin A in a safe manner. This quality makes beta-PLEX the perfect concentrated source of vitamin A to prescribe for the prevention or treatment of epithelial disorders and immune dysfunctions, especially in children.
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As shown, many beta-PLEX carotenoids are deposited in the skin unchanged. There, they are capable of quenching the energy of excited molecules like singlet oxygen to prevent skin damage. The presence of darker hued carotenoids in beta-PLEX, not only enhances the effectiveness, but also imparts a carotenodermia that is more aesthetically pleasing to patients. See Tri-Quench.
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Xanthophylls are selectively deposited in ectodermal tissues of the eye including the Macula Lutea (lutea being derived from the word lutein which is a common xanthophyll). These beta-PLEX carotenoids effectively absorb shorter wavelengths of light, especially in the violet-blue range. This ability reduces chromatic aberration and thereby increases visual acuity! Macular carotenoids also protect the vulnerable retina from photooxidation damage.
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Some beta-PLEX carotenes that resist intestinal cleavage are transported via LDL to the ovaries where they are thought to be essential for normal reproduction. The Corpora Lutea possess carotene cleaving ability, which at mid-ovulation is more than two-fold greater than normal intestinal cleaving activity. This cleaving ability supplies the ovaries concentrated unesterfied retinol to ensure normal ovulation, regular cycles and adequate luteal hormone output (Progesterone, U.R.F. and Relaxin). Supplementary retinol which becomes esterfied in the liver, does not satisfy ovarian needs. In carotene deficient cattle, the following reproductive problems occur despite adequate retinol feeding: irregular cycles, decreased fertility, increased ovarian cysts and increased abortion rate.
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