Fresh Spirulina’s Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A Conversion

Spirulina’s Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A Conversion

Fresh Spirulina is a rich source of beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant, and a vital provitamin A carotenoid that the body can convert into vitamin A as needed. This conversion process is advantageous because it enables the body to regulate its vitamin A levels, thereby minimizing the risk of toxicity associated with excessive intake of preformed vitamin A.

While the actual preformed vitamin A content in 100 grams of fresh Spirulina is approximately 3.00 micrograms (mcg), its beta-carotene content is substantial at 51.8 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams, which is equivalent to approximately three servings.

This significant amount of beta-carotene is crucial because, when consumed, 51.8 mg of beta-carotene is expected to convert to approximately 25,500 micrograms (μg), or 25.5 milligrams (mg), of vitamin A as measured in Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE).

It is essential to recognize that Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) take into account the varying bioactivity of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids. The standard conversion factor for dietary beta-carotene to RAE is typically 12 micrograms of beta-carotene, yielding 1 microgram of RAE, reflecting the body’s efficiency in converting this precursor.

Recommended Dietary Allowance for Beta-Carotene

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for beta-carotene is not established separately, as it is considered a part of the overall vitamin A intake. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, so the RDA for vitamin A includes both preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene.

The RDA for vitamin A is given in Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) to account for the differences between preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), adults should generally get between 700 and 900 mcg RAE of vitamin A per day.

For specific groups, the RDA is as follows:

• Pregnant women: 770 mcg RAE
• Breastfeeding women: 1,300 mcg RAE

There is no established tolerable upper intake level (UL) for provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene. However, the UL for preformed vitamin A is set at 3,000 mcg for both men and women, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.