Which pigment can be converted into a vitamin?

Carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, are pigments that can be converted into vitamin A in the human body. This conversion is significant because vitamin A plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including vision, immune function, and skin health. Carotenoids are found in various colorful fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, making them an important part of a balanced diet.

In contrast, chlorophyll is responsible for the green color in plants and does not have a known conversion to a vitamin that is beneficial to humans. Anthocyanins provide red, purple, and blue colors in fruits and vegetables like blueberries and red cabbage, but they do not convert to a vitamin. Anthoxanthins contribute white or yellow pigments in foods and also do not serve as precursors to any vitamins. Understanding these differences highlights the nutritional importance of carotenoids and their role in the diet.