In a recent report, scientists at Ohio State University have warned against more than normal intake of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant found in carrots, sweet potatoes and certain greens. It could have potential side effects on vision, bone strength and immunity of humans if taken in excess amount. The questioned antioxidant is reported to impart color to many vegetables.

"These materials definitely have anti-vitamin-A properties, and they could basically disrupt or at least affect the whole body metabolism and action of vitamin A. But we have to study them further to know for sure", said Earl Harrison, Professor of human nutrition at Ohio State, who spearheaded the study.

With beta-carotene affecting the benefits of vitamin A, it has become necessary for one and all that there is need to put a check on the intake of some vegetables. It is believed that this result might also explain why people who consumed excessive beta-carotene were found with cancer during an old research. It was perhaps one of the potential reasons that the research was stopped in between, and the interesting point is that researchers have still not been able to figure out the actual reason behind halting the research.

Published in the May 4, 2012, issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the study is not recommending people to stop eating the vegetables having beta-carotene, though controlling the intake could put one in a safe position. The research has been backed by the National Institutes of Health and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

It is highly imperative that a lot is being studied which can throw light on environmental and biological conditions which are triggering the production of molecules derived from beta-carotene. The team is of the view that there is need to continue the study in these compounds, which in future might be able to clear a lot many things about the antioxidant.