β-Cryptoxanthin,Cryptoxanthin, Cryptoxanthol, or Hydroxy-β-Carotene belongs to the class of Carotenoids, more specifically the Xanthophylls. In the human body, β-Cryptoxanthin is converted to Vitamin A (Retinol) and is therefore considered as a Pro-Vitamin A.

It can be found in many vegetables and fruits, mainly in papaya, mango, peaches, oranges, tangerines, bell peppers, corn and watermelon. β-Cryptoxanthin is also found in some yellow coloured animal products such as egg yolk and butter.

β-Cryptoxanthin is a strong antioxidant and prevents that free radicals can damage your cells and DNA.

β-Cryptoxanthin seems to reduce the risk of lung cancer and colon cancer. Studies have demonstrated that β-Cryptoxanthin can reduce the risk of lung cancer by more than 30%. Researchers believe that the anti-cancer effect is linked to the antioxidant effect of β-Cryptoxanthin, but also to a specific expression of a gene that protects cells from becoming cancerous.

Other studies showed that β-Cryptoxanthin reduces risk for rheumatoid arthritis by 41%.

β-Cryptoxanthin is a source of Vitamin A, but about 2 times less strong than β-Carotene.