Beta carotene is the metabolic precursor of Vitamin A. Unlike vitamin A, beta carotene is an antioxidant. Also unlike Vitamin A, beta carotene is not a vitamin, it is not toxic in high doses, and it is not stored in the body. Like vitamin A, beta carotene is seen in green leafy vegetables (spinach and chard), and fruits and vegetables that are orange-yellow (especially sweet potatoes, carrots and mangos).