Carotene. Computer graphic of a beta carotene molecule, a yellow pigment found in a variety of fruits and vegetables (including carrots), which is needed by the human body for making vitamin A. The yellow spheres represent carbon atoms and the blue spheres are hydrogen. Carotene is converted in the human liver to the primary alcohol vitamin A, which is essential for normal growth, formation of bones and teeth, night vision and for protecting against infection. Deficiency of the vitamin can cause weight loss, growth problems and blindness. Excessive consumption of carrots can lead to a harmless condition known as carotenaemia in which the skin turns orange.