Gâc fruit contains a variety of carotenoids, but lycopene and beta carotene are the predominant carotenoids present. Not only is gâc fruit richer in carotenoids than common fruits and vegetables, but because it delivers these important antioxidants in lipocarotene form, gâc carotenoid antioxidants are better absorbed than carotenoids from common fruits and vegetables. In a clinical study, subjects given gâc fruit (3.5 mg/day) showed greater plasma level of beta carotene than that of another group given pure beta-carotene powder (5.0 mg/day). (Vuong, L.T.)