Nutritional formulations and methods to produce safe vitamin A/retinol are described. In particular, methods and formulations containing plant pro-vitamin A carotenoids from momordica cochinchinensis spreng are disclosed. The formulations and associated method are characterized by high concentration of provitaminA carotenoids in a water soluble form with enhanced stability and absorption. This invention describes methods to produce water-soluble provitamin A powder from “gac” and formulas to enhance absorption of plant provitamin A carotenoids to a subject. The method described herein requires no chemical solvents, nor involves genetic modification, also delivers other nutrients to improve nutritional status of subjects. This method provides a safe source of vitamin A to be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals and food supplements for humans and animals.
