FactSentinel

Carrots do not give anyone night vision. They contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, a nutrient needed for healthy eyes. Vitamin A helps form rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that allows the eye to detect light in dim conditions. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, so correcting a deficiency can restore normal low-light vision. However, eating extra carrots when vitamin A levels are already adequate does not improve vision beyond its normal range or create any enhanced ability to see in the dark.

The idea has a well-documented origin in wartime propaganda. During World War II, British officials credited carrots for the success of Royal Air Force pilots in shooting down German bombers at night. In reality, the pilots were aided by newly developed airborne radar, a technology the government wanted to keep secret. The carrot story offered a plausible cover, and it also encouraged civilians to grow and eat carrots during food shortages. The myth spread widely and has persisted ever since.

The confusion comes from a partial truth. Vitamin A is essential for vision, so a diet lacking it can impair sight, particularly in low light. But this is a case of preventing a deficiency rather than gaining a superpower. Most people in developed countries get enough vitamin A already, and taking in far more than needed offers no added benefit. Excessive vitamin A from supplements can even be harmful. Carrots remain a healthy food, but they will not help anyone see in the dark.