All about Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a substance from plants that the body converts into vitamin A. It also acts as an antioxidant and an immune system booster.
Dark green and orange-yellow vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene. It is also available in supplements.
People who limit their consumption of beta-carotene-containing vegetables could be at higher risk of developing a vitamin A deficiency. However, because beta-carotene is not an essential nutrient, true deficiencies do not occur. Nevertheless, very old persons with type 2 diabetes have shown a significant age-related decline in blood levels of carotenoids, irrespective of their dietary intake.
Leukoplakia Lung cancer (Warning: Beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers.) Night blindness Photosensitivity Asthma Immune function Pancreatic insufficiency Sunburn Alcohol withdrawal support Cataracts Gastritis Heart attack HIV support Macular degeneration Sickle cell anemia
Beta-carotene supplementation, even in very large amounts, is not known to cause any serious side effects, however, excessive intake (more than 100,000 IU, or 60 mg per day) sometimes gives the skin a yellow-orange hue. People taking beta-carotene for long periods of time should also supplement with vitamin E, as beta-carotene may reduce vitamin E levels. Beta carotene supplementation may also decrease blood levels of lutein, another carotenoid. Warning: Synthetic beta-carotene has now been linked to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Until more is known, smokers should avoid all beta-carotene supplements. Preliminary studies in animals indicate that beta-carotene supplementation, when combined with heavy alcohol consumption, may enhance liver toxicity. Until more is known, alcoholics and persons who consume alcohol on a daily basis should avoid supplementing with beta-carotene. One study showed a slightly increased risk of vascular surgery among people with intermittent claudication who took beta-carotene supplements. Until more is known, persons wishing to use beta-carotene supplements should first consult with their doctor. Certain medicines may interact with beta-carotene. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
The most common beta-carotene supplement intake is probably 25,000 IU (15 mg) per day, though some people take as much as 100,000 IU (60 mg) per day. Whether the average person would benefit from supplementation with beta-carotene remains unclear.