Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene might be protective against forms of some cancer in certain people. Beta-Carotene may also play a protecting role against heart disease in some individuals. Beta-Carotene has shown some positive effects in the immune system. Diminished Beta-Carotene status has been observed in subjects with noninsulin-dependent diabetes, but Beta-Carotene supplementation has so far produced no notable benefits in diabetic patients. Benefits that are sometimes attributed to Beta-Carotene in the prevention of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration might be due to other carotenoids.

Nursing mothers and women who are pregnant should try to obtain an intake of Beta-Carotene from 3 to 6 milligrams daily from the consumption of 5 or more servings daily of fruits and vegetables. Nursing mothers and women who are pregnant should avoid intakes of Beta-Carotene greater than 6 milligrams/day from nutritional supplements. Those who smoke should know that supplemental intake of Beta-Carotene of 20 milligrams daily or greater were associated with a higher incidence of lung cancer in smokers. Smokers should avoid Beta-Carotene supplementation until there is an establishment of a safe dose for smokers. Using Beta-Carotene for the treatment of vitamin A deficiency requires medical management. Beta-Carotene is used to treat erythropoietic protoporphyria, a photosensitivity disorder (doses of up to 180 milligrams daily are used for the treatment of this disorder). No toxic effects are seen in individuals with this disorder taking this high dose. Doses of 30 milligrams/day or more of Beta-Carotene taken for extended periods may cause carotenodermia. Carotenodermia is considered harmless and reversible when Beta-Carotene is discontinued. There isn't any evidence of hypervitaminosis A in those consuming high doses (up to 180 mg/d of Beta-Carotene). There is an association of increased lung cancer in smokers taking 20 mg/d or greater of Beta-Carotene. In the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene (ATBC) Cancer Prevention Study, smokers supplemented with 20 mg/d of Beta-Carotene for five to eight years showed a higher incidence of lung cancer when compared to the placebo group. In the Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), smokers taking 30 milligrams of Beta-Carotene daily and 25,000 IUs/d of retinol were found to have a higher incidence of lung cancer compared to the placebo group. Presently, it is unclear if there is a true connection between increased lung cancer incidence in smokers taking Beta-Carotene supplements. Concurrent intake of cholestyramine and Beta-Carotene might lower the absorption of Beta-Carotene. Concurrent intake of colestipol and Beta-Carotene might lower the absorption of Beta-Carotene. Concurrent intake of mineral oil and Beta-Carotene might reduce the absorption of Beta-Carotene. Orlistat might also reduce the absorption of Beta-Carotene. Concurrent intake of the carotenoid lutein and Beta-Carotene might reduce the absorption of lutein. Concurrent intake of pectin and Beta-Carotene might reduce the absorption of Beta-Carotene. Concurrent intake of olestra and Beta-Carotene might lower the absorption of Beta-Carotene. This website is intended to educate and inform, and should not replace discussions with your doctor.