Beta-carotene
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Other Names: A-Beta-Carotene, A-Bêta-Carotène, Beta Carotene, Bêta-Carotène, Bêta-Carotène Tout Trans, Beta-Caroteno, Carotenes, Carotènes, Carotenoids, Caroténoïdes, Caroténoïdes Mélangés, Mixed Carotenoids, Provitamin A, Provitamine A.
Beta-carotene is one of a group of red, orange, and yellow pigments called carotenoids. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids provide approximately 50% of the vitamin A needed in the American diet.
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Contents
Medical Disclaimer
This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.
Special Precautions of Beta-carotene
- Beta-carotene is LIKELY SAFE when used for certain specific medical conditions and taken in appropriate amounts. However, beta-carotene supplements are not recommended for general use.
- Beta-carotene is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in high doses, especially when taken long-term. High doses of beta-carotene can turn skin yellow or orange.
- There is growing concern that taking high doses of antioxidant supplements such as beta-carotene might do more harm than good. Some research shows that taking high doses of beta-carotene supplements might increase the chance of death from all causes and possibly other serious side effects. There is also concern that taking large amounts of a multivitamin plus a separate beta-carotene supplement increases the chance of developing advanced prostate cancer in men.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of beta-carotene during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Smoking: High levels of β-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer in current and former smokers. This is likely because beta-carotene is unstable in cigarette smoke-exposed lungs where it forms oxidized metabolites that can induce carcinogen-bioactivating enzymes
- History of asbestos exposure: In people who have been exposed to asbestos, beta-carotene supplements might increase the risk of cancer. Don’t take beta-carotene supplements if you have been exposed to asbestos.
- Angioplasty, a heart procedure. There is some concern that when antioxidant vitamins, including beta-carotene, are used together they might have harmful effects after angioplasty. They can interfere with healing. Don’t use beta-carotene and other antioxidant vitamins before or after angioplasty without the recommendation of your healthcare provider.
- Medications used for lowering cholesterol (Statins) interacts with BETA-CAROTENE
- Niacin interacts with BETA-CAROTENE : Taking beta-carotene along with vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium might decrease some of the beneficial effects of niacin. Niacin can increase the good cholesterol. Taking beta-carotene along with these other vitamins might decrease the good cholesterol.
The benefits of Beta-carotene are
- Treating sun sensitivity in people who have a form of inherited blood disorder called “erythropoietic protoporphyria.”
- Reducing the risk of breast cancer in women before menopause when fruits and vegetables containing beta-carotene are consumed. Beta-carotene seems to be especially effective for women who are at high risk of getting breast cancer, including those with a family history and those who use alcohol excessively.
- Treating an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when used with other medicines. Taking 15 mg of beta-carotene by mouth along with 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 80 mg of elemental zinc daily, seems to help prevent vision loss and worsening of AMD in people with advanced AMD. There isn’t enough evidence to know if this combination works for people with less advanced macular disease.
- Preventing sunburn in people who are sun sensitive. However, beta-carotene is unlikely to have much effect on sunburn risk in most people.
- Keeping a form of arthritis called osteoarthritis from getting worse. But taking beta-carotene doesn’t seem to prevent osteoarthritis.
- Preventing bronchitis and difficulty breathing in smokers. Beta-carotene from the diet seems to help, but beta-carotene supplements do not.
- Reducing the risk of ovarian cancer in women after menopause.
- Reducing the risk of pregnancy-related death, night blindness, and diarrhea and fever after delivery in underfed women.
- Preventing asthma attacks triggered by exercise.
- Treating a tongue disease called oral leukoplakia.
- Improving physical performance and strength in the elderly.
- Cancer : Beta-carotene may help prevent the damage to cell membranes that leads to cancer. Beta carotene appears to be an extremely potent cancer-fighter. It is confirmed to be a cancer stem cell killer. Cancer stem cells are largely responsible for the failure of conventional cancer treatment.
- Heart Attacks : Higher lycopene and b-carotene blood levels reduce heart attack risks.
- Diabetes.
- Preventing stroke in male smokers.
- Preventing cataracts or keeping cataracts from getting worse.
- Preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Food Sources of Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also in the herbs Basil, pepper, Thyme, Chilli powder, marjoram, curry and cumin. It can also be made in a laboratory.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.
