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Beta Carotene
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Beta-carotene is a member of a class of substances know as carotenoids. Carotenoids are the principal pigments responsible for the red, orange, yellow and green colors of vegetables and fruits. Similar to the other carotenoids, beta-carotene is a natural fat-soluble pigment found principally in plants. Beta-carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A and acts a powerful antioxidant and helps support the immune system.
Other members of the antioxidant carotenoid family include cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene. However, unlike beta-carotene, most of these antioxidants are not converted to vitamin A in significant amounts.
Individuals who do not consume plant products containing beta-carotene may be at risk of developing vitamin A deficiency. However, beta-carotene is not an essential nutrient so true deficiencies of this carotenoid do not occur.
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.
Most individuals that supplement with beta-carotene take 25,000 IU (15 mg) per day, though some people take much more.
There are no serious side effects to beta-carotene supplementation even in large amounts. However, taking too much may give the skin an orangish color. If you decide to supplement with beta-carotene for an extended period of time you may also want to supplement with vitamin E as well since beta-carotene may reduce vitamin E levels.
Olson JA. Recommended dietary intakes (RDI) of vitamin A in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45:704–16.
Heywood R, Palmer AK, Gregson RL, Hummler H. The toxicity of beta-carotene. Toxicology 1985;36:91–100.
Xu MJ, Plezia PM, Alberts DS, et al. Reduction in plasma or skin alpha-tocopherol concentration with long-term oral administration of beta-carotene in humans and mice. J Natl Cancer Inst 1992;84:1559–65.
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