Beta-Carotene 
(Vitamin A)

Get vitamin A for healthy vision and antioxidant protection for your whole body with beta-carotene! A natural plant pigment that can be converted into vitamin A by the body as needed, beta-carotene also acts as a powerful antioxidant.

General Description
A yellow-orange member of the family of plant pigments called carotenoids, beta-carotene is an antioxidant nutrient that the body converts into vitamin A. Of the more than 600 carotenoids that have been identified, beta-carotene has the greatest pro-vitamin A activity and has been the most extensively researched. Other notable members of the carotenoid family include lycopene, alpha carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, capsanthin, and cryptoxanthin. While most of these carotenoids are not significant sources of vitamin A, they may still play a useful role as dietary antioxidants. Although most beta-carotene research has focused on pro-vitamin A activity, the nutrient appears to provide significant health benefits beyond its role as a vitamin A precursor.

Food sources
Beta-carotene is abundant in orange, yellow, and dark green vegetables and fruits. Some of the best sources include spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, squash, broccoli, and apricots. Beta-carotene is also available as a dietary supplement in both natural and synthetic forms, with the synthetic variety being the most common. Natural forms are usually identified on labels as "natural source," "D. salina," "algal source" or "palm source."

Health applications

• Vision
• Immune function
• Photosensitivity
• Skin health

Primary functions
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that is particularly effective in quenching singlet oxygen radicals. It also serves as a source of vitamin A, which is essential for immune function, the growth and maintenance of the skin, and the proper function of the eyes.

Immune function
Beta-carotene appears to play an important role in immune system function, both as a vitamin A precursor and as an antioxidant. Studies conducted on people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have shown that beta-carotene supplementation can increase the activity of natural killer cells and other white blood cells.^1,2 Other studies suggest that beta-carotene may play a role in cancer prevention.^3-8 Diets high in beta-carotene-rich foods are associated with a reduced risk for cancers of the stomach, lungs, and skin.^9-12 However, studies using synthetic beta-carotene supplements have failed to show any reduction in cancer risk.^13-16 Some studies indicate that beta-carotene supplements may actually increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke.^14-16 It is possible that natural beta-carotene may have anticancer properties not present in synthetic forms, or that foods rich in beta-carotene contain other antioxidant vitamins and flavonoids that work synergistically to prevent tumor formation.

Photosensitivity
Research indicates that beta-carotene may help protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Studies conducted on subjects with sunlight-sensitive conditions such as polymorphic light eruption, light urticaria, and protoporphyria showed significant improvement in sunlight tolerance.^17-20 Beta-carotene's light-protective properties appear to stem from its role as a free-radical scavenger.²¹

Dosage/toxicity
The most common supplemental beta-carotene intake is 25,000 IU (15 mg) per day, although many studies have used twice that amount with no adverse effects. Many nutritional researchers consider beta-carotene to be the safest source of supplemental vitamin A because high doses of vitamin A can lead to toxic accumulations in the liver, whereas beta-carotene is only converted into vitamin A as needed and does not cause toxic build-up. Excessive beta-carotene intake can cause yellowing of the skin, a harmless effect that passes when intake is reduced. Nutritionists often recommend combining beta-carotene with other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc.

Additional Information:

Beta-carotene, a precursor for Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent harmful free radical damage in the body, supports cardiovascular health, reduces cancer risk

Overview

Beta-carotene, best known as a precursor for Vitamin A, is an important antioxidant that helps to prevent harmful free radical damage in the body. Beta-carotene belongs to a group of plant compounds called carotenoids. These are the pigments that provide the yellow, orange, and red coloration in fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is the most abundant carotenoid in human foods and is thought to be the most important carotenoid for humans. Enzymes in the intestines convert beta-carotene to vitamin A whenever it is needed. Beta-carotene occurs exclusively in plant (fruit and vegetable) foods. Foods containing high amounts of beta-carotene are green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, peaches, cantaloupe, and green, yellow and red peppers.

Research Indicates

• When combined with Vitamin E and Vitamin C has been shown to delay the progression of age related cataracts
• Research shows that low levels of beta-carotene have been associated with a greater risk for certain cancers
• May support healthy immune function
• Important for cardiovascular health
• Studies indicate that it may provide relief to people who suffer from the genetic disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
• Powerful antioxidant

Cautions

• If you are pregnant or lactating consult a health care practitioner prior to using Beta Carotene.
• Research indicates that smokers may wish to avoid supplementation with Beta Carotene as it has been associated with increased risk for lung cancer in those who smoke.
• Consult a health care practitioner prior to using Beta carotene if you have hypothyroidism, kidney, liver or eating disorders.
• Occasional side effects reported with large doses of Beta Carotene include a harmless orange coloring of the skin called carotenosis, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if you experience this

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