Beta-carotene
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2008 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. 		Image
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary:
Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoids, which are very colorful (red, orange, yellow), fat-soluble compounds. They are naturally found in many fruits, grains, oil and vegetables (like green plants, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, and green peppers). Alpha, beta, and gamma carotene are considered provitamins because they can be converted to active vitamin A.

Uses
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Grade*
Painful skin sensitivity to sunlight (erythropoietic protoporphyria) A
Carotenoid deficiency C
Cataract prevention C
Chemotherapy toxicity (poisoning) C
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) C
Cognitive performance C
Cystic fibrosis C
Immune system enhancement C
Oral leukoplakia (mouth ulcers) C
Osteoarthritis (hollow, brittle bones) C
Pregnancy-related problems C
Prevention of asthma (caused by exercise) C
Rash from sunlight exposure C
Sunburn prevention (erythema prevention) C
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) prevention (bulging artery in the stomach) D
Alzheimer's disease D
Angioplasty D
Birthmark/mole prevention D
Cancer D
Heart (cardiovascular) disease D
Helicobacter pylori D
Mortality reduction D
Macular degeneration D
Prevention of tissue injury after surgery D
Stroke D
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Safety:
Avoid if sensitive to beta-carotene, vitamin A or any other ingredients in beta-carotene products.

Possible side effects:
Bleeding, cancer, heart problems in people who smoke cigarettes or have a history of high-level exposure to asbestos, lowering "good" HDL cholesterol levels, dizziness, yellowing of hands or feet, loose stools, diarrhea, unusual bleeding or bruising, joint pain.

Possible interactions:
Alcohol, cigarettes, bile acid sequestrants (like cholestyramine (like Questran ®) and colestipol (Colestid®)), colchicine, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (like atorvastatin (like Lipitor®), fluvastatin (like Lescol®), lovastatin (like Mevacor®) and pravastatin (like Pravachol®)). If taken with selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E, beta-carotene may reduce the effectiveness of simvastatin (like Zocor®) and niacin. Mineral oil, neomyacin, niacin, orlistat, proton pump inhibitors (like esomeprazole (like Nexium®), lansoprazole (like Prevacid®), omeprazole (like Prilosec® or Losec®), rabeprazole (like Aciphex®) and pantoprazole (like Protonix® or Pantoloc®)). Fish oil, iron, lutein, plant sterols, fatty foods, dark green leafy vegetables, olestra (fat substitute)/sucrose polyesters, red palm oil/sunflower oil, salad dressing, and herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:
Consuming 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily provides 6-8 milligrams of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene requires some dietary fat for absorption, but supplemental beta-carotene is similarly absorbed when taken with high-fat or low-fat meals. 1,800 micrograms of beta-carotene has been reported to maintain adequate vitamin A levels.
The American Heart Association recommends obtaining antioxidants, including beta-carotene, from a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains rather than through supplements. Similar statements have been released by the American Cancer Society, the World Cancer Research Institute in association with the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. The Institute of Medicine has reviewed beta-carotene, but has not make recommendations for daily intake.

Adults (18 years and older):
15-180 milligrams taken by mouth of supplemental beta-carotene has been studied for various indications.

Children (younger than 18 years):
Not enough scientific data available.
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2008 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.