Carotte

Related Terms

Alpha-carotene, anthocyanins, beta-carotene, carotenoid, carotenoids, carrot cake, carrot jam, carrot juice, carrot puree, carrot soup, Daucus carota, dietary fiber, grated carrots, lycopene, lycopene red carrots, myristicin, purple carrots, red carrots, Umbelliferae (family), vitamin A, white carrots.

Background

Carrot (Daucus carota) is a well-known root vegetable. The thick tap root's color can range from white to orange to red or purple. This change in color represents the nutrients in the carrot because some pigments, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, are also nutrients.
Carrot probably originated around Afghanistan where there is the greatest variety of carrots today. Usually only the root is consumed, although the leaves are also edible. Although primarily used as a food source, carrots have also traditionally been used to treat infantile diarrhea. Carrot roots have been used to treat digestive problems, intestinal parasites, and tonsillitis. Other potential uses include vitamin A deficiency, antioxidant activity, constipation, and anemia. More research is need in all of these areas as the currently available research is of low quality.

Evidence Table

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 *
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 *


A carrot-rice based rehydration solution may decrease the duration of diarrhea when compared to two conventional rehydration solutions. However, more research is needed.

 C


A carrot-rice based rehydration solution may decrease the duration of diarrhea when compared to two conventional rehydration solutions. However, more research is needed.

 C


Carrot ingestion may have antioxidant activity, although more research is needed in this area.

C


Carrot ingestion may have antioxidant activity, although more research is needed in this area.

C


Carrot jam may improve growth in young children with vitamin A deficiency. Although the results seem promising, more research is needed.

 C


Carrot jam may improve growth in young children with vitamin A deficiency. Although the results seem promising, more research is needed.

 C
* 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 for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* 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 for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven effective dose for carrots. However, 100 grams of grated carrots daily for 60 days has been used to improve vitamin A status in breastfeeding women in one study.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Consumption of processed and cooked carrots may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or taking blood sugar-altering medications.
A carrot-rice based rehydration solution may cause diarrhea in children. Caution is advised in patients taking antidiarrheal medications due to conflicting effects.
Several studies in humans suggest that carrot juice may interact with antioxidants. Caution is advised in patients taking antioxidant medications due to possible additive effects.
Although not well studied in humans, carrot extracts may have hormonal effects. Caution is advised in patients taking hormones due to possible additive effects.
Preliminary evidence suggests that consumption of carrots may increase fecal bulking/weight and dry matter. Caution is advised in patients taking laxatives due to possible additive effects.
Preliminary evidence suggests that consumption of carrots may increase gastrointestinal transit time. Caution is advised in patients taking any medications by mouth.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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