Carotene
Related Terms
- A-beta-carotene, A-b?ta-carot?ne (French), A-caro-25, alpha carotene, alpha-carotene, B-caro, beta carotene, beta-carotene, b?ta-carot?ne (French), b?ta-carot?ne tout trans (French), beta-caroteno (Spanish), beta-cryptoxanthin, biotene, Caroguard?, Caro-PleteT, caro-t, carotene, carotenes, carotenes (French), carotenoids, carot?no?des (French), carot?no?des m?langes (French), dry beta-carotene, eyebright, gamma carotene, gamma-carotene, green leafy vegetables, Lumitene?, marine carotene, Max-Caro?, Mega Carotene?, mixed carotenoids, Oceanic Beta?, orange fruit, orange vegetables, palm oil, provitamin A, provitamine A (French), red palm oil, retinol, sunflower oil, Superbeta Carotene?, synthetic all-trans beta-carotene, Ultra Beta Carotene?.
Background
- Beta-carotene is a carotenoid. Carotenoids are red, orange, or yellow, fat-soluble compounds. These compounds are naturally present in many fruits, grains, oils, and vegetables. Alpha, beta, and gamma carotene are considered provitamins because they can be converted to active vitamin A.
- Commercially available beta-carotene is man-made or taken from palm oil, algae, or fungi. Beta-carotene is converted to retinol, which is essential for vision and growth.
- Studies in humans show that beta-carotene has promising use for oral leukoplakia (pre-cancerous mouth lesions) and for sunburn. However there was a lack of benefit for sun damaged skin, mole prevention, heart disease risk, infection with H. Pylori, cataract prevention, diabetes, and stroke.
- Research shows that beta-carotene increased the risk of bladder, lung, stomach, and prostate cancer. Also the general incidence of cancer in asbestos workers, smokers, or high risk individuals increased. Additionally, some research suggested increased risk of heart disease and death with beta-carotene supplementation.
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 * |
In early research, taking beta-carotene by mouth induced remission in people with oral leukoplakia. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
|
B |
In early research, taking beta-carotene by mouth induced remission in people with oral leukoplakia. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
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B |
Beta-carotene alone or with other antioxidants helped prevent sunburn. Further research is needed in this area.
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B |
Beta-carotene alone or with other antioxidants helped prevent sunburn. Further research is needed in this area.
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B |
Limited research has shown that beta-carotene lacked an effect in preventing abdominal aortic aneurysm, in which the large blood vessel supplying blood to the stomach becomes abnormally large. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Limited research has shown that beta-carotene lacked an effect in preventing abdominal aortic aneurysm, in which the large blood vessel supplying blood to the stomach becomes abnormally large. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Taking beta-carotene and other antioxidants has been proposed to help delay progression of age-related macular degeneration, which results in vision loss. However, human research to support this claim is lacking. Further research is necessary in this area.
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C |
Taking beta-carotene and other antioxidants has been proposed to help delay progression of age-related macular degeneration, which results in vision loss. However, human research to support this claim is lacking. Further research is necessary in this area.
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C |
Limited research has suggested there is a relationship in beta-carotene intake and Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Limited research has suggested there is a relationship in beta-carotene intake and Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Antioxidant vitamins, including beta-carotene, might have harmful effects in patients after angioplasty. Additional research is needed to determine the effect of beta-carotene specifically.
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C |
Antioxidant vitamins, including beta-carotene, might have harmful effects in patients after angioplasty. Additional research is needed to determine the effect of beta-carotene specifically.
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C |
According to early research, beta-carotene might slow progression of osteoarthritis. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
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C |
According to early research, beta-carotene might slow progression of osteoarthritis. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
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C |
Consumption of provitamin A carotenoids (such as beta-carotene) can prevent vitamin A deficiency. However, if people take vitamin A without carotenoids, they will still avoid vitamin A deficiency. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that sufficient evidence was lacking to establish a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI) for carotenoids.
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C |
Consumption of provitamin A carotenoids (such as beta-carotene) can prevent vitamin A deficiency. However, if people take vitamin A without carotenoids, they will still avoid vitamin A deficiency. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that sufficient evidence was lacking to establish a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI) for carotenoids.
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C |
Limited research suggests beta-carotene may lower side effects in children being treated for lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood. However, in theory high-dose antioxidants may interfere with certain cancer therapies. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
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C |
Limited research suggests beta-carotene may lower side effects in children being treated for lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood. However, in theory high-dose antioxidants may interfere with certain cancer therapies. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
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C |
In limited research, beta-carotene improved breathing function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). However, beta-carotene lacked an overall effect on COPD. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
In limited research, beta-carotene improved breathing function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). However, beta-carotene lacked an overall effect on COPD. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Limited research shows that supplementation with micronutrients, including beta-carotene, may have beneficial effects on strength and physical function after surgery. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Limited research shows that supplementation with micronutrients, including beta-carotene, may have beneficial effects on strength and physical function after surgery. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a rare genetic disorder that involves painful skin sensitivity to sunlight, gallstones, and liver dysfunction. The over-the-counter synthetic beta-carotene product Lumitene? is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for helping with the sensitivity to sunlight in this disease. Limited research showed mixed results of beta-carotene in protecting the skin from sunlight. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a rare genetic disorder that involves painful skin sensitivity to sunlight, gallstones, and liver dysfunction. The over-the-counter synthetic beta-carotene product Lumitene? is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for helping with the sensitivity to sunlight in this disease. Limited research showed mixed results of beta-carotene in protecting the skin from sunlight. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early evidence shows that a mix of beta-carotene isomers may prevent exercise-induced asthma. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Early evidence shows that a mix of beta-carotene isomers may prevent exercise-induced asthma. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Research presents mixed results for use of beta-carotene in combination with other antioxidants to prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Research presents mixed results for use of beta-carotene in combination with other antioxidants to prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Early research shows that vitamin and mineral combinations, including beta-carotene, lacked an effect on the progression of artery hardening. Further research is needed to determine the effects of beta-carotene on heart disease.
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C |
Early research shows that vitamin and mineral combinations, including beta-carotene, lacked an effect on the progression of artery hardening. Further research is needed to determine the effects of beta-carotene on heart disease.
|
C |
Limited research shows that beta-carotene supplementation increased CD4 counts and lacked an effect on viral count in HIV. Further study is needed.
|
C |
Limited research shows that beta-carotene supplementation increased CD4 counts and lacked an effect on viral count in HIV. Further study is needed.
|
C |
Combination antioxidant supplements containing beta-carotene may increase mortality in patients with liver disease but also decreased liver enzymes levels. Further research on the effect of beta-carotene alone is needed.
|
C |
Combination antioxidant supplements containing beta-carotene may increase mortality in patients with liver disease but also decreased liver enzymes levels. Further research on the effect of beta-carotene alone is needed.
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C |
Limited research showed benefits of beta-carotene for cognition and long term memory and a lack of benefit for short-term memory. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Limited research showed benefits of beta-carotene for cognition and long term memory and a lack of benefit for short-term memory. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
In limited study, beta-carotene lacked an effect on the development of night vision. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
In limited study, beta-carotene lacked an effect on the development of night vision. Further research is needed in this area.
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C |
Early evidence shows a lack of effect of beta-carotene on polymorphous light eruption. Additional study is needed in this area.
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C |
Early evidence shows a lack of effect of beta-carotene on polymorphous light eruption. Additional study is needed in this area.
|
C |
Some research shows that beta-carotene improves anemia, low birth weight, and premature birth. Other research shows a lack of beneficial effects of beta-carotene supplementation during pregnancy. Further research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be made.
|
C |
Some research shows that beta-carotene improves anemia, low birth weight, and premature birth. Other research shows a lack of beneficial effects of beta-carotene supplementation during pregnancy. Further research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be made.
|
C |
Early research shows that beta-carotene lacks an effect on actinic keratosis development. Further well-designed study is needed
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D |
Early research shows that beta-carotene lacks an effect on actinic keratosis development. Further well-designed study is needed
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D |
Beta-carotene lacked an effect on total number new moles in people with many atypical moles; however there was a decrease in moles on the lower arms and feet.
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D |
Beta-carotene lacked an effect on total number new moles in people with many atypical moles; however there was a decrease in moles on the lower arms and feet.
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D |
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (mucus build-up in organs) may be deficient in beta-carotene and vitamin E, and may be more susceptible to cell damage. Limited research shows a lack of effect of beta-carotene on lung function in cystic fibrosis. Further research is needed in this area.
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D |
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (mucus build-up in organs) may be deficient in beta-carotene and vitamin E, and may be more susceptible to cell damage. Limited research shows a lack of effect of beta-carotene on lung function in cystic fibrosis. Further research is needed in this area.
|
D |
Research suggests that diets high in fruits and vegetables containing beta-carotene appear to reduce the risk of heart disease. However, research assessing supplementation with beta-carotene show a lack of effect on heart disease risk. Also, further research showed increased risk of death from heart disease with beta-carotene supplementation.
A Science Advisory from the American Heart Association states that there is a lack of evidence to justify the use of beta-carotene for reducing heart disease risk.
|
D |
Research suggests that diets high in fruits and vegetables containing beta-carotene appear to reduce the risk of heart disease. However, research assessing supplementation with beta-carotene show a lack of effect on heart disease risk. Also, further research showed increased risk of death from heart disease with beta-carotene supplementation.
A Science Advisory from the American Heart Association states that there is a lack of evidence to justify the use of beta-carotene for reducing heart disease risk.
|
D | |
D | |
D |
While diets high in fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of certain cancers, evidence for benefit of beta-carotene supplements is mixed. There is some concern that beta-carotene may have cancer-causing effects. Human research shows that beta-carotene supplements have increased the risk of bladder, stomach, and lung cancer and increased the risk of death in smokers and people exposed to asbestos.
|
F |
While diets high in fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of certain cancers, evidence for benefit of beta-carotene supplements is mixed. There is some concern that beta-carotene may have cancer-causing effects. Human research shows that beta-carotene supplements have increased the risk of bladder, stomach, and lung cancer and increased the risk of death in smokers and people exposed to asbestos.
|
F |
Research shows that beta-carotene supplementation lacks an effect on cataract prevention. Further well-designed research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
|
F |
Research shows that beta-carotene supplementation lacks an effect on cataract prevention. Further well-designed research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
|
F |
Limited research shows that higher blood levels of beta-carotene may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, high-quality research in humans shows a lack of effect of beta-carotene on diabetes.
|
F |
Limited research shows that higher blood levels of beta-carotene may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, high-quality research in humans shows a lack of effect of beta-carotene on diabetes.
|
F |
Beta-carotene supplements lack support for reduction in mortality rates. Some research has associated beta-carotene supplementation with increased mortality.
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F |
Beta-carotene supplements lack support for reduction in mortality rates. Some research has associated beta-carotene supplementation with increased mortality.
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F |
Beta-carotene lacks an effect on incidence of stroke in male smokers. Additionally, research suggests that beta-carotene increases the risk of bleeding inside the head in people who also drink alcohol.
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F |
Beta-carotene lacks an effect on incidence of stroke in male smokers. Additionally, research suggests that beta-carotene increases the risk of bleeding inside the head in people who also drink alcohol.
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F | * 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 (18 years and older)
- The American Heart Association recommends beta-carotene from a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than through supplements. Consuming five servings of fruit and vegetables daily provides 6-8 milligrams of beta-carotene.
- For age-related macular degeneration, 20-50 milligrams beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily for 5-14.2 years.
- For cancer prevention, 6-75 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily or every other day for 1-14.2 years. Note: Some research has found an increased risk of death or cancer with beta-carotene supplementation.
- For cataracts, 20-50 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken daily or every other day for 5-8 years.
- For chemotherapy side effects, 250 milligrams beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily for 21 days followed by 75 milligrams daily.
- For chronic lung conditions, 20 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily for 5-8 years.
- For cystic fibrosis, 10-300 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken daily for 14 days to 14 months.
- For diabetes, 50 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken every other day for nine years.
- For erythropoietic protoporphyria, 25-300 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily.
- For HIV, 60mg of beta-carotene has been taken three times by mouth daily for 1-3 months.
- For mortality reduction, 1.2-50 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken daily or on alternate days for 28 days to 14.1 years. Note: Some research has found an increased risk of death or cancer with beta-carotene supplementation.
- For oral leukoplakia, 60-360 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily or weekly for six months to one year.
- For polymorphous light eruption, 75-180 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily.
- For pregnancy, 4.5 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken daily beginning before 20 weeks pregnancy; also 2.173-2.307 milligrams of beta-carotene in red palm oil has been taken by mouth daily for eight weeks beginning at 26-28 weeks of pregnancy.
- For sunburn, 15-180 milligrams of beta-carotene has been taken by mouth daily for 3-24 weeks.
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
- Beta-carotene may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Beta-carotene may also interact with agents for the skin, eyes, stomach, intestines, lungs, or liver; agents for Alzheimer's, asthma, cancer, diabetes, gout, inflammation, or ulcers; agents that affect the immune, nervous, or musculoskeletal systems; alcohol; antibiotics; antivirals; cholesterol-lowering agents; heart agents; iron; mineral oil; nicotine; orlistat (Xenical?); or thyroid hormones.
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).
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