Common Name: Beta-Cerotene
Synonyms: Provitamin A, trans-beta carotene

Overview:

Beta-carotene belongs to a class of phytochemicals called carotenoids. It is an orange pigment necessary for photosynthesis. It transmits the light energy that it absorbs to chlorophyll where it is turned into the life-energy of the plant. As with all other carotenoids, beta-carotene is a fat soluble pigment and is responsible for the orange color of many fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is stored in the liver and can then be converted to Vitamin A as needed. Because of this ability to be transformed into vitamin A, beta-carotene is what is called a provitamin. Because the body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A on as needed basis, it does not have to toxic effects that accompany high vitamin A intake.

Health Benefits

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant and because of this has been shown to have many health enhancing properties. This provitamin has demonstrated:

1. The ability to stimulate the immune system by increasing chemicals needed in monocytes (a white blood cell responsible for antibody production) to help fight infections, as well as increase the secretion of tumor necrosis factor by these same white blood cells.
2. That as a precursor of Vitamin A, beta carotene is an important nutrient for maintaining healthy eyes. Vitamin A is incorporated into the retina and is responsible for the ability to see well in dim light. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of childhood blindness in the developing world.
3. Its ability to inhibit tumor growth in some malignant cell lines including human prostate cancer cells in vitro (tests conducted in a test tube). The Physician Health Study (a study of a large number of physicians for a long period of time) showed that those with a low baseline of beta-carotene experienced a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer when supplemented with 50mcgs of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene’s tumor inhibiting properties seem to be more effective when used in conjunction with vitamins C and E.
4. That it may also reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. That high doses of beta-carotene may decrease sensitivity to the sun. It has proven particularly effective for people with the skin condition caused by sunlight exposure, such as erythropoietic protoporphyria. This is a condition that is characterized by the development of hive or eczema upon exposure to sunlight.
6. In preliminary studies that people with scleroderma (an autoimmune disease characterized by a hardening of the skin) have a low beta-carotene level and would benefit from beta-carotene supplementation.

Dietary Sources

Beta-carotene is found in many fruits and vegetable. The more intense the color, the more beta-carotene it contains. Some of these fruits and vegetables are:

	Carrots		Spinach
	Lettuce		Tomatoes
	Cantaloupe		Sweet Potatoes
Winter Squash

Available forms

Beta-carotene is available in:

Capsules
Gel tablets

Since beta-carotene is fat soluble, it is recommended that it be taken with meals that contain at least 3 grams of fat to ensure proper absorption.

Recommended Dosage:

Pediatric

For children younger than 14 years old with erythropoietic protoporphyria 30 to 150mg a day (250,00 IU) either in a single or divided dose fro 2 to six weeks is recommended. This needs to be done under the supervision of the child’s healthcare practitioner.

Adult

For health maintenance, 15-50mg (25,000 to 85,000 IU) per day is recommended.

For adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, 30-300mg (50,000 to 500,000 IU) per day for 2-6 weeks is recommended.

Contra indications

Studies have shown that beta-carotene supplement in doses greater than 20mg per day may increase of heart disease and cancer in those who smoke or drink heavily. These people should not use this supplement.

Beta-carotene does not protect against sunburn

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using beta-carotene as a supplement.

Some of the side effects of beta-carotene include:

1. Skin discoloration. This is a yellow discoloration that will eventually go away if the dosage is reduced.
2. Loose stool.
3. Bruising
4. Joint pain

Drug interactions

People taking the following medications should avoid beta-carotene supplements.

1. Cholestyramine taken at the same time as beta-carotene may loer the absorption of this supplement
2. Colestipal taken at the same time as beta-carotene may decrease the absorption of the supplement.
3. Mineral oil taken at the same time as beta-carotene may decrease its absorption.
4. Orlistat may decrease the absorption of beta-carotene
5. Lutein intake at the same time as beta-carotene may decrease the uptake of lutien
6. Pectin taken with beta carotene may decrease the absorption of beta-carotene.
7. The ongoing use of alcohol with beta-carotene supplements may increase the likelihood of liver damage.
8. There is no evidence of beta-carotene overdose on record.

Web References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_carotene
2. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/bet_0032.shtml
3. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminA/

Printed Reference Material

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