Beta-carotene
OTHER NAME(S): beta-carotene, provitamin A
Overview
Beta-carotene is a type of nutrient called a carotenoid that your body can use to make vitamin A. It is found in many fruits and vegetables and is also available over the counter as a supplement. Beta-carotene is used to increase vitamin A levels and seems to be well tolerated. It may also be used for other reasons, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined. Before using beta-carotene, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.
Uses
What is beta-carotene used for?
Beta-carotene is commonly used to increase vitamin A levels. The benefits of beta-carotene for other uses are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed beta-carotene for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does beta-carotene work (mechanism of action)?
Beta-carotene is a type of nutrient known as a carotenoid. It has a bright red or orange color, and large amounts are found in some fruits and vegetables with these colors, such as carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, red peppers, apricots, and mangos. It is also found in smaller amounts in certain green vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and spinach.
Beta-carotene is a specific form of carotenoid known as a provitamin A carotenoid. This means that when you eat beta-carotene, your body can use it to make vitamin A. Foods rich in beta-carotene, as well as supplements that contain beta-carotene, can increase the levels of vitamin A (retinol) in your body. Your body only turns beta-carotene to vitamin A when it is needed. Until then, your body stores beta-carotene in your fat, liver, and skin cells.
Although there has been interest in taking beta-carotene for eye health, it does not seem to help for this purpose. Research in people with a condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shows that other carotenoids may be more beneficial. See Zeaxanthin[1] and Lutein[2] for more information.
How should I store beta-carotene?
You should store beta-carotene according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of beta-carotene?
Beta-carotene seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of beta-carotene that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of beta-carotene?
While less common, the most serious side effects of beta-carotene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Beta-carotene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking beta-carotene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use beta-carotene?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take beta-carotene.
- Beta-carotene
- Provitamin A
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific beta-carotene products they stock.
What should I know about beta-carotene before using it?
Beta-carotene is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep beta-carotene out of the reach of children.
Beta-carotene and vitamin A are measured using a unit known as retinol activity equivalents (RAE). This is because your body absorbs vitamin A differently from beta-carotene. Your body also absorbs beta-carotene from foods differently from beta-carotene in supplements.
Most dietary supplements that contain beta-carotene provide more than the daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin A. It may be best to limit the amount of beta-carotene that you get from supplements. Taking large amounts of beta-carotene regularly for a long time can cause your skin to turn yellow-orange (carotenoderma). This change in skin color is not harmful and should go away if you reduce the amount of beta-carotene from your diet and supplements. Speak to your health care provider if you are unsure whether you need a beta-carotene supplement or how much to take.
The FDA has not tested beta-carotene products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using beta-carotene?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if beta-carotene is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Smoke Cigarettes (Now or in the Past).Taking beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk for lung cancer in people who currently smoke or have smoked in the past. It is possible that vaping may also increase this risk, but more research is needed. If you are a current or former smoker, you should not take beta-carotene supplements. Eating beta-carotene as part of your diet does not seem to increase the risk of lung cancer.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Exposure to asbestos
Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take beta-carotene while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Beta-carotene is a normal part of breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take beta-carotene while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does beta-carotene interact with foods or drinks?
You should take beta-carotene with food or a meal that has fat in it. Beta-carotene is fat-soluble, which means that taking it with fat helps your body absorb it.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect beta-carotene.
Does beta-carotene interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between beta-carotene and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between beta-carotene and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with beta-carotene is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking beta-carotene with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much beta-carotene?
If you or someone else has used too much beta-carotene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take beta-carotene safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- DermNet: “Carotenoderma.”
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: “Beta-carotene.”
- EFSA Journal: “Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for preformed vitamin A and beta‐carotene.”
- JAMA: “Vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.”
- National Cancer Institute NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: “Beta carotene.”
- National Cancer Institute NCI Drug Dictionary: “Beta carotene.”
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: “Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet for Consumers,” “Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.”