Natural Products

Beta-Carotene

all-trans-beta-carotene, beta-carotene

General Information

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid. Carotenoids are red, yellow, and orange pigments naturally found in many vegetables and fruits. Beta-carotene is also known as provitamin A because our body converts it to vitamin A.

Common Name(s)

all-trans-beta-carotene, beta-carotene

Scientific Name(s)

all-trans-beta-carotene, (all-E)-1,1′-(3,7,12,16-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-octadecanonaene-1,18-diyl)bis(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexene)

What is this product used for?

Beta-carotene is a source of vitamin A. Beta-carotene and vitamin A are important to help:

maintain overall good health
maintain eyesight
develop and maintain night vision
maintain skin and membrane linings (e.g., the lining of the inside of the nose)
develop and maintain teeth and bones
maintain function of the immune system
prevent vitamin A deficiency

Beta-carotene can also act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the cells in our body against free radicals, which can damage the genetic material in our cells. Because of its potential to protect the body, some people take beta-carotene to help prevent chronic diseases (such as heart disease) and cancer.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

There is no universal agreement on how beta-carotene affects vision. Some studies that look at using beta-carotene to prevent cataracts have shown a lower risk, but others show no benefit. Beta-carotene has been shown to help treat an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when it is used with other medications.

Beta-carotene and vitamin A are important to help maintain skin and membrane linings. Proof that beta-carotene is important for skin and membrane health is based on studies of people with erythropoietic protoporphyria. This disorder can cause painful sensitivity to light. When beta-carotene is given to people with this condition, their tolerance to light increases.

Beta-carotene is safe for most people when taken within recommended amounts. Side effects may include belching and yellow or orange skin discolouration.

When beta-carotene is used together with orlistat, it may lower the absorption of beta-carotene.

The following is a list of warnings and precautions related to the use of beta-carotene supplements.

alcohol: High alcohol consumption may decrease the concentration of beta-carotene in the blood.
allergic reactions: Beta-carotene should be avoided in individuals who are allergic to it or to any ingredients in the different formulations of products that contain beta-carotene.
asbestos: You should not use beta-carotene supplements if you have a history of asbestos exposure.
cigarette smoking: It is not recommended to use beta-carotene supplements if you smoke, as this may increase your risk of lung and prostate cancer.
pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not currently enough evidence regarding the use of beta-carotene supplementation during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.