Beta-carotene

Name: Beta-carotene

Scientific Name:

Intro: Beta-carotene belongs to a group of plant compounds called carotenoids. These are the pigments that provide the yellow, orange, and red coloration in fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is the most abundant carotenoid in human foods and is generally thought to be the most important carotenoid for humans. Enzymes in the intestines also convert beta-carotene to vitamin A whenever it is needed. In addition to being a precursor for vitamin A, beta-carotene is an important antioxidant that helps to prevent harmful free radical damage in the body

Nutrient Content:

Benefits:

Is an important antioxidant that helps to prevent harmful free radical damage in the body
Believed to be helpful in such disease as high cholesterol
Helps delay the progression of age-related cataracts
Intakes of beta-carotene are inversely associated with lung cancer
Low levels of beta-carotene are also associated with a greater risk for cancer of the cervix, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, lung, mouth, throat, neck, and stomach
May also enhance immunity by boosting the activity of certain immune fighting agents in the body
May also offer relief to people who suffer from a genetic disorder, erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), that makes them abnormally sensitive to sunlight

Comments: The Dietary Supplements Information Bureau recommends a dosage range of 6 mg to 30 mg of this supplement for optimal results (6 mg = 10,000 I.U).

Caution: Occasional side effects reported with large doses of this dietary supplement include a harmless orange coloring of the skin called carotenosis. It may be necessary to reduce the dose of this dietary supplement or discontinue use to reverse the effect. Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.
If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breast-feeding an infant, talk to your healthcare professional about supplementing your diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals.

Possible Interactions

Bile Acid Sequestrants
These medications decrease the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as beta-carotene. Supplementation with the affected nutrient(s) may be necessary. These drugs include cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam .

Proton Pump Inhibitors
A study has shown that omeprazole may decrease the absorption of beta-carotene from the digestive tract. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole .

Colchicine
Colchicine has been reported to reduce the absorption of beta-carotene. t as well as other nutrients. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary with regular use of colchicine.

Mineral Oil
Beta-carotene dissolves in mineral oil, which reduces its absorption and increases its elimination from the body. If multiple doses of mineral oil are used, supplementation with the affected nutrient(s) may be necessary.

Neomycin
Neomycin may change the structure and function of the lining of the digestive tract. These changes may reduce the absorption and increases the elimination of beta-carotene from the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient(s) may be necessary.

Orlistat
Orlistat has been reported to decrease beta-carotene levels in the body. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Carotenoids
Large doses of beta-carotene may decrease the body's ability to use other carotenoids or compounds similar to beta-carotene.