Beta-carotene

Also listed as: B-carotene; Betacarotenum; Provitamin A; Trans-beta-carotene

Dosage and Administration

Beta-carotene supplements are available in both capsule and gel forms. Beta-carotene is fat-soluble and, therefore, should be taken with meals containing at least 3 g of fat to ensure absorption.

Pediatric

• For children younger than 14 with erythropoietic protoporphyria (see Treatment section for brief description of this condition), 30 - 150 mg per day (50,000 - 250,000 IU) in single or divided oral doses for 2 - 6 weeks is recommended. The supplement may be mixed with orange or tomato juice to facilitate administration. In the case of this sun-sensitive condition, a doctor can measure blood levels of beta-carotene and adjust the dose accordingly.

Adult

• For general health, 15 - 50 mg (25,000 - 83,000 IU) per day is recommended.

• For adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, 30 - 300 mg (50,000 - 500,000 IU) per day for 2 - 6 weeks is recommended. A health care provider can measure blood levels of beta-carotene and adjust the dose accordingly.

• It is recommended to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetable every day. This level of intake of fruits and vegetables provides approximately 3 - 6 mg of beta-carotene.

Precautions

Beta-carotene offers protection from cancer only when other important antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, are present in the diet. Since beta-carotene may increase the risk of heart disease and cancer in those who smoke or drink heavily, this supplement should be used with caution, if at all, by heavy smokers or drinkers.

Although beta-carotene affords protection from sunlight for people with certain skin sensitivities, it does not protect against sunburn.

Side Effects

Side effects from beta-carotene include:

• Skin discoloration (yellowing that eventually goes away)

• Loose stools

• Bruising

• Joint pain

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

While animal studies indicate beta-carotene is not toxic to a fetus or a newborn, there are no human studies to confirm these findings. The supplement may pass into breast milk, but no information on the safety of its use during breastfeeding has been reported. Therefore, while pregnant or breastfeeding, beta-carotene supplements should only be used under the guidance of a physician or other appropriately trained specialist.

Pediatric Use

Side effects in children are the same as those seen in adults.

Geriatric Use

Side effects in older adults are the same as younger adults.

Interactions and Depletions

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

Cholestyramine, Colestipol

Cholestyramine, a medication used to lower cholesterol, can lower blood concentrations of dietary beta carotene by 30 - 40 %, according to a 3-year study in Sweden. Colestipol, a cholesterol-lowering medication similar to cholestyramin, may also reduce beta-carotene levels.

Orlistat

You should not take beta-carotene with orlistat, a weight loss medication, because orlistat can reduce the absorption of beta-carotene by as much as 30 %, thereby reducing the amount of this nutrient in the body. If you must take both orlistat and beta-carotene supplements, you should separate the time between taking the medication and the supplements by at least 2 hours.

Other

In addition to these medications, mineral oil (used to treat constipation) may lower blood concentrations of beta-carotene and ongoing use of alcohol may interact with beta-carotene, increasing the likelihood of liver damage.

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