Beta-carotene belongs to the carotenoid family.
They form a family of over 600 pigments.
They are all yellow, orange or red in colour.
The best known carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein.
In its natural form, beta-carotene enables photosynthesis in plants.
It also protects against the sun's rays.
Functions
Beta-carotene has not yet revealed all its secrets to scientists. However, the current state of research allows us to conclude that it has 3 main roles:
- Provide vitamin A
- Preventing free radical damage
- Promoting cell communication
Beta-carotene is not strictly speaking a vitamin.
However, it can be converted into retinol during digestion, depending on the body's needs.
Properties and virtues
Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A.
Therefore, its properties and benefits are inextricably linked to those of retinol:
- Correction of vitamin A deficiency
- Macular degeneration
- Treatment of retinitis pigmentosa
- Recovery from nearsightedness surgery
- Cancer prevention
- Prevention of neurological decline in the elderly
- Improvement of skin pigmentation and tanning
Deficiencies and excesses
There is no deficiency or excess of beta-carotene.
However, insufficient intake of this carotenoid can lead to vitamin A deficiency.
However, it does not cause hypervitaminosis.
Signs of deficiency
Unfortunately, retinol deficiency is common in developing countries.
It usually results in stunted growth and eye damage that can lead to blindness.
It is also responsible for an increase in infant mortality from infections.
In developed countries, deficiency is uncommon, but certain diseases can cause deficiency:
- Fat malabsorption
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Crohn's disease
- HIV infection
- Liver disease
- Alcoholism
- Zinc or vitamin C deficiency
Retinol deficiency may be asymptomatic or may only affect night vision and resistance to infection.
Excess
It is not officially possible to have an excess of beta-carotene in the same way as an excess of vitamin A.
However, very high doses can cause yellow or orange discolouration of the skin.
Smokers are strongly advised not to take high doses of beta-carotene.
In fact, some studies seem to show that it may promote the development of lung and stomach cancer.
The different types of use
Synthetic or natural
In the vast majority of supplements and medicines, beta-carotene is synthetic (in capsule form).
This form is not really recommended for long-term use.
It also exists in a natural form, most commonly extracted from the Dunaliella algae.
As well as being natural, this algae has the advantage of containing other carotenoids, making it a well assimilated totum.
Organic beta-carotene?
It does not and cannot exist.
In fact, the molecules are not labelled as organic (like vitamin C, for example).
Perhaps an organic Dunaliella extract titrated in beta-carotene would be possible, like acerola.
Dosage and use
Dosage
There is no officially recommended dosage for beta-carotene.
However, you should follow the dosage prescribed on the packaging or by a healthcare professional.
How to use
Beta-carotene is sensitive to oxidation.
It should therefore be stored in a cool place, away from air and light.
For best absorption by the body, it should be taken during a meal, preferably with fat.
Precautionary measures
Precautions for use
Beta-carotene does not require any precautions for use, provided that the dosage prescribed by the manufacturer is adhered to.
Beta-carotene and tobacco
People who smoke should take vitamin A and beta-carotene in moderation.
Contraindications
Beta-carotene as such has no contraindications.
However, as a precaution, people with contraindications to vitamin A supplementation should consult a doctor before taking it as a supplement.
These include
- Pregnant women
- People with liver disease
- People taking synthetic retinol derivatives
Side effects
Excessive use of beta-carotene supplements may cause carotenoderma.
This is an orange colouring of the skin.
It is most common on the nose, lips, fingers and feet.
If it is bothersome, this side effect is not dangerous.
It is not associated with an excess of vitamin A in the body.
Interactions
Beta-carotene itself does not interact with other molecules. However, its conversion to vitamin A may interact with
- retinoids
- mineral oils
- oral contraceptives
- hypolipemic agents
- colchicine
- neomycin
- omeprazole
- products containing aluminium hydroxide
- phenobarbital
Food sources
Beta-carotene is found mainly in very colourful vegetables:
- Vegetables: carrot, pumpkin, bell pepper, sweet potato, spinach, kale, dandelion, vegetable juice, lettuce, tomato
- Fruits: apricot, mango, melon
- Egg
- Butter