Beta-carotene is a natural plant pigment that the body converts into vitamin A, which supports the eyes, immune system, skin and mucus membranes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although beta-carotene is generally very safe, the dangers and side effects can be life-threatening in certain people if they take too much of the supplement. If you smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol or take certain prescription drugs, you may be at risk of more serious side effects from taking beta-carotene supplements.
Skin Discoloration
You may experience some skin discoloration while taking beta-carotene supplements. The skin discoloration is typically a slight yellowing of the hands and feet, but usually occurs when you take too much beta-carotene, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The yellowing usually disappears when you reduce your beta-carotene dosage or stop taking the supplement. For example, you may see your skin turning a yellow or yellowish-orange color if you take more than 60 mg of beta-carotene per day, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Slight bruising of the skin is another potential side effect of taking beta-carotene, adds the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Diarrhea
You could experience some diarrhea or loose stools while taking beta-carotene, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. But again, this side effect typically occurs when you're taking too high of a dose.
Increased Heart Disease & Lung Cancer Risks
If you smoke cigarettes, you may be at risk of more serious side effects from taking beta-carotene supplements. Even if you don't smoke, you may be at a higher risk of developing heart disease and some forms of cancer from long-term beta-carotene use, especially at higher-than-recommended dosage rates, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you're a heavy smoker, taking beta-carotene may increase your risk of heart disease and lung cancer, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Liver Damage Risks
If you abuse alcohol or drink heavily, you may have an increased risk of heart disease, as well as liver cancer or liver diseases. Consuming large amounts of alcohol and taking beta-carotene supplements has been linked to increased liver toxicity in animal studies, says the University of Michigan Health System.
Prescription Drug Interactions
You should avoid taking beta-carotene supplements with certain prescription drugs. Avoid taking beta-carotene if you take statins, says the University or Maryland Medical Center. Beta-carotene may reduce the effectiveness of statins used to treat high cholesterol, especially if you take the supplement along with selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E. Conversely, if you take the weight-loss drugs Alli or Xenical, or the cholesterol-lowering medications cholestyramine or colestipol, you may need to take a beta-carotene supplement. These medications tend to decrease blood levels of beta-carotene substantially, the University of Maryland notes.
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