Beta carotene is an antioxidant found in many foods, though it can also be manufactured synthetically as a dietary supplement. While beta carotene in food is considered healthy and may potentially reduce your risk of cancer long-term, there is some evidence that beta carotene in supplement form is not as effective. In some cases, it may even pose some health risks.
What is Beta Carotene?
Beta carotene is an antioxidant found in many colorful fruits and vegetables. When you eat foods containing beta carotene, the body converts it to vitamin A -- also called retinol -- as needed. Medline Plus reports that around half of most people's vitamin A comes from the beta carotene they get from their food. While most people get plenty from their diets, you can also purchase beta carotene supplements over the counter. These supplements are popular for their potential role in preventing some long-term health conditions, including cancer; however, you should always check with your doctor before taking any type of dietary supplement. Beta carotene may be beneficial for people with certain medical conditions, and harmful for others.
Beta Carotene and Cancer
Antioxidants like beta carotene play a role in reducing the effects of free radicals on your body: these are the molecules that cause cell damage, leaving you more vulnerable to chronic illnesses and cancers. In addition to preventing some cell damage, beta carotene may also increase the body's immune defense mechanisms. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, beta carotene can stimulate the production of T-cells in the body. A combination of the two means that in theory, beta carotene could indeed play a role in cancer prevention. However, the research has shown inconsistencies in its effects.
The Research
Research results are mixed. According to Medline Plus, beta carotene supplements may play a role in preventing breast and cervical cancer in some women. Little evidence has been documented regarding its effects in preventing other types of cancer. In fact, some studies have shown the opposite to be true: The University of Maryland Medical Center reports in some of their reviewed literature that excessive amounts of beta carotene supplements could potentially increase a person's risk for certain types of cancer, most notably lung cancer. More research is needed before the exact effects of beta carotene supplement on cancer can be determined.
Bottom Line
Most of the research out there focuses on beta carotene supplements. However, there is some evidence that dietary forms of beta carotene may in fact play a role in cancer prevention, and a safer one at that. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that this may be because a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods is often a healthier diet overall, which may be more effective than beta carotene supplements alone. In addition, you are less likely to get too much beta carotene from your diet as you are to take too much in supplement form. For this reason, UMMC recommends skipping the supplements and sticking to a diet containing plenty of fresh fruits and colorful vegetables as well as whole grains.
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