Beta carotene is available in supplement form without a doctor's prescription. However, just because you can purchase it over the counter does not mean that it is safe. High doses of beta carotene may increase your risk for certain medical conditions. In addition, those who smoke, drink excessively or take medications for cholesterol should avoid beta carotene supplements.
Synthetic Versus Food Sources
Beta carotene is an antioxidant that is readily available in many natural food sources and is also sold in supplement form. Getting your beta carotene from food is generally safer than relying on a supplement because your body only processes beta carotene into vitamin A as it needs it, making it much harder for you to get toxic levels of vitamin A from food. Supplemental beta carotene, on the other hand, is not treated by the body in this way. Too much beta carotene in supplement form can pose potential health risks. While most are minor, the more severe health risks of beta carotene supplements include both cancer and heart disease.
Cancer
Antioxidants are supposed to fight cancer, as they can both protect you from the free radicals that cause cell destruction and increase your body's immune response. However, for some people the supplemental form of beta carotene may actually increase cancer risks. Those who smoke, drink heavily or who were previously exposed to asbestos may have a greater risk for developing lung cancer if they take excessive amounts of beta carotene supplements. Smokers who take too much of the supplement may also increase their risk for prostate cancer. However, there is little evidence linking beta carotene supplements to cancer in other populations.
Heart Disease
As with cancer, you may have an increased risk of heart disease or related complications if you have certain pre-existing conditions and you take synthetic beta carotene. According to MayoClinic.com, those who smoke or drink heavily and take beta carotene supplements may have a greater risk of both heart disease and of death resulting from heart disease. This is true even for low doses of the supplement. In addition, those who have had a recent angioplasty should avoid taking beta carotene supplements, as Medline Plus reports it may interfere with the healing process. Beta carotene can also interfere with the function of statins, which are medications used to lower cholesterol levels.
Minor Symptoms
There are other less serious side effects associated with the use of beta carotene supplements. Beta carotene supplements can cause an orange tint to the skin, which, while not cosmetically appealing, is rarely bothersome. However, it can also cause digestive upsets such as diarrhea, dizziness and joint pain. Some people taking beta carotene may also notice they bleed or bruise more severely than usual. Even though most beta carotene symptoms are minor, it is always best to check with your doctor before adding them to your regular routine.
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