The nutrient beta carotene occurs in colorful vegetables and fruits such as carrots, peas, spinach, squash and cantaloupe. Beta carotene supplements also are available. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, and this vitamin is essential for healthy eyes and skin. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking beta carotene supplements, as they can cause some adverse effects.
Dosages
Beta carotene supplements are probably safe if you take them in recommended amounts for certain medical conditions, according to MedlinePlus. The highest recommended dosage listed by MedlinePlus is 300 mg per day, and that is only for treating sun sensitivity in adults with the blood disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria. A dose of 25 mg per day may be useful for preventing sunburn in sun-sensitive persons. For preventing the worsening of age-related macular degeneration, 15 mg of beta carotene along with 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E and 80 mg zinc oxide may be helpful. MedlinePlus discourages using beta-carotene as a general supplement and cautions that the substance may be unsafe in high dosages, particularly when taken for a long time.
Side Effects
Some relatively minor side effects are associated with beta carotene supplements. Some people experience loose stools, bruising or joint pain when taking these supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. High doses can cause temporary yellow or orange skin discoloration.
Angioplasty Contraindication
Taking a combination of beta carotene and other vitamins with antioxidant properties could impede healing after angioplasty, according to MedlinePlus. Angioplasty is a procedure that opens blocked or narrowed arteries. Don't consume beta carotene supplements or other antioxidant vitamins before or after this procedure unless your doctor says it's OK.
Serious Adverse Effects
Unless you do so with a doctor's supervision, you shouldn't take beta carotene supplements if you are a heavy smoker or regularly consume large amounts of alcohol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The combination may increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. In addition, beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of prostate cancer, and taking a beta carotene supplement along with a multivitamin more than seven times per week may elevate the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer, according to MedlinePlus. Beta carotene supplements also may increase cancer risk if you have been exposed to asbestos. MedlinePlus cautions that high doses of beta carotene supplements may elevate the risk of death from other causes as well.
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