The chemical beta-carotene contributes to the coloring of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Your body uses it to create vitamin A, and it also possesses antioxidant properties. Eating a diet rich in this nutrient has been linked to a decreased risk of various illnesses, and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center stresses that positive effects of this nutrient have only been attributed to dietary intake, not the use of beta-carotene supplements. Supplementing with beta-carotene beyond what you normally get through your diet might pose certain health risks, and as of the time of publication, no research exists to suggest supplementing with this nutrient would offer any significant benefit. If you believe taking beta-carotene megadoses will address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about whether or not to use it and at what dose.
Considerations for Dosage
The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports your body only requires about 1.8 mg of beta-carotene and advises against using more than that in supplement form. The University of Maryland Medical Center states getting between 15 to 50 mg daily appears to benefit overall general health, but stresses getting the bulk of this from your diet. Consistently supplementing with doses beyond the recommended daily allowance increases your risk of adverse effects associated with this supplement.
Side Effects
Consuming large amounts of beta-carotene can lead to carotenodermia. This condition results in a yellow tint to the skin. This condition reverses itself, however, once you stop ingesting large amounts of beta-carotene. Other possible side effects include diarrhea, joint pain and bruising.
Increased Risk of Disease
Drugs.com reports beta-carotene supplementation has been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases, particularly in smokers. It notes studies which have found people who supplemented with beta-carotene were more likely to suffer from lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports high intake of beta-carotene might intensify the negative effects of alcohol on the liver, which could increase the risk of alcohol-related liver damage if you drink heavily.
Medication Interactions
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports beta-carotene supplements might interfere with the effectiveness of statin drugs and niacin, both used to treat high cholesterol. If you take medication, always talk to your doctor before using any type of supplements, particularly in larger doses.
Member Comments