Beta-carotene is an important nutrient for vision, skin, growth and bone development, and is found in many yellow fruits and vegetables. In addition to having a protective effect on your lungs and eyes, beta carotene may also be beneficial for regulating blood sugar, particularly in diabetics. Speak to your doctor before taking beta-carotene supplements.
Diabetes
Most people's bodies regulate blood sugar levels by releasing the hormone insulin. Unfortunately, the bodies of diabetic people either do not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly; this results in uncontrolled levels of blood sugar and a build up of sugar in the body. Diabetes may lead to serious conditions, such as blindness, kidney disease, stroke and heart disease. A link between diabetes and beta-carotene exists, though the particular ramifications are unknown. A study in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" published in August 1999 found that beta-carotene was significantly lower in participants who had diabetes.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as beta-carotene can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, also called blood glucose. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that antioxidants may help return blood sugar levels to their normal range in diabetes patients. Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals, which are potentially harmful molecules in your body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that react with other nearby molecules, leading to tissue damage. Evidence suggests that the antioxidants selenium, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin B-6 and biotin may control blood sugar, according to the UMMC. Research specifically on beta-carotene is still needed.
Fasting Plasma Glucose
If you do not eat for eight or more hours your body releases the hormone glucagon to increase blood sugar levels, known as fasting blood glucose, FBG. A normal body processes enough insulin to counteract the increase in blood sugar. Diabetic people's bodies do not release the necessary insulin, which causes FBG levels to remain elevated. People who eat a balanced diet did not benefit from antioxidant supplements in terms of healthy FBG, according to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in August 2006. However, people with low dietary intake of beta carotene had unhealthy FBG.
Intake
Your body coverts beta-carotene into vitamin A. Too much vitamin A is toxic, so do not consume more than the recommended amounts. The upper limit for women aged 14 to 18 is 9,335 international units per day. Women over 18 should not exceed 10,000 international units. According to the "New York Times," some experts suggest that pregnant women over 18 not exceed 8,000 international units. Men aged 14 and up should have fewer than 10,000 international units per day. Some experts also advise limits specifically on beta-carotene, stating that people should consume 3 to 6 milligrams daily.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Retinol, Alpha-Tocopherol and Carotenoids in Diabetes
- New York Times: Beta-Carotene Test In-Depth Report
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Antioxidant Supplementation Does Not Affect Fasting Plasma Glucose in the Supplementation With Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals, SU.VI.MAX, Study in France -- Association With Dietary Intake and Plasma Concentrations
- DLife: Blood Tests for Diabetes Diagnosis and Management -- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
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