Beta-carotene :: Health and Disease

Beta-carotene
by author Ronald G. Reichert, ND

Scientists have confirmed that beta-carotene acts primarily as a fat-soluble antioxidant protecting our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Health Claims

Scientists have confirmed that beta-carotene acts primarily as a fat-soluble antioxidant protecting our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant nutrient that as a supplement has significant clinical impact on immunity, exercise-induced asthma, the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sunburns, and oral leukoplakia.

What is Beta-carotene?

The brilliant reds and yellows of fruits and vegetables come from plant pigments called carotenoids. Of the approximately 600 types of carotenoids identified, only 10 per cent of them have provitamin-A activity, meaning that they can be converted into vitamin A (retinol) as needed. Beta-carotene is the most abundant and potent type of dietary provitamin-A carotenoid available. Supplementary forms of this nutrient are sold as synthetic all-trans beta-carotene or as natural mixed (cis and trans) beta-carotene.

How Does Beta-carotene Work?

Scientists have confirmed that beta-carotene acts primarily as a fat-soluble antioxidant protecting our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. In addition, beta-carotene enhances the function of our immune system.

What Evidence Supports Its Use?

Although the supplementary use of synthetic beta-carotene does not decrease the overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, or cataracts, research has shown that it may help boost immunity in the elderly. One study found that men in their 60s and 70s who consumed 50 milligrams of beta-carotene every other day for 12 years had higher natural killer-cell activity than the placebo group. In addition, research has shown that beta-carotene is a useful adjunctive treatment, at 60 to 90 mg per day, for precancerous changes in the mouth called oral leukoplakia.

While the majority of research has been done on synthetic beta-carotene, several promising studies have been completed on natural mixed beta-carotene. Scientists have found that 60 mg per day of natural beta-carotene helped decrease LDL cholesterol oxidation in type II diabetics, possibly delaying the onset of atherosclerosis. Moreover, another study has shown that 64 mg per day of this natural antioxidant supplement helped prevent exercise-induced asthma in 53 per cent of the patients with this condition. Ninety mg per day of mixed beta-carotene also helps partially protect us from UVA- and UVB-induced sunburn.

How Should I Take It?

The natural mixed version of beta-carotene is the preferred form of supplement and can be safely taken by adults at health maintenance doses of 15 mg (25,000 IU) per day. Therapeutically, it can be employed up to 90 mg (150,000 IU) per day with medical supervision. At higher doses, beta-carotene will turn the palms of the hands and soles of the feet orange. Moreover, smokers should not employ supplementary beta-carotene as it may increase their risk of developing lung cancer. For those not wishing to take a supplement, six daily servings of beta-carotene rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, mango, broccoli, and apricots are recommended.

The Bottom Line

Beta-carotene is an important keystone in any supplementary health regimen and should always be taken together with other biochemically synergistic antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and selenium.

Ronald G. Reichert, ND, is a practising naturopathic physician in Vancouver, BC. For more information on beta-carotene, please visit alive.com.

Source: alive #255, January 2004

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