Beta carotene: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
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Phytosubstances
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Erythropoietic Protoporphyria ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral intake of beta-carotene can help reduce sun sensitivity in people suffering from erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a genetic condition that disrupts porphyrin metabolism and manifests as photosensitivity induced by the formation of free radicals after solar irradiation. In adults, 180 to 300 mg of beta-carotene per day are used. For children aged 1 to 4 years, the daily dose is 60 to 90 mg; ages 5 to 8 years, 90 to 120 mg; 9-12 years, 120-150 mg; 13-16 years, 150-180 mg; and 16 years and older, 180 mg. If an adequate response is not achieved, the dose of beta-carotene may be increased by 30 to 60 mg per day for children under 16 years, and up to a maximum of 300 mg per day for children 16 years and older.
Posologie
Oral
60 - 300 mg
Beta carotene therapy for erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases
Beta-carotene in erythropoietic protoporphyria: 5 years' experience
Erythropoietic protoporthyria. Clinical aspects and therapy
Beta-carotene as an oral photoprotective agent in erythropoietic protoporphyria
The treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria. Experience with beta-carotene
Treatment of the cutaneous porphyrias
Vitamin A Deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
In trials involving Nepalese women, beta-carotene supplementation reduced symptoms associated with vitamin A deficiency, such as night blindness and high fever, thus contributing to lower maternal mortality and infection risks. Vitamin A deficiency was probably the underlying cause of these symptoms and diseases. Beta-carotene supplementation - as a precursor to vitamin A - offered similar benefits to vitamin A, with fewer health risks.
Posologie
Oral
42 mg
UV Exposure ✪✪✪✪✪
Beta-carotene supplementation, alone or in combination with other antioxidants, has shown a reduction in UV-induced erythema after 8-10 weeks of treatment, requiring doses of at least 24 mg/day. Controlled studies have observed protection against UV erythema with varied doses, highlighting a dose-dependent photoprotective action. However, the effectiveness of beta-carotene as sun protection is modest and specific to people with certain photosensitivities, not extending to the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Posologie
Oral
24 mg
Breast Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
More than 35 observational studies have found a positive association between dietary or serum beta-carotene levels and a reduced risk of cancer. However, this association does not necessarily imply a cause-and-effect link and might reflect other dietary or lifestyle factors. Observational research indicates that a diet rich in beta-carotene is linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women, especially those at high risk due to family history or high alcohol consumption. An increase in beta-carotene intake is associated with a decrease of up to 18% in breast cancer risk and up to a 30% improvement in overall survival in patients with this cancer.
Posologie
Oral
6 - 8 mg
AMD ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research indicates that a combination of antioxidants including 15 mg of beta-carotene, 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 80 mg of zinc per day can reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD by up to 31%. This combination is particularly effective in patients with a severe form of the disease, reducing progression to advanced AMD by 34% and vision loss by 29%. Evidence regarding the use of beta-carotene in patients at low risk of AMD is contradictory, as well as the role of dietary beta-carotene in reducing the risk of AMD.
Posologie
Oral
15 mg
Synergies
Long-term effects of vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and zinc on age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 35
Potential public health impact of Age-Related Eye Disease Study results: AREDS report no. 11
Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing age-related macular degeneration
Prospective study of intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and carotenoids and risk of age-related maculopathy
Properties
Essential
Beta-carotene is considered an essential nutrient when dietary retinol (vitamin A) intake is insufficient. Indeed, beta-carotene is converted into retinoic acid by an enzyme present in the intestinal mucosa and liver.
Usages associés
Dermatological Effect
In humans, beta-carotene reduces the signs of skin aging. The mechanisms of action may involve increased collagen production and a reduction in harmful oxidative reactions induced by ultraviolet rays.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
In the lab, beta-carotene is known for its antioxidant action, but the details of how it works are not fully understood. Although it effectively captures free radicals under normal conditions, its effectiveness decreases under high oxygen pressure, where it may even become pro-oxidant. The effectiveness of beta-carotene as an antioxidant in the human body is still debated, as it seems to vary depending on the context, for reasons that remain unclear.
Anticancer
There seems to be an inverse relationship between dietary carotenoid intake or serum beta-carotene levels and the incidence of various cancers. In vitro studies show that beta-carotene and palm oil carotene inhibit tumor cell growth. Preliminary evidence suggests that carotenoids, including beta-carotene, may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. However, the anticancer effects of beta-carotene supplementation have not been demonstrated in humans. Despite these potentially positive effects documented, there is a risk of an opposite effect: pro-cancer due to the accumulation of beta-carotene metabolites. It is important to note that smoking, for example, could increase the production of carcinogenic metabolites of beta-carotene which, if not neutralized by other antioxidants, could lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Serum levels of beta-carotene seem to be inversely related to C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell counts, which are markers of inflammation.
Immuno-modulator
The mechanisms by which beta-carotene influences immune function are not yet very clear. Beta-carotene has direct and indirect effects on immune function through its pro-vitamin A activity: - By reducing oxidative damage to cell membranes and their receptors, - By influencing the activity of redox-sensitive transcription factors and the production of cytokines and prostaglandins, - By enhancing the ability of cells and receptors to adapt to redox changes.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 3 mg - 30 mg
It is recommended to consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day providing 3 to 6 mg of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene supplements range from 3 to 30 mg/day, but medicinal doses ranging from 30 to 300 mg/day are used to treat specific conditions such as erythropoietic protoporphyria. For effective sun protection, a dose higher than 24 mg/day for more than two months is recommended.
Pregnant woman: 3 mg - 6 mg
There are no safety issues at dietary doses.
Breastfeeding woman: 3 mg - 6 mg
There are no safety issues at dietary doses.
Child up to 18 years: 3 mg - 6 mg
There are no safety issues at dietary doses.
Interactions
Médicaments
hypocholesterolemic: moderate interaction
Medications that reduce fat absorption, such as cholestyramine, colestipol, and orlistat, may also decrease the absorption of beta-carotene. To prevent this, it is recommended to space the intake of these medications and beta-carotene by at least 2 hours.
Precautions
Trisomy: avoid
In children with Down syndrome: cases of seizures during prolonged treatments with 5-HTP.
