Beta Carotene
Overview
Beta-carotene (C40H56) is a provitamin A carotenoid converted to retinol. No established upper limit, but critical safety warning: supplemental beta-carotene (20–30 mg/day) increased lung cancer risk by 18–28% and lung cancer deaths by 46% in heavy smokers and asbestos workers (CARET, ATBC studies). Dietary beta-carotene from food is safe. Doses up to 50 mg/day appear safe for non-smokers. Carotenodermia (orange skin) is a harmless high-dose effect. Lipophilic; take with dietary fat.
Dosage
3.5 mg · Any time · Can take on empty stomach
Key Interactions
18 verified interactions found
Lycopene supplementation increases skin beta-carotene levels, enhancing antioxidant protection.
Lycopen-Supplementierung kann Beta-Carotin-Spiegel in der Haut erhöhen. Gesamt-Carotinoid-Zufuhr im Blick behalten; Raucher sollten Beta-Carotin-Supplemente (>6mg/Tag) generell meiden.
View details →Hochdosiertes Beta-Carotin kann die Plasma-Tocopherolspiegel senken. Gleichzeitige hochdosierte Einnahme beider Antioxidanzien sollte ärztlich überwacht werden.
Hohe Beta-Carotin-Dosen (>15mg/Tag) können den Vitamin-E-Plasmaspiegel senken. Bei Standarddosen (Beta-Carotin ≤3mg, Vitamin E ≤300mg) keine klinisch relevante Wechselwirkung; Raucher sollten Beta-Carotin-Supplemente generell meiden.
View details →Beta-carotene from food sources significantly increases circulating retinol levels, improving vitamin A status.
Beta-Carotin wird im Körper zu Vitamin A umgewandelt; kombinierte Einnahme mit Retinol erhöht die Gesamt-Vitamin-A-Zufuhr deutlich. Gesamt-Retinol-Äquivalente aus Supplement und Nahrung auf ≤3mg/Tag begrenzen (BfR 2024).
View details →Quercetin kann pro-inflammatorische Effekte von hochdosiertem Beta-Carotin abschwächen. Die Kombination ist bei üblichen Dosierungen eher vorteilhaft als risikoreich.
Quercetin kann entzündungsfördernde Effekte von hochdosiertem Beta-Carotin abschwächen. Standarddosen beider Substanzen (Quercetin ≤500mg, Beta-Carotin ≤3mg) zeigen keine problematische Wechselwirkung.
View details →Hohe Beta-Carotin-Dosen können die Bioverfügbarkeit von Lutein verringern. Relevant für Augengesundheits-Supplementierungen, bei denen Lutein im Vordergrund steht.
Hohe Beta-Carotin-Dosen (>3mg) können die Aufnahme von Lutein reduzieren. Für optimale Lutein-Versorgung zeitversetzt einnehmen oder Gesamtdosis beider Carotinoide beachten.
View details →Scientific Sources
- Cutaneous lycopene and beta-carotene levels measured by resonance Raman spectros (2009)
- Effects of 4 y of oral supplementation with beta-carotene on serum concentration (1997)
- Ingestion by men of a combined dose of beta-carotene and lycopene does not affec (1997)
- Carotenoids suppress proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1 expression (2007)
- Serum concentrations of micronutrient antioxidants in an adult Arab population. (2002)
- Reduction in plasma or skin alpha-tocopherol concentration with long-term oral a (1992)
- Randomized trial of antioxidant vitamins to prevent acute adverse effects of rad (2005)
- Effect of two years' supplementation with natural antioxidants on vitamin and tr (2001)
- Prospective study of serum selenium levels and incident esophageal and gastric c (2000)
- Antioxidant vitamin supplementation and lipid peroxidation in smokers. (1998)
- Serum retinol concentrations in children are affected by food sources of beta-ca (1998)
- Daily consumption of Indian spinach (Basella alba) or sweet potatoes has a posit (2004)
- Zinc plus beta-carotene supplementation of pregnant women is superior to beta-ca (2004)
- Short-term (intestinal) and long-term (postintestinal) conversion of beta-carote (2003)
- Double blind, cluster randomised trial of low dose supplementation with vitamin (1999)
- Interactions of beta-carotene and flavonoids on the secretion of pro-inflammator (2009)
- Effects of quercetin on beta-apo-8'-carotenal-induced DNA damage and cytochrome (2006)
- Flavonoids suppresses the enhancing effect of beta-carotene on DNA damage induce (2006)
- Ingested quercetin but not rutin increases accumulation of hepatic beta-carotene (2010)
- Pro-oxidative effect of beta-carotene and the interaction with flavonoids on UVA (2005)
- Bioavailability of lutein from vegetables is 5 times higher than that of beta-ca (1999)
- Intestinal absorption, serum clearance, and interactions between lutein and beta (1995)
- Carotenoid interactions. (1999)
- Effect of lutein on beta-carotene absorption and cleavage. (1998)
- Investigation of beta-carotene and lutein transport in Caco-2 cells: carotenoid- (2009)
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)
- PubChem Compound 5280489
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beta Carotene used for?
Beta-carotene (C40H56) is a provitamin A carotenoid converted to retinol.
What is the recommended dosage for Beta Carotene?
3.5 mg. Any time. Can take on empty stomach.
Does Beta Carotene interact with other supplements?
Beta Carotene has 18 verified interactions. Top: Lycopene, Vitamin E (Tocopherol).
When is the best time to take Beta Carotene?
Any time. Can take on empty stomach.
Is Beta Carotene safe to combine with other supplements?
Always check interactions before combining supplements. Use VitalStack to verify your full stack for free.
Check how Beta Carotene fits your full stack
Verify interactions, get timing plans, and optimize your supplement routine — free.
Check Your Stack →Not medical advice. VitalStack is not a medical device. For personalized health recommendations, consult a healthcare provider.