|
PROMOTES Powerful Antioxidant Activity Immune Function Body's Defense System Visual Acuity Healthy Skin Healthy Mucus Membrane Linings Healthy Reproductive Functions
PROTECTS AGAINST Free Radical Activity Stress Effects Pollutants Effects Chemical Exposure Effects
It is absorbed more efficiently when consumed with fat. Smokers should not take beta-carotene supplements.
Overview Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, plant based substances that are pigments providing the orange, red and yellow coloration in fruits and vegetables. It is one of over 500 carotenoids found in nature and the most abundant in food. It is thought to be the most important carotenoid for human beings.
Beta-carotene is also known as pro-vitamin A. It consists of two vitamin A molecules linked head to head. It is enzymatically split in the intestinal tract when vitamin A in needed by the body.
Deficiency symptoms are that of the deficiency symptoms
-vision problems (inability to see at night) -bone or teeth development problems -unexplained irritability -skin rashes -hair loss -dry or inflamed eyes -loss of appetite -recurring infections
See Deficiency Symptoms for Vitamin A
Some gout medications and weight loss drugs deplete beta-carotene.
See DRUG DEPLETION TABLE for specific drug information.
Is not destroyed by cooking.
Beta-Carotene occurs exclusively in plant food, fruits and vegetables. Some good sources are:
-Acorn Squash -Apricots -Asparagus -Beet Greens -Broccoli -Brussel Sprouts -Butternut Lettuce -Cantaloupe -Carrots -Cherries -Chives -Collard Greens -Dandelion Greens -Elderberries -Endive -Green onions -Green Peas -Hubbard Squash -Kale -Mango -Mustard Greens -Nectarines -Okra -Papaya -Parsley -Peaches -Peppers - green, red and yellow -Pink Grapefruit -Prunes -Pumpkin -Romaine Lettuce -Rutabagas -Spinach -Squash -Sweet potatoes -Tomatoes (ripe) -Water Melon -Yellow Cornmeal -Yellow Squash
None known.
Function in the Body: Beta-carotene is a chain breaking antioxidant which means that it does not prevent the lipid oxidative process but rather stops the chain reaction once it has started. It does this by trapping free radicals thus stopping the free radical activity progression. It is the most effective agent in stopping single oxygen free radicals in human beings.
Beta carotene - supplements and smokers
Beta carotene is stored in human fat and lung tissue. Two studies in the late 1990s funded by the National Cancer Institute showed up to a 23% increase in lung cancer rates of smokers who took 20 to 30 mgs of beta carotene / day. Beta carotene is not carcinogenic, but is not a stable substance in the lungs of smokers. Beta carotene in balance with other antioxidant micronutrients in fruits and vegetables has been associated with a decrease in cancer including lung cancer in nonsmokers. Smokers should not take beta carotene supplements.
For more in depth information on Beta Carotene as an antioxidant supplement and the studies that have been done, go to ANTIOXIDANT SUPPLEMENTS under SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBS
Recommended Dietary Allowance: The RDA -recommended dietary allowance- for beta-carotene is 5000 to 30.000 international units per day.
Carotenosis, which is characterized by an orange coloration to the skin, is a benign side effect of large doses either in food or supplement form. It subsides with reductions in the amount ingested. No true toxicities are associated with beta-carotene. |