Beta-carotene

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Beta-carotene serves a variety of functions 

There’s a reason we were told to eat our carrots to see better.

It’s because beta-carotene is found in orange, red and yellow vegetables and fruits, as well as leafy greens. And beta-carotene is vital for the integrity of various eye structures. Low intake of beta-carotene is associated with increased incidence of cataracts, which look like a blind spot in the center of vision.¹

This carotenoid is also known as vitamin A, into which it gets converted in the body. It is an antioxidant that provides a boost not just for eye health but also for immunity and cancer prevention. When beta-carotene gets converted to vitamin A, it’s been the subject of some controversy because of toxicity issues when exceeding 10,000 International Units (IUs) a day for extended periods.² This is because vitamin A is quickly absorbed and, being fat-soluble, accumulates in fat tissue and so is slowly excreted. It’s important to note that this is vitamin A, and not beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene as vitamin A fights infections. The Linus Pauling Institute, known best for its vitamin C work but in fact knowledgeable in all vitamins, explains its efficacy against infections this way: “The skin and mucosal cells (cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract) function as a barrier and form the body’s first line of defense against infection. Retinol and its metabolites are required to maintain the integrity and function of these cells. Vitamin A and retinoic acid play a central role in the development and differentiation of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which play critical roles in the immune system.”³

Vitamin A also exhibits anti-tumor activity. For example, in the Physician’s Health Study, which gave 22,000 American male doctors 50 milligrams of beta-carotene every other day for 12 years, beta-carotene led to fewer incidences of prostate cancer.⁴

Beta-carotene also helps women worrying about breast cancer. Researchers checked in with about 650 postmenopausal women and found those with the highest intake of beta-carotene from various dietary sources for between 20 and 45 years had a lower risk of breast cancer.⁵

Do you suppose that’s why Bugs Bunny never seemed to have any health problems?

References: 

1. Tan AG, et al. Antioxidant nutrient intake and the long-term incidence of age-related cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2008 Jun;87(6):1899-905.

2. http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2001/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Vitamin-A-Vitamin-K-Arsenic-Boron-Chromium-Copper-Iodine-Iron-Manganese-Molybdenum-Nickel-Silicon-Vanadium-and-Zinc.aspx

3. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminA/

4. Cook NR, et al. Beta-carotene supplementation for patients with low baseline levels and decreased risks of total and prostate carcinoma. Cancer 1999 Nov 1;86(9):1783-92.

5. Jumaan AO, et al. Beta-carotene intake and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.Epidemiology 1999 Jan;10(1):49-53.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is a public service of WellWise.org, and should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to constitute personal medical advice.