Beta Carotene Side Effects

Beta carotene supplements are prescribed to people who suffer from vitamin A deficiency. Though it is said to be safe to consume beta carotene, there are certain side effects attached to it. Therefore, before you take these supplements, it is important for you to know about beta carotene side effects.

Beta carotene (symbolized β-carotene) is a common form of carotenoid — lipophilic (fat-soluble) natural chemicals that give the red or orange color to fruits and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Regular intake is necessary because beta carotene is an important precursor of vitamin A: the body uses it to synthesize vitamin A, taking only as much as it needs. This is why doctors recommend beta carotene supplements to people with vitamin A deficiency rather than vitamin A itself, which can cause health problems when taken in excess. Beta carotene also acts as an antioxidant, safeguarding the body from harmful free radicals responsible for chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer, and so is considered a factor in both treating and preventing such diseases. Research, however, has found certain side effects that may prove harmful.

Sources of Beta Carotene

Human beings require roughly 700–900 micrograms of vitamin A per day, which translates to a daily beta carotene intake of around 8.54–10.8 mg. Though it is available as tablets and gel, the best way to consume it is through the diet. Foods rich in beta carotene include spinach, broccoli, winter squash, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, green peppers, pumpkins, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes and apricots — and generally, the deeper the color of the fruit or vegetable, the higher its beta carotene content.

Benefits of Beta Carotene

As a precursor of vitamin A, beta carotene is crucial for normal functioning of the body. Its benefits include:

• Preventing eye problems and supporting clear eyesight; it can slow the progress of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Formation of bones and teeth.
• Promoting a strong, healthy immune system and healthy skin.
• Treating exercise-induced asthma, psoriasis and other skin problems, arthritis, depression and high blood pressure.
• Treating sun sensitivity, including the rare genetic skin disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria.
• Combating vitamin A deficiency symptoms such as skin rash disorders, weakened immunity and night blindness.

Side Effects and Overdose of Beta Carotene

Beta carotene toxicity, or overdose, usually results from excessive administration of supplements rather than from food. The main side effects and overdose symptoms are:

• Skin discoloration. The most noticeable symptom — the palms, soles of the feet and sometimes the face turn yellow. This is not dangerous and is temporary, subsiding within a few days.
• Allergic reactions. Those sensitive to carotene- and vitamin-A-related dietary products may experience skin problems, headaches and dizziness, and should get beta carotene from food sources instead of supplements.
• Other rare effects. Joint pain, dizziness, diarrhea (loose stools), and unusual bruising or bleeding, which are not experienced by everyone.
• Medication interaction. Like other antioxidants, beta carotene can interfere with other medications if taken at the same time, reducing the body's ability to absorb them and lowering their therapeutic effect. Consult a physician about current drugs before starting supplements.
• Cancer and cardiovascular risk in smokers and drinkers. Beta carotene cannot prevent cancer or heart disease in isolation — that benefit is seen only when it is taken with antioxidants like vitamins E and C. In fact, clinical studies show that β-carotene supplements increase the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and prostate cancer in people who smoke, drink alcohol or are exposed to asbestos. These effects are not seen with beta carotene-rich foods.
• Pregnancy and children. There is insufficient evidence on the safety of supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so pregnant or nursing women should consult a doctor first, and high doses in children should be given only under strict medical supervision.

The amount of beta carotene assimilated depends on several factors — whether the food is raw or cooked, the fats consumed at the same time, and the body's existing vitamin A level. Side effects occur rarely in people who get beta carotene from dietary sources; those who take excess supplements are at higher risk of overdose. In short, beta carotene is safe if taken in the recommended dosage and under medical supervision. Follow the dosage your doctor advises, inform them promptly of any severe side effects, and where possible stick to dietary sources rather than supplements.