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Beta carotene

Carotenes especially beta carotene occurs abundantly in nature. It is estimated that nearly more than 500 different carotenoids like β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthins, zea xanthins...etc distributed in the plant, algae world. Although many of these have proven independent functions, however, nearly 50 or more can be metabolized to vitamin-A in the human body. β-carotene is the most prevalent carotenoid in the plant sources of food supply and is also known as pro-vitamin A.

Roughly, 6 mcg (range vary widely 6-18 mcg) of ß-carotene is equal to 1 RE (Retinol equivalents) or 3.33 IU of vitamin-A.

Health benefits of beta carotene

• Being an important flavonoid compound, beta carotene has powerful antioxidant functions, helps body scavenge free radicals, thereby limiting the damage to cell membranes, DNA and protein structures in the cell.

• Dietary intake of foods high in β-carotene associated with decreased risk of cardio-vascular disease and oral cavity and lung cancers.

• When converted to vitamin A in the intestines it has all the functions of vitamin A such as visual cycle, reproduction (sperm production), maintenance of epithelial functions, growth and development.

The benefits of beta carotene supplements, however, has surprisingly unexpected results. Two large scale prospective randomized studies, on high risk cigarette smokers, of β-carotene (a-tocopherol, b-carotene (ATBC) cancer prevention study and the β-carotene and retinal efficacy trial (CARET) found that b-carotene increased rates of lung cancer in the supplemented group. On the contrary, as mentioned above, high dietary intake of foods rich in β-carotene is associated with decreased risk of cardio-vascular disease and cancers. Dietary intake of foods high in carotene offers protection against coronary artery disease and cancers. However, β-carotene supplementation appears harmful to health, especially in high risk smokers.

Addition of excess plant sources of beta carotene causes deposition of carotenes in the skin and tissues result in a harmless condition known as carotenemia. It recedes itself once foods rich in carotenes withdraw from the diet.

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