Beta-Carotene/Carotenoid Complex

(beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene)

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

None. 12 mcg = 1 RAE (Retinol Activity Equivalents).
About 14% of beta-carotene is absorbed. (Previously believed 33%.)

Adult Maintenance - Therapeutic Range

10 mg to 50 mg (2,774 IU to 13,875 IU). To convert mg to IU: multiply by 1,000, divide by 12, then multiply by 3.33. See Vitamin A. Avoid synthetic beta-carotene.

Major Sources

Yellow and dark green vegetables (carrots, squash, peas, broccoli, sweet potatoes, peppers, spinach, 'green' lettuce), and orange fruits (apricots, cantaloupe, peaches, papayas).

Non-Therapeutic Importance

Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family. There are more than 500 different carotenoids, including other carotenes, xanthophylls, and lycopene. Beta-carotene is a precursor (provitamin A) to retinol (preformed vitamin A). It is converted to vitamin A in the liver as needed. As a source of vitamin A, beta-carotene is: essential for normal growth, development, and maintenance of epithelial tissue; essential to the integrity of night vision; helps provide for normal bone development; influences normal tooth formation; necessary for wound healing.

Deficiency Symptoms

See Vitamin A

Increased Risk for Deficiency

See Vitamin A

Possible Therapeutic Applications

CONSULT WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FIRST: Carotenoid research, ranging from in vitro to animal to human, have shown: Alpha-Carotene inhibits cancer cell growth or reduces the number of tumors; Cryptoxanthin reduces cervical cancer risk; Lutein & Zeaxanthin play a role in preventing macular degeneration; Lycopene is an excellent antioxidant and reduces cancer risk. Supplementation may prevent, correct deficiencies caused by, or be helpful with, the following conditions:

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS, HIV)
Aging
Asthma
Atherosclerosis (heart disease)
Cancer
Candidiasis (yeast infection)
Cataracts
Cerebrovascular Disease (including stroke)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, CFIDS)
Diabetes
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Fibromyalgia
Herpes Simplex (cold sores)
Immunodepression (immune function)
Infection (colds, flu, etc.)
Infertility (male)
Lupus (SLE)
Macular Degeneration
Memory Loss (Alzheimer's disease, dementia)
Osteoarthritis
Parkinson's Disease
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sinusitis (sinus infection)