Beta Carotene is a strongly-colored red-orange pigment that is abundant in plants and fruits. It is a free flowing powder, and is often used as a coloring agent in foods such as margarine. Absorption of Beta Carotene is enhanced if eaten with fats, as carotenes are fat soluble. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is Beta Carotene?
Beta Carotene is an orange dye found in green leaves and carrots. This product is available in 10%-96% concentrations. Beta carotene is used in foods to provide color (margarine would look as white as shortening without it). Beta carotene is sometimes added to products for its anti-oxidant effects, to keep fats from going rancid. The body turns it into Vitamin A, and beta carotene is sometimes added to foods or vitamin supplements as a nutrient. It’s functions are anti cancer and heart disease; it slows the progression of cataracts; prevents macular degeneration; boosts immunity and protects the skin against sunburn.
Possible Side Effects of Beta Carotene
Although Beta Carotene generally regarded as a very safe and effective supplement, there can be some minor side effects. The side effects may:
Beta-carotene may cause burping, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache,increased risk of disease (including bladder cancer, colds, coronary heart disease,lung cancer, mortality, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer), joint pain, lung problems, muscle pain, stomach and intestine problems, vision problems.
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. Beta Carotene is considered safe.
Suggested Dosage
NA.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to Beta Carotene populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake Beta Carotene.
Related Research
1. Techniques for measuring vitamin A activity from β-carotene. [Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Nov] Author: Tang G.
2. The contribution of β-carotene to vitamin A supply of humans. [Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Feb] Author: Weber D, Grune T.
3. In utero and lactational β-carotene supplementation attenuates D-galactose-induced hearing loss in newborn rats. [Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Aug] Author: Yu F, Hao S, Zhao Y, Yang H, Fan XL, Yang J.
4. Beta-carotene is an important vitamin A source for humans. [J Nutr. 2010 Dec] Author: Grune T, Lietz G, Palou A, Ross AC, Stahl W, Tang G, Thurnham D, Yin SA, Biesalski HK.
5. Efficacy of beta-carotene topical application in melasma: an open clinical trial. [Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2002 Nov-Dec] Author: Kar HK.