How to Use Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is a very valuable existence in nature. Frequent eating of food containing this pigment can prevent many diseases. But some people are still in lack of it. Doctors suggest that these patients should take some beta-carotene supplements. Beta-carotene supplements usually appear as capsules or jellies. It is because that beta-carotene is fat soluble. It is suggested that meals consisting at least 3g fat can ensure the absorption of beta-carotene.

Lack of beta-carotene may lead to the following symptoms. Firstly, it may cause nyctalopia, dry eyes and nearsightedness. Secondly, it may raise the risks of cancer, cataract, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory system infection. Thirdly, it may lead to early aging, insomnia, tiredness, and dermatitis and keratinization.

As for children with erythropoietic protoporphyria under the age of 14, 30mg to 150mg (50,000 -250,000 international unit) once or dividual daily dosage is needed. To take it two to six weeks is advised. And to take with orange juice or tomato juice can accelerate ingestion. Patients who are sensitive to the sunlight can adjust the dosage according to the proportion of beta-carotene in blood under the guidance of doctors. For ordinary normal people, a dosage of 15mg t o50mg (25,000 -83,000 international unit) is suggested. Those who suffer from erythropoietic protoporphyria should take 30mg to 300mg (50,000 500,000 international unit) per day for two to six weeks. Healthy consultants can adjust the dosage according to their beta-carotene proportion in blood.

Beta-carotene only functions as cancer-resister when other crucial antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E in diet. Smokers and drinkers should take beta-carotene carefully, for it would higher their risks in having heart diseases or cancer. Moreover, though it helps with sunlight sensitivity, it has no effect in preventing us from the sun.

 

Though a great number of animal tests reveal that it does no harm to fetuses or infants, there is no relevant research showing that it is the same with human beings. Beta-carotene supplements can enter breast milk. However, no relevant studies prove its safety in lactation. Therefore, pregnant women or mothers during lactation should ask doctors or experts for advice when beta-carotene supplements are needed.

 

Beta-carotene is suitable for the following four types of people: those who need to complement the beta-carotene; those who have to work on computers for a long period of time; respiratory infected people; those who has poor eyesight; those who have dry or rough skin. But taking it may also have some side effects. For example, the color of skin will fade, especially the color of yellow. Or it may leads to bruise, and arthralgia, and some other diseases.  Those who take cholestyramine, colestipol, probucol or orlistat should avoid ingesting beta-carotene supplements at the same time.