Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A)

Also known as: Vitamin A, retinal. Beta-Carotene is found in the orange pigment of many foods such as carrots.

Beta-Carotene is a pro-vitamin and is stored in the liver for used when not supplied by daily food intake.

It is closely related to Vitamin A and is broken down in the intestines for utilization by the body.

Home Remedies using Beta Carotene:

Benefits and Uses of Beta-Carotene:

Beta-Carotene has been found to aid the human body in fighting many diseases and disorders. Some of the many health benefits of this vital nutrient include:

• As a powerful anti-oxidant, aids in fighting cancer and aging
• Helps the body’s immune system
• Used to relieve the pain of some forms of arthritis
• Used by the eyes and is thought to improve eyesight
• Improves immune system response fighting diseases
• Useful in treatment of HIV and AIDS

Beta-Carotene is used to help fight night blindness and other eyesight problems. It has been associated with fighting cancer and the signs of aging.

Many people with rheumatoid and other forms of arthritis have found that it helps relieve the painful joints associated with these disorders.

Skin diseases have been found to respond to increased consumption of beta-carotene-rich foods, however, it is not clear if this is actually the beta-carotene or other nutrients in the foods rich with this nutrient that provides the benefit.

Taking 30,000 IU per day have helped some HIV patients ward off the onset of AIDS.

Beta-Carotene is seldom in short supply if a person’s diet includes red, orange, and yellow foods. It is available over the counter in:

• Tables
• Capsules
• As part of a balanced multi-vitamin dietary supplement

Beta-Carotene is available in many foods including:

• Carrots
• Yellow squash
• Sweet potatoes and yams
• Papaya
• Pumpkin
• Cantaloupe
• Mangoes
• Spinach
• Apricots

Side Effects of Beta-Carotene:

Beta-Carotene supplements can usually be taken in large amounts without harm. Taking too much of this supplement can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach.

Large doses can also discolor the skin giving it a yellowish tinge. This is harmless and will eventually go away.

When giving children a Beta-Carotene supplement it should be limited to specific medical indications. Beta-Carotene in pregnant and breastfeeding women should only be used under the guidance of a physician.

Supplemental Beta-Carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and possibly cardiovascular complications. Beta-carotene from foods does not seem to have this effect.