Beta carotene what is it

Oxidative stress is thought to be a key factor in cognitive decline, the researchers explained. Studies have shown that antioxidant supplements may help prevent the deterioration of cognition. Their study, involving 4, men, compared those on beta carotene supplements for an average of 18 years to others who were given placebo. Over the short-term, they found no difference in cognitive decline risk between the two groups of men, but in the long-term it was clear that beta carotene supplements made a significant difference.

The researchers emphasized that there may have been other factors which contributed to the slower decline in cognitive abilities among the men in the beta carotene group.

The BMJ published a report in March which showed that high blood beta carotene levels compensate for some of the damage to the lungs caused by oxygen free radicals.

They measured the FEV1 of participants and measured their beta carotene blood levels. FEV1 measures how much air you can breathe out in one go. They found that those with high beta carotene levels had much slower decline in FEV1 measures.

If you follow a healthy diet rich in beta carotene you do not need supplements. As mentioned above, supplements can lead to undesirable excesses in beta carotene levels — this cannot occur if your source is from the food you eat. A French study involving adult females published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute September issue found that smokers with high beta carotene levels had a higher risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers than other smokers.

They also found that non-smokers with high beta carotene intake had a lower risk of lung cancer. Further research has suggested that the high intake among smokers is nearly always due to supplements, and not food intake. Drug interaction refers to a substance interfering in how a medication works, by either making it less effective, increasing its potency, or changing what it is supposed to do. Long-term alcohol consumption can interact with beta carotene, raising the chances of developing liver problems.

Beta carotene supplements are available for purchase online. Speak to a doctor before taking new supplements. When a person has a carrot allergy, contact with the vegetable can lead to itchiness and swelling in and around the mouth. An allergic reaction to…. Vitamins are essential to human health. Here, learn about each of the 13 vitamins, including good sources and how they help. You may want to take a multivitamin if you take orlistat. If so, make sure you take it at least 2 hours before or after you take orlistat.

Other: In addition to these medications, mineral oil used to treat constipation may lower blood levels of beta-carotene. Ongoing use of alcohol may interact with beta-carotene, increasing the risk of liver damage. Bayerl Ch. Beta-carotene in dermatology: Does it help? Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat. Mortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis.

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Preoperative levels of plasma micronutrients are related to endometrial cancer risk. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. Modulation of lung molecular biomarkers by beta-carotene in the Physicians' Health Study.

Antioxidant vitamin supplementation for preventing and slowing the progression of age-related cataract. Beta carotene: from biochemistry to clinical trials. Carotenoids and vitamins C and E in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. Amount of fat in the diet affects bioavailability of lutein esters but not of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in humans.

Dietary carotenoid intake is associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly men. J Nutr. Sweetman, SC. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London, UK; Pharmaceutical Press; Fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of hypertension determined by self measurement of blood pressure at home: the Ohasama study.

Hypertens Res. Dietary sources are generally recommended over supplementation. Beta carotene is an important dietary compound and an important source of vitamin A. Research has linked beta carotene intake with various health benefits. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the best way to increase your beta carotene intake and prevent disease. Talk with your doctor or registered dietitian about specific ways to increase your intake of beta carotene.

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Benefits Foods sources Dosage Risks Bottom line Beta carotene is a plant pigment that gives red, orange, and yellow vegetables their vibrant color. Additionally, beta carotene has powerful antioxidant properties. This article looks at: the benefits of beta carotene which foods contain it how much your body needs possible risks related to beta carotene supplements Share on Pinterest. What are the benefits?