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BETA CAROTENE
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
A safer form of vitamin A for vision, and a strong antioxidant too … |
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BETA CAROTENE
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Beta-Carotene is naturally found in carrots. |
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What is it?
Beta carotene is the carotenoid molecule responsible for the orange colour of some fruits and vegetables such as carrots and apricots. Once consumed, beta carotene can be converted by the liver into vitamin A, in its active (retinal) or storage (retinol) form. This is considered a safer way of supplementing vitamin A, as beta-carotene is non-toxic and is converted to vitamin A in only the amount required by the body. |
Also, the beta-carotene ingested that is not converted to vitamin A, remains in the system, and can act as an antioxidant to protect the tissues from free radical damage.
Vitamin A Effects
Because beta-carotene is easily converted by the body to vitamin A, it can be said to have all the benefits of vitamin A supplementation as well. Some examples of this are: vision protection, and boosted immune defence of the mucous membranes. For more information on the benefits of vitamin A, please click here.
Cancer
In addition to these indirect benefits, beta-carotene can help prevent cancer by protecting the cellular genetic material (DNA) from damage by harmful free radicals. Supplementation of beta-carotene has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer. Through this antioxidant ability, beta-carotene also protects the body against environmental pollutants, UV rays, and other substances that can lead to aging.
Important Information
Taking in a large quantity of beta-carotene can turn your skin slightly yellow, but this is not harmful to the body in any way. Beta-carotene supplementation is not recommended for people who smoke tobacco or drink alcohol as the combination of these things has been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers instead of decrease them. Those with hypothyroidism or diabetes may have a reduced ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A and should avoid high doses to prevent stressing the liver. |
BETA CAROTENE
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FACTS
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FOOD SOURCES
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Animal liver, fish liver, green and yellow fruits and vegetables such as apricot, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, garlic and sweet potato.
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DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS |
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Dry hair and skin, dry eyes, poor growth, night blindness, fatigue, infertility, acne, frequent colds and flus, prostate conditions, eye disease. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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Beta-carotene, 10,000 – 30,000 IU daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Other carotenoids, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Those with hypothyroidism or diabetes may have difficulty converting beta-carotene into vitamin A and should not consume large amounts of beta-carotene.
· People who smoke tobacco or drink alcohol should not supplement with beta-carotene as this may cause an increased risk of cancer. |
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