Beta-Carotene

Overview

Beta-Carotene is a fat- soluble compound member of the Carotenoid family. Beta-Carotene can be converted to vitamin A in the human body which is why it is refered to as ‘provitamin A. The ability to convert Beta-Carotene into vitamin A declines as we age. Cooking and freezing does not destroy a foods Beta-Carotine content.

Health Benefits of Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene may Enhance the Function of these Substances

Immune System Chemicals

 Beta-Carotene may increase IgG levels.  ^[1]

 Beta-Carotene may increase the beneficial effects of Interferons on the Immune System.  ^[2]

 Beta-Carotene may increase the body''s production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-alpha).  

Lipids

 Beta-Carotene may inhibit the oxidation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids:  ^[3]

 Beta-Carotene may retard the oxidation of Linoleic Acid (LA).

Nucleic Compounds

 Beta-Carotene may protect the body''s endogenous Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) from oxidative damage.  ^[4]

Vitamins

 Beta-Carotene is converted to the Retinal form of Vitamin A within the body.  This conversion occurs primarily in the Intestinal Mucosa but also in the Liver.  This Retinal is then converted within the body to Retinol:  ^[5]

 As the body needs Vitamin A, it splits Carotene molecules to make active Vitamin A.

 The proportion of Beta-Carotene that is converted into Vitamin A is determined by the body''s Vitamin A status.

 6 mcg of Beta-Carotene is required to produce 1 mcg of Vitamin A.

 Beta-Carotene converts to Vitamin A more efficiently than any other Carotenoid - its nearest competitor in Vitamin A conversion activity is Alpha-Carotene (which converts at about half the efficiency of Beta-Carotene).

 Some people''s bodies cannot convert Beta-Carotene to Vitamin A.

 Topical application of Beta-Carotene is converted to Retinyl Esters within the Epidermis.

 Beta-Carotene enhances the function of Vitamin E.

Beta-Carotene may Reduce the Toxic Effects of these Substances

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Beta-Carotene may inhibit the ability of Ozone to damage the Skin.  ^[6]

 Beta-Carotene may protect against the toxic effects of Radiation Therapy:  ^[7]

 Beta-Carotene may delay and reduce the severity of the Mouth Ulcers that occur as a side effect of Radiation Therapy.

  Beta-Carotene may protect against many of the toxic effects of exposure to Radioactivity.  ^[8]

  Beta-Carotene may protect against damage to the Skin (e.g. Skin Cancer, Sunburn, photoaging) from Ultra-Violet Radiation:  ^[9]