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Beta Carotene Review – 8 Reasons To Consider

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Synopsis | Ingredients | Health Benefits | Warnings | Cost | How To Use | Verdict

Beta Carotene is a dietary supplement formulated to provide the necessary antioxidant support for those concerned with the numerous health problems potentially associated with free radicals and oxidation.

The formula is produced by an experienced manufacturer, Alfa Vitamins Laboratories, located in Florida, USA. The company distributes a complete range of dietary foods in 51 countries, to over 1600 distributors. The producer has a market experience of more than 10 years. It produces nutritional supplements under their own brand as well as for private labels. The company states that it follows the general guidelines established by the FDA, Department of Agriculture and USP and that they use advanced technologies to manufacture, assembly and pack their products.

Beta Carotene is designed for the use of adults who want to prevent diseases usually associated with oxidation (heart disease, cognitive decline in the elder or some types of cancers). It is also suitable for people who want to maintain their overall health by offering them a natural and effective support.

A complete description of the manufacturing process for Beta Carotene is not offered by the manufacturer. The formula is briefly advertised to contain a form of vitamin A that is less toxic for the body (especially if taken in excess) and is easily converted into this particular nutrient.

Synopsis

1) Beta Carotene at a Glance

Vitamin A is a group of fat soluble compounds with various health benefits on the human body. Most commonly, the benefit spectrum includes references to the immune system, vision, skin and heart. Other functions include cellular communication and cell growth and differentiation.

The nutrient is available in two forms differentiated by their origin as follows: performed vitamin A (or retinoid) ‘ from animal sources and carotenoids – from vegetal sources. The most abundant animal source is liver, while vegetal carotenes are found in spinach, red-orange fruits and sweet potatoes. The human body is able to convert both compounds into the nutrient. The advantage of carotenoids (from which beta-carotene is the most abundant) is that it is converted into vitamin A depending on the body’s needs. This reduces the probability of an overdose and the occurrence of side effects like increased risk of osteoporosis in older people, fatigue, irritability, stomach discomfort, anorexia, etc.

Beta-carotene is also known as a powerful antioxidant that benefits the heart, the brain and possibly helps in the prevention of certain types of cancers. There are numerous published research studies linking this nutrient to long term benefits, particularly prevention of age related macular degeneration (a condition which affects the eye), development of ovarian and breast cancer, or asthma among others. Research efforts should however be supplemented in order for these benefits to be fully confirmed.
Beta-carotene may interact with other medication and substances like statins, cholesterol lowering drugs, weight-control drugs, etc.

Ingredients

2) Details on Beta Carotene Ingredients and Uses

Beta Carotene contains the following ingredients: Vitamin A (100% as Beta-carotene), soybean oil, gelatin, Glycerin, yellow beeswax, soy lecithin, and purified water.

3) Does Beta Carotene Work?

Beta carotene is the primary source of Vitamin A, which is actually a generic name for a group of fat-soluble retinoids involved in many functions of the human body. The most important roles are in supporting a healthy immune system and vision (essential for proper light absorption by the retina) and maintenance of normal functioning of the kidneys, lungs, and heart.

The nutrient is available in two forms: as retinal and as carotenoids (from which beta-carotene is the most abundant). The human body is able to convert these primal compounds into vitamin A. The body converts as much as beta-carotene it needs, in comparison supplemental forms which can lead to excess amounts accumulating in the liver where it may become toxic.

Beta-carotene is most of all a potent antioxidant. It inhibits oxidation of molecules, hence protecting the body from free radicals which, in time, may be the main cause of severe chronic diseases (heart disease, neurological disorders, or cancers). Several clinical studies involving beta-carotene showed positive results in reducing cognitive decline incidence if used for long periods of time. Other studies showed that smokers who were also consumers of high amount of carotene had an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

Beta-carotene may interfere with the following drugs: mineral oil, statins, cholesterol lowering drugs, and some weight-control medication.Excess of carotene may cause carotenemia, a condition that manifests itself by turning the skin yellow. Once the foods containing carotene are withdrawn from the diet, the condition disappears.

This supplement is not thoroughly researched.It is also not reviewed by consumers, so it is not possible to evaluate its exact Effectiveness or potential harmful effects.

Health Benefits

4) Beta Carotene Health Benefits

  • Relatively low price for a month’s supply
  • Full or partial refund offered for online purchasing (under certain conditions)
  • Secured online purchasing
  • International delivery
  • Experienced manufacturer

Warnings

5) Beta Carotene Product Warnings

  • Lack of research for the entire formula
  • Lack of official information of the mechanism of action and potential side effects
  • No free trial period

Cost

6) Beta Carotene Cost

The formula can be purchased for a reasonable price. Some orders are qualified for free shipping, and, in these cases, the manufacturer uses the United States Postal Service. The product is available for online purchasing on the official website as well as on numerous other online retail stores. Discounts may be available for customers who have coupons. A 100% Quality Assurance is offered by the manufacturer for unsatisfied consumers, which includes full refund of the purchase price. Shipping taxes are not refunded. Transaction security is ensured by the implementation of Secure Sockets Layer program. There is no free trial period available.

How To Use

7) How to Use Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene is recommended in doses of 1 soft-gel daily preferably during meals. No consumer testimonials are available for online consultation.

Verdict

8) Our Final Take On Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene contains a substance with numerous potential benefits; hence it is likely to produce the desired effects as they are advertised by the manufacturer. Still no guarantees can be made, as this is a dietary supplement, not validated by the FDA. The manufacturer offers an 100% Quality Assurance for products purchased online that refunds unsatisfied clients partially or total, under certain conditions. The formula is manufactured by an experienced manufacturer, and it represents a viable alternative. For complete information regarding the health benefits of the nutritional supplements included in the supplement it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.

3/5 - (1 vote)
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Fabrizio Nocelli

This supplement is an excellent aid for those with low immunity. I didn’t catch any cold and I feel more energized since I began to take the softgels. No bad taste also.

Kira

This is a very cheap product and effective. I feel better since I started to use it 2 months ago and I will continue to use it.