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Beta-carotene
Description: Beta-carotene is a plant substance which the body converts into Vitamin A. It is an antioxidant and immune system booster. As with many supplements, beta-carotene is not the same in its natural and synthetic states. Natural beta-carotene consists of two molecule types; synthetic beta-carotene contains only one of these. While many of the benefits of beta-carotene can be found in both forms, it is suspected that some properties, such as its antioxidant powers,1 only occur when the natural form is taken.
Beta carotene deficiencies often occur in people who do not eat leafy green vegetables. When supplements are used, Vitamin E supplements are also necessary, as beta-carotene appears to reduce blood levels of Vitamin E.2
Beta-Carotene is often low during the more advanced stages of HIV.3 Supplementation of 300,000 IU daily may help increase the number of CD4+ cells found (CD4+ cells are a type of white blood cells that are low in AIDS patients).4
Low Beta-Carotene levels are often associated with the development of lupus.5 Taking this supplement may help ease some of the arthritic problems associated with lupus.
Eating foods with beta carotene also lowers the risk of macular degeneration.6
Vitamin A, a major source of beta carotene, has also been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts.7
Beta-Carotene appears to have potential in the prevention and treatment of cancers, including lung cancer,8 and oral cancer.9
Other members of the antioxidant carotene family include cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene, but most of them do not convert to significant amounts of vitamin A. See the specific antioxidants for more information.

Natural Sources: Dark green and orange-yellow vegetables.

Useful in treatment of: lupus, macular degeneration, HIV Support.

Recommended Dosage: 15 to 60 mg daily.

Contraindications: None, but individuals taking beta carotene for long periods of time should supplement with Vitamin E, as beta carotene can lower Vitamin E levels.

References:

1Ben-Amotz A, Levy Y. Bioavailability of a natural isomer mixture compared with synthetic all-trans beta-carotene in human serum. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;63:729–34.
2Xu MJ, Plezia PM, Alberts DS, et al. Reduction in plasma or skin alpha-tocopherol concentration with long-term oral administration of beta-carotene in humans and mice. J Natl Cancer Inst 1992;84:1559–65.
3Sappey C, et al. Vitamin, trace element and peroxide status in HIV seropositive patients: asymptomatic patients present a severe beta-carotene dificiency. Clin Chim Acta 1994;230:35–42.
4Coodley GO, et al. Beta-carotene in HIV infection. J Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 1993;6:272–276.
5Comstock, G.W., Burke, A.E., et al. Annals Rheum Dis 56: 223-25, 1997.
6Goldberg J, Flowerdew G, Smith E, et al. Factors associated with age-related macular degeneration. Am J Epidemiol 1988:128:700–10.
7Hankinson Se, Stampfer MJ, Seddon JM, et al. Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study. BMJ 1992;305:335-9.
8The effect of vitamin E and beta carotene on the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers in male smokers. The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group [see comments] N Engl J Med, 1994 Apr, 330:15, 1029-35
9Emerging role of beta-carotene and antioxidant nutrients in prevention of oral cancer. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 121(2):141-4 1995 Feb
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