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What are Beta-Carotenes?

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid. Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments in plants, and are largely responsible for the vibrant colors of some fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene, for example, is responsible for giving carrots their orange color. Once ingested, beta-carotene is either converted into vitamin A (retinol), which the body can use in a variety of ways, or it acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from the damaging effects of harmful free radicals. As much as 50 percent of vitamin A in a typical diet is provided by beta-carotene and other carotenoids.

A small number of carotenes, including beta-carotene, are often called provitamin A because they are a precursor to production of vitamin A in the body. The caroteneslycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin cannot be made into vitamin A, though they provide other health benefits.

Why is it necessary?
Beta-carotene is considered an antioxidant and is also a precursor to vitamin A. This compound helps maintain healthy skin and also plays a vital role in eye health. Individuals who consume the necessary levels of beta-carotene can lower their risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, macular degeneration,  and other age-related diseases.

What are the signs of a deficiency?
Vitamin A deficiency is fortunately rare in industrialized nations, but is all too common in developing countries, where it is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children according to the World Health Organization.  Indicators include night blindness, hair loss, skin irritation and dry or inflamed eyes. The diagnosis is usually considered on primarily clinical grounds, but blood testing for vitamin A deficiency can be performed.

How much, and what kind, does an adult need?
The National Institutes of Health recommend adult males include 3,000 IU and adult females include 2,310 IU of beta-carotene in their diet. Dr. Talebi does not recommend taking individual beta-carotene supplements, but instead recommends taking 15,000 IU of mixed carotenoids per day for adults and children over the age of 13, which includes the above IU dosage of beta-carotene. The formula he recommends contains a mixture of carotenes including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.