Beta Carotene Overdose

Beta carotene, symbolized as β-Carotene, is a common form of carotenoids, that are lipophilic (fat-soluble) in nature. It is an important precursor of vitamin A, meaning that the body use beta carotene as a source for the synthesis of vitamin A. Some forms of carotenoids, including beta carotene, which can be converted into retinol, are collectively referred to as provitamin A carotenoids. Beta carotene acts an antioxidant, thus preventing the damaging effects of free radicals and slowing down the aging process.

The highly conjugated structure of beta carotene is responsible for imparting a dark yellowish to orange color in many of the fruits and vegetables. In fact, you can easily identify beta carotene rich foods from their deep coloration. Some of the healthy beta carotene sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach and other green leafy vegetables. Apart from these food sources, beta carotene supplements are available in the market. Let's take a look about beta carotene benefits and beta carotene overdose.

Beta Carotene Benefits
Beta carotene is crucial for the normal functioning of the human body. Some of the important beta carotene benefits are as follows:

• Formation of bones and teeth
• Promoting the immune system
• Treating exercise-induced asthma
• Treating psoriasis and other skin problems
• Minimizing the risks of cataracts
• Treating arthritis
• Combating depression
• Reducing high blood pressure

As beta carotene is a primary precursor of vitamin A, its supplements are often recommended for combating the deficiency symptoms of vitamin A, such as skin rash disorders, vision problems, weakened immune system and at times, night blindness. Read more on antioxidant supplements.

Beta Carotene Overdose
As we have discussed earlier, beta carotene plays an important role in the maintaining the correct levels of vitamin A in the body. However, are you aware about beta carotene toxicity, that is a result of excessive administration of beta carotene supplement? Following are some of the beta carotene overdose symptoms:

Allergic Reactions
Those who are sensitive to dietary products related to carotene and vitamin A, are discouraged from beta carotene supplements. Rather, they should consume food sources rich in beta carotene. Failure to do so may result in allergic reactions such as skin problems, headaches and dizziness.

Skin Discoloration
One of the most noticeable beta carotene overdose symptoms is skin discoloration. The body parts that are prone to change of skin color include palm, soles of the feet and face. Nevertheless, this yellowish coloration of skin is a temporary symptom, which subsides within a few days.

Medication Interaction
Beta carotene, like any other antioxidants, is proven to interfere with other medications (especially, if taken at the same time). It may reduce the body's ability to absorb the chemicals properly, hence minimizing the therapeutic effects of other medicines. Considering this, one should seek advice from the concerned physician about the current drugs and medications prior to taking beta carotene supplements.

Risk Factors
People who indulge in the habit of heavy smoking, should abstain from taking beta carotene supplements. Clinical studies have proven that taking β-carotene supplements increase the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer and prostate cancer in smokers. However, such side effects are not observed while consuming beta carotene rich foods.

Safety Precautions
Administration of high dosage of beta carotene supplement in children should be done under strict medical supervision. Also, there is insufficient clinical data regarding the safety of beta carotene supplementation in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Thus, on the safer side, one should always consult the physician prior to taking beta carotene supplements. Read more on vitamin supplements.

The amount of beta carotene assimilated in the body depends upon several factors, such as the form of the food item that has been ingested (raw or cooked), the consumption of fats at that time and the level of vitamin A in the body. Also, beta carotene side effects occur rarely in people who have incorporated beta carotene food sources in their diets. In other words, those who take excess amounts of carotene supplements are at a higher risk of beta carotene overdose than others. On a concluding note, beta carotene is safe, if taken in recommended dosage and under medical supervision.