Beta Carotene Side Effects

Beta carotene is a type of carotenoid which is naturally present in fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, etc. These natural chemicals are responsible for giving the red or orange color to these vegetables and fruits. Regular intake of beta carotene is necessary for human beings, because it gets converted into vitamin A when it enters the body. Many doctors recommend beta carotene supplements to people who have vitamin A deficiency. The reason for this is that when vitamin A supplements are taken in excess, they can cause several health problems. However, the body takes only that much vitamin A that the body requires from beta carotene and so is said to be a safe substitute.

Apart from being the precursor of vitamin A, beta carotene is also an antioxidant that safeguards the body from getting affected by harmful chemicals called free radicals. These free radicals are responsible for the cause of chronic illnesses like heart diseases, cancer, etc. Hence, beta carotene is said to be a necessary factor in treating as well as preventing these dangerous diseases in human beings. However, research has also found certain side effects that may prove harmful for the body. Nevertheless, before we move into the potential side effects of beta carotene, let us try to know more about beta carotene and its benefits.

Sources of Beta Carotene

As vitamin A is necessary for the proper functioning of the body, it is important to consume foods rich in beta carotene everyday. Human beings require 700 - 900 micrograms of beta carotene everyday, and so the daily intake of beta carotene should be somewhere around 8.54 - 10.8 mg. Though beta carotene is available in the form of tablets as well as gel, the best way of consuming it is through one's diet. Foods that contain beta carotene include spinach, broccoli, winter squash, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, green peppers, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, apricots, etc. Therefore, it is very important to include these vegetables and fruits in one's daily diet. It is said that more the color of the fruit or vegetable, more is the content of beta carotene in it.

Benefits of Beta Carotene

As beta carotene is said to be a precursor of vitamin A, intake of foods rich in beta carotene is necessary for preventing eye problems. It is responsible for a person to have clear eyesight, healthy skin, as well as a strong and healthy immune system. Macular degeneration and cataract are two common eye problems that appear during old age. Though beta carotene cannot totally prevent these diseases, it has been observed that it can slow down their progress.

Beta carotene is also used for treating people who suffer from sun sensitivity. It is said to be the best treatment for people who have a rare genetic skin disorder called erythropoietic protoporphyria, due to which they are sensitive to the skin. Beta carotene is also said to be a good way of treating health problems like asthma, arthritis, psoriasis, depression, high blood pressure, infertility, etc. Apart from these, it is also said to be useful for treating as well as preventing heart diseases in people. However, there is no definite evidence to prove this point. Read more on beta carotene benefits.

Side Effects of Beta Carotene

• One of the common effects is skin discoloration. Certain parts of the skin like the soles of the feet, palms, feet, and sometimes even the face may turn yellow in color, when beta carotene supplements are being taken. However, this is not dangerous and is also a temporary phenomenon which goes away within a few days.
• There are also some side effects apart from skin discoloration, however, these are very rare and are not experienced by everyone. These side effects include joint pain and dizziness. The person may also experience diarrhea (loose stools) as well as unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Though beta carotene is said to be an effective way of preventing heart diseases, it cannot do so in isolation. This result is only seen when beta carotene is taken along with antioxidants like vitamin E and C. Also, some studies have shown that rather than treating heart problems and cancer, beta carotene can cause these diseases in people who smoke and drink alcohol. People who are addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, and those who are exposed to asbestos, have a high risk of developing lung cancer, while taking beta carotene.
• Pregnant women are advised not to take beta carotene supplements, because it can affect the fetus in a negative way. Moreover, even women who are breastfeeding their children should avoid consuming these supplements as it may cause certain problems to the child. As there is not much evidence to prove the side effects of beta carotene on the fetus, pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking beta carotene supplements. Read more on beta carotene toxicity.

Though there are side effects, it is also crucial to consume beta carotene. People who have been recommended by the doctor to take beta carotene supplements should follow the dosage level as advised by the doctor. If you observe severe side effects, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible. For others, try to stick to the dietary sources of beta carotene, rather than the supplements, to avoid getting affected by any of its side effects.