What is Beta Carotene?

Carotenes represent the most widespread group of naturally occurring pigments in nature. There are over 600 carotenoids with only 30 to 50 having vitamin A activity. Carotenes are intensely coloured (red and yellow) group of fat soluble compounds. Beta carotene would appear to have the highest pro-vitamin A activity. This Beta carotene formula uses a natural source of synergistic carotenoids derived from one of nature’s richest sources, the sea algae DUNALIELLA SALINA.

Does Beta Carotene provide Antioxidant protection?

Epidemiological studies have shown that people with high intakes of beta-carotene or high blood levels of this nutrient have a reduced risk of various diseases. (van Poppel and Goldbohm, 1995).

The chemical abilities of beta-carotene to quench singlet oxygen and to inhibit peroxyl free radical reactions are well-established (Sies and Stahl, 1995). In addition to this antioxidant property, beta- carotene and some other carotenoids may play an important role in facilitating normal cell-to-cell communication through gap junctions

How does Beta Carotene help with Skin health?

prolonged vitamin A deficiency results in night blindness, increased rate of infection and the characteristic signs of follicular hyperkeratosis (build-up of cellular debris in the hair follicles, giving the skin a goose-bump appearance; occurs most on the back of the upper arm). Beta carotene appears to act as a natural pre-tanning aid and having protective effects against UV damage.

Is Beta Carotene good for Eye Health? 

vitamin A is found in four kinds of photo-pigments within the retina, it plays a crucial role in the function of rods and cones needed for the transmission of the visual impulse. Poor adaptation to changes in light and poor vision at night, are some of the initial findings in low vitamin A states.

Can Beta Carotene boost our immune systems?

– carotenes exert immune-enhancing effects independent of any vitamin A activity. Oral beta carotene has been shown to significantly increase the frequency of T4 helper/inducer cells by 30% after 7 days. The T4 lympho cytes play a critical role in determining host immune status. Beta carotene appears to enhance thymus function and increase interferon’s stimulatory effects on anti-viral aspects of the immune system.

Dosage

Beta-carotene is considered to be virtually non-toxic because humans tolerate high dietary dosages without apparent harm, and animal studies also fail to find any toxic effects (Bendich, 1988; Hathcock et al., 1990; Diplock, 1995). Standard toxicological tests, including teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic assay, have been performed on beta-carotene without any evidence of harmful effects. There is no evidence that conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A contributes to vitamin A toxicity, even when beta-carotene is ingested in large amounts (Olson, 1994).

The only documented biological effect of high beta carotene intakes has been discoloration of the skin related to hyper-carotenemia, but this occurs only at extremely high intake levels. Intakes as high as 180 mg per day have been given to humans for several months without observed adverse effects other than skin colour changes (Mathews-Roth, 1986).

Cataracts / macular degeneration (lutein & zeaxanthin)

Carotenoids are likely to be beneficial for acne and hyperkeratotic disorders.Colds, respiratory infections, cardiovascular protection, photosensitivity (e.g. solar urticaria), dry eyes, preventing damage through sun exposure, vaginal candidiasis. Ailments of the mucosal surface(epithelial cells).