Beta-carotene belongs to large group of compounds known as carotenoids that have been widely studied for their protective
effects against cancer and heart disease. Beta-carotene is thought to be an antioxidant, but its primary role in nutrition
is as a source of vitamin A — the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A as needed.
Many studies have shown that beta-carotene supplementation can prevent or inhibit various cancers — such as cancers of lung,
skin, colon, stomach, and liver. But recent studies have also shown that nicotine and heavy alcohol usage can reverse this
effect. A similar phenomenon has been seen in heart disease — beta-carotene is protective except in smokers and drinkers,
where it becomes a liability.
On the other hand, beta-carotene supplementation (at 50 mg on alternate days) has been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts
among smokers by about 25%. Among non-smokers, beta-carotene showed no cataract inhibition, but appeared to reduce the risk
of advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration by about 25%. Beta-carotene is also used routinely to treat certain photosensitivity
diseases.
Generally speaking, the effectiveness of beta-carotene is enhanced when it is combined with other carotenoids, such as lycopene
and lutein.
The bioavailability of oral beta-carotene supplements is very low but can be increased about 60% by adding a piperine supplement
(such as Bioperine®) at 5 mg/day. Animal experiments suggest that a zinc supplement might act similarly.