From the Guidelines
Beta carotene supplementation is not recommended for healthy individuals due to the potential risks outweighing the benefits, and obtaining it naturally through food sources is preferable. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2014 in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, found that supplementation with β-carotene increases the risk for lung cancer in persons who are at increased risk for this condition.
Key Points
- The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of supplementation with multivitamins for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer 1.
- Supplementation with β-carotene or vitamin E in healthy populations without known nutritional deficiencies does not reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease or cancer 1.
- The risks of supplementation include potential increased lung cancer risk in smokers, with studies showing that high-dose supplements may increase cancer risk 1.
- Beta carotene can also cause carotenodermia, a harmless but cosmetically concerning yellowing of the skin, and may interact with certain medications including statins and some cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Recommendations
- For most healthy people, obtaining beta carotene naturally through food sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens is preferable to taking supplements.
- Healthy individuals should avoid taking beta carotene supplements, especially if they are smokers or have specific health conditions.
- Patients who choose to take vitamins should be encouraged to adhere to the dosages recommended in the Dietary Reference Intakes of the Institute of Medicine, and consider the potential harms and benefits of supplementation 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Beta Carotene Supplementation
- Beta carotene has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of certain diseases 2.
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are high in beta carotene, has been associated with a lower risk of lung cancer and other chronic diseases 3, 2.
- Beta carotene supplementation may also have benefits for eye health, particularly in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration 4, 5.
Risks of Beta Carotene Supplementation
- High-dose beta carotene supplementation has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, particularly in smokers 3, 6, 2.
- The use of beta carotene supplements has also been associated with an increased risk of other adverse effects, such as excess mortality and cardiovascular disease 2.
- The evidence suggests that beta carotene supplementation may not be beneficial for healthy individuals, and may even be harmful in certain populations, such as smokers 3, 6, 2.
Comparison with Other Supplements
- Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are also carotenoids, may be more effective and safer than beta carotene for reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration 4, 5.
- The use of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements may also be associated with a lower risk of lung cancer and other adverse effects compared to beta carotene supplements 4, 5.