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So far, studies have not confirmed that beta-carotene supplements by themselves help prevent cancer. Eating foods rich in beta-carotene, along with other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, seems to protect against some kinds of cancer. However, beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of heart disease and cancer in people who smoke or drink heavily. Those people should not take beta-carotene, except under a doctor's supervision.
Beta-carotene reduces sun sensitivity for people with certain skin problems, but it does not protect against sunburn.
Side Effects
Side effects from beta-carotene include:
- • Skin discoloration (yellowing that eventually goes away)
- • Loose stools
- • Bruising
- • Joint pain
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
While animal studies show that beta-carotene is not toxic to a fetus or a newborn, there is not enough information to know what levels are safe. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take beta-carotene supplements only if your doctor tells you to. It is safe to get beta-carotene through the food you eat.
Interactions and Depletions
Beta-carotene supplements can interact with the following medications:
Statins: Taking beta-carotene with selenium and vitamins E and C may make simvastatin (Zocor) and niacin less effective. The same may be true of other statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor). If you take statins to lower cholesterol, talk to your doctor before taking beta-carotene supplements.
Cholestyramine and Colestipol: Cholestyramine, a medication used to lower cholesterol, can lower levels of dietary beta-carotene in the blood by 30 to 40%, according to one study. Colestipol, a cholesterol-lowering medication similar to cholestyramin, may also reduce beta-carotene levels. Your doctor may monitor your levels of beta-carotene, but you do not usually need to take a supplement.
Orlistat: Orlistat (Xenical or Alli), a weight loss medication, can reduce the absorption of beta-carotene by as much as 30%, meaning your body would get less beta-carotene. You may want to take a multivitamin if you take orlistat. If so, make sure you take it at least 2 hours before or after you take orlistat.
Other: In addition to these medications, mineral oil (used to treat constipation) may lower blood levels of beta-carotene. Ongoing use of alcohol may interact with beta-carotene, increasing the risk of liver damage. *