Beta-Carotene
Also known as: β-carotene, provitamin A, betacarotene, Dunaliella salina carotene, natural mixed carotenoids
Beta-carotene is an orange plant pigment that the body can split into retinol as needed, which is why it is called provitamin A. Supplemental beta-carotene converts at about 2 mcg per 1 mcg RAE, and because conversion slows as stores fill, it does not carry the toxicity or pregnancy cautions of preformed retinol. It is used in multivitamins, prenatal formulas, and eye and skin products as a gentler vitamin A source and as a carotenoid antioxidant. Available synthetic or from algae and fungal fermentation.
Research summary
Cleaved by intestinal beta-carotene oxygenase into two molecules of retinal, which are reduced to retinol; unconverted beta-carotene circulates as a lipid-phase antioxidant.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 mg | 3–15 mg | 30 mg | — |
Doses are mg of beta-carotene. Per NIH ODS, 1 mcg RAE = 2 mcg supplemental beta-carotene, so 1.8 mg beta-carotene supplies 900 mcg RAE (100% DV for vitamin A) and 15 mg supplies about 7,500 mcg RAE. Provitamin A is not counted toward the 3,000 mcg RAE UL for preformed vitamin A, and no UL exists for beta-carotene itself. Long-term trials used 20 mg/day (ATBC) and 30 mg/day (CARET); in current and former smokers those amounts were associated with higher lung cancer rates, so keep doses modest and avoid high-dose products aimed at smokers. Absorption ranges from about 9 to 65 percent and improves with dietary fat. Very high intakes can tint skin yellow-orange (carotenodermia), which reverses on stopping.
Standardization: beadlets typically 10% or 20% beta-carotene; oil suspensions 30%
Source material: synthetic, Dunaliella salina algae, or Blakeslea trispora fermentation
As supplied: Usually supplied as 10% or 20% beadlets or a 30% oil suspension; compute raw-material mass from the supplier assay
Forms of Vitamin A
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-Carotene | 3–15 mg | — | Capsule, Softgel, Tablet, Powder, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) | 750–1,050 mcg | — | Capsule, Softgel, Tablet, Powder, Gummy, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Strongly colored; will tint powders, gummies, and liquids orange.
Formulation notes
Preferred vitamin A source in prenatal and multivitamin formulas because it does not add to the preformed vitamin A UL. Often combined with lutein and zeaxanthin in eye formulas.
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Lutein
AntioxidantLutein is a yellow xanthophyll carotenoid that concentrates in the macula of the eye, where it filters blue light and quenches reactive oxygen species.
Typical: 10–20 mg
Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate)
VitaminRetinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and the most common preformed vitamin A used in supplements and multivitamins.
Typical: 750–1,050 mcg
Astaxanthin
AntioxidantAstaxanthin is a red keto-carotenoid produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and responsible for the pink color of salmon and krill.
Typical: 4–12 mg
Zinc Citrate
MineralA zinc salt of citric acid with a relatively high zinc content of about 31%, giving it a compactness advantage over gluconate and picolinate.
Typical: 10–25 mg