Beta-Carotene
Vitamin A (retinol) is a yellow, fat-soluble, generic term for a large number of related compounds obtained from some carotenoids by conversion in the liver, its storage organ. Retinol (an alcohol) and retinal (an aldehyde) are often referred to as preformed vitamin A. While carotenoids are widely distributed in such foods as green and yellow vegetables, retinol is not found in any vegetable sources, but is concentrated in egg yolks and the livers of many animals. Vitamin A, either from animal sources or synthesized in our own liver, is essential for growth and reproduction, maintaining healthy vision, and supporting protein synthesis and cell differentiation.
Vitamin A and its analogs have shown the ability to help maintain proper DNA function (67-70). One study, however, has shown that for certain lifestyles (e.g., smokers) supplemental intake of too much beta-carotene in the absence of other carotenoids and antioxidants (such as at least 400 IU/day of vitamin E) may be harmful (71).
Beta-carotene is the most potent precursor to vitamin A, but its conversion to vitamin A in the body is limited by a feedback system, and is referred to as provitamin A carotenoid. It is an important antioxidant in its own right and one that can only build up to toxic levels in rare circumstances. Beta-carotene helps support immune health by enhancing the function of the thymus gland (72,73). Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant that also serves as an on-demand precursor to vitamin A.
References
67. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2004 Jun;61(12):1475-84.
68. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2004 May;4(3):285-98.
69. Nutr Cancer. 2002;42(1):117-24.
70. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2002 Feb 20;1574(1):85-92.
71. JAMA. 2003 Jul 23;290(4):476-85.
72. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 1993 Jan-Feb;56(1):49-51.
73. Vopr Med Khim. 1992 Nov-Dec;38(6):31-3.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 softgel
Servings Per Container 100
Amount Per Serving
Vitamin A (108% as beta-carotene) 25,000 IU
Other ingredients: gelatin, soybean oil, glycerin, purified water, corn oil, beeswax, and soy lecithin.
Dosage and Use
Take one softgel daily with food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Do not take with fiber supplements.
Caution
While beta-carotene is not toxic for healthy people and cannot cause a toxic buildup of vitamin A, those with liver disease should not take large doses.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not exceed recommended dose.
Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.
If you have a bad reaction to product discontinue use immediately.
When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.
Vitamin A and its analogs have shown the ability to help maintain proper DNA function (67-70). One study, however, has shown that for certain lifestyles (e.g., smokers) supplemental intake of too much beta-carotene in the absence of other carotenoids and antioxidants (such as at least 400 IU/day of vitamin E) may be harmful (71).
Beta-carotene is the most potent precursor to vitamin A, but its conversion to vitamin A in the body is limited by a feedback system, and is referred to as provitamin A carotenoid. It is an important antioxidant in its own right and one that can only build up to toxic levels in rare circumstances. Beta-carotene helps support immune health by enhancing the function of the thymus gland (72,73). Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant that also serves as an on-demand precursor to vitamin A.
References
67. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2004 Jun;61(12):1475-84.
68. Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2004 May;4(3):285-98.
69. Nutr Cancer. 2002;42(1):117-24.
70. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2002 Feb 20;1574(1):85-92.
71. JAMA. 2003 Jul 23;290(4):476-85.
72. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 1993 Jan-Feb;56(1):49-51.
73. Vopr Med Khim. 1992 Nov-Dec;38(6):31-3.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 softgel
Servings Per Container 100
Amount Per Serving
Vitamin A (108% as beta-carotene) 25,000 IU
Other ingredients: gelatin, soybean oil, glycerin, purified water, corn oil, beeswax, and soy lecithin.
Dosage and Use
Take one softgel daily with food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Do not take with fiber supplements.
Caution
While beta-carotene is not toxic for healthy people and cannot cause a toxic buildup of vitamin A, those with liver disease should not take large doses.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not exceed recommended dose.
Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.
If you have a bad reaction to product discontinue use immediately.
When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.
