Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene. How to supplement beta carotene wisely? Today, dietary supplements are taken by people of all ages – from small children to seniors. Among the supplements that we reach for more and more often, there are preparations with beta carotene. How to supplement beta carotene wisely? Who really needs these types of dietary supplements?

The role of beta carotene in the human body

Beta carotene has many different functions in the human body. First of all, it supports proper vision and eye regeneration. What’s more, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive and immune systems. Beta carotene has a big impact on our skin, because it gives it a glow and younger appearance, especially when we combine it with vitamin E. What’s more, thanks to beta carotene, our skin gains a beautiful, peach color. Beta carotene also protects it from the harmful effects of sunlight, so we should take care of its proper level especially in the summer. We can also talk about beta carotene in the context of the prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis. It lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. In addition, beta carotene protects the body against the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.

How to provide the body with the right doses of beta carotene?

Beta carotene found in food is well absorbed by the human body. So we can, by means of a healthy diet, provide adequate amounts of it every day. Beta carotene can be found primarily in vegetables such as carrots, eggplant, tomatoes or sweet potatoes and parsley. Its large amounts are also found in fruits: cherries, oranges, apricots and melons. Beta carotene is also found in marine algae. The condition to provide the body with the correct amount of beta carotene is the regular consumption of the above-mentioned products. Usually we don’t have a big problem with it in the summer, but it is much more difficult to provide the correct amount of beta carotene in winter and in the pre-harvest season. Then we also willingly reach for various types of dietary supplements with beta carotene.

Vitamin complexes or pure beta carotene?

Beta carotene in the form of dietary supplements can be purchased online. They mainly offer vitamin complexes, in which beta carotene is one of the ingredients. Is it worth reaching for? Doctors recommend them to people who also struggle with other types of deficiencies or whose diet, for various reasons, is poor in nutrients. Vitamin complexes usually additionally contain vitamin D, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin E and various types of minerals.

Let’s check, however, in what exact dose beta carotene is available in them. It happens that its amount is small and does not cover the daily requirement – in this case the supplement can be used as a supplement to a healthy diet. Nevertheless, it will not be helpful in replenishment of deficiencies. In such a situation, it is much better to reach for pure beta carotene, usually available in the form of capsules. Sometimes it also contains vitamin E or vitamin A, but we will not find a large amount of vitamins or minerals in its composition. This type of supplement is eagerly used by people who want to protect themselves from the harmful effects of sunlight, suffer from various types of eye diseases or want to take care of their skin.

How to supplement beta carotene wisely?

The amount of beta carotene in the diet cannot be exaggerated, because in too large amounts it has an adverse effect on our body. It can lead to kidney or liver damage, as well as weakness. What’s more, under the influence of large amounts of carotenoids, the skin takes on an unsightly orange color. So the question arises, how to supplement beta carotene wisely?

First of all, we should not reach for it if we provide adequate amounts of this vitamin with food. In this case, what is too much is unhealthy. However, if our diet is poor in nutrients or we are struggling with beta carotene deficiency, we should use a dietary supplement in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. It usually states how long you can take the preparation without consulting a doctor. After the treatment, we can check the level of beta carotene in the blood and assess whether further supplementation is necessary.

Remember not to take beta carotene if you suffer from various types of kidney or liver diseases. Do not give beta carotene supplements to children (unless recommended by a pediatrician). Pregnant women should not take them, because excess beta carotene has an abortifacient effect. Specialists advise future mothers not to apply creams or preparations containing beta carotene around the abdomen. It is often added to various types of skin moisturizing or firming cosmetics. Breastfeeding women should also not supplement beta carotene on their own, but only after consulting a doctor.