The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

General:

Formulations: Beta-carotene supplements are available in both oil matrix gelatin capsules and water-miscible forms. Some clinical trials have used water-miscible beta-carotene (10%) beadlets. The water miscible form seems to produce a significantly higher response in plasma beta-carotene (approximately 47% to 50%) than oil matrix gelatin capsules. Oral dosage is available in capsules (U.S. and Canada), tablets (U.S. and Canada), and chewable tablets (Canada).

Dietary intake: Consuming 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily provides 6-8mg of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene requires some dietary fat for absorption, but supplemental beta-carotene is similarly absorbed when taken with high-fat or low-fat meals. 1800 micrograms of beta-carotene has been reported to maintain adequate vitamin A levels.

Consensus recommendations: The American Heart Association recommends obtaining antioxidants, including beta-carotene, from a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains rather than through supplements, until more information is available from randomized clinical trials. Similar statements have been released by the American Cancer Society, the World Cancer Research Institute in association with the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. The Institute of Medicine has reviewed beta-carotene, but has not make recommendations for daily intake, citing lack of sufficient evidence. Routine use of beta-carotene supplements is not considered necessary in the general population.

Adults (18 years and older):

Oral:

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP): Taking beta-carotene orally can reduce photosensitivity in patients with EPP, a genetic disorder resulting in defective porphyrin metabolism. In adults, 120-300 mg/day orally in divided doses has been used to maintain a blood carotene level between 4-6mcg/ml. Dosage may be adjusted based on age. Effects may take 4-6 weeks to occur. Treatment should be under medical supervision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Beta-carotene 15mg plus vitamin C 500mg, zinc oxide 80mg, and vitamin E 400IU has been given daily for AMD.

Antioxidant: Clinical significance is unknown. Various dosing regimens have been suggested, often in combination with other antioxidants. For example, consumption of 2mg beta-carotene/100ml, 40mg alphatocopherol/100ml, 1mg zinc/100ml, 0.1mg copper/100ml and 10mcg selenium/100ml over 4 weeks has been reported to increase antioxidant activity in the body. In well-nourished healthy elderly individuals, supplementation with relatively low levels of beta-carotene (8.2mg) or lycopene (13.3mg) does not appear to affect cell-mediated immunity.

Gastric cancer prevention: 15-30mg daily has been used in people at high risk, although this has not been proven effective.

Maternal anemia:2400 micrograms of beta-carotene (red palm oil) has been used to improve maternal and neonatal vitamin A status and reduce the prevalence of maternal anemia.

Oral leukoplakia: 60mg daily for 6 months has been used.

Polymorphous light eruption: 75 to 180mg of beta-carotene (the equivalent of 125,000 to 300,000 Units of vitamin A activity) daily has been used.

Prostate cancer prevention: In men with blood carotene levels below 153.25 ng/mL, 50mg every other day has been suggested to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, some studies have reported an increased risk of other types of cancers with beta-carotene supplementation.

Sunburn prevention: In sun-sensitive individuals, beta-carotene 25mg orally daily has been used.

Children (younger than 18 years):

Oral:

General: There is insufficient available data to recommend high-dose oral supplementation in children.

Photosensitivity (erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)/polymorphous light eruption):30 to 150mg of beta-carotene daily, taken orally in divided doses (the equivalent of 50,000 to 250,000 Units of vitamin A activity) may be used. Dosage may be adjusted based on age. For ages 1 to 4, the daily dose may be 60-90mg; for ages 5 to 8 years, 90-120mg; for ages 9 to 12 years, 120-150mg; for ages 13 to 16 years, 150-180mg; for age 16 and older, 180mg. If adequate photoprotection is not provided by theses doses, beta-carotene may be increased by 30-60mg per day for children under 16 years old, and up to a total of 300mg daily for people older than 16 years-old. Effects may take 4-6 weeks to occur. Treatment should be under medical supervision.

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Tags: Herbal Medicine

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