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Botanical

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are yellow, orange and red plant pigments such as beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene. Some of them can be converted into vitamin A.

Organ FunctionHair & SkinImmune SupportLongevityCardiovascular

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Eye HealthOrgan FunctionStrongA3 studies
Anti-aging SkinHair & SkinModerateA3 studies
Immune SupportModerateA3 studies
Oxidative stressLongevityModerateA3 studies
Skin textureHair & SkinModerateBNo linked study
Cholesterol balanceCardiovascularSmallBNo linked study
All 7 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

Which carotenoid are we talking about?

Beta-carotene can become vitamin A in the body. Lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene cannot. That distinction matters when comparing a vitamin A product with a supplement marketed for eye health. 1

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Carotenoids's ratings.

Nutraceutical Interventions for Mitigating Skin Ageing: Analysis of Mechanisms and Efficacy.2025A Detailed Analysis of the Carotenoids and their Derivatives, including their Multiple Health Advantages2023Carotenoids: Dietary Sources, Extraction, Encapsulation, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits—A Review of Recent Advancements2022Effects of Oral Carotenoids on Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies in the Recent 20 Years2022Carotenoids supplementation and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials2021
All 12 studiesEvery publication linked to Carotenoids

Why people take it

Immune Support17.3%
Essential Health17.3%
Energy11.1%
Detox9.9%
Longevity9.9%
Cognition8.6%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Are all carotenoids vitamin A?

No. Lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene are not converted to vitamin A. 1

Can an eye supplement prevent AMD?

AREDS formulations did not prevent AMD onset; their benefit is slowing progression in selected patients. 2

Is there a separate German beta-carotene target?

DGE no longer sets a separate reference value: its contribution is included in vitamin A activity. 3

Sources

  2. AREDS/AREDS2 Clinical Trials National Eye Institute, 2025
  3. Ausgewählte Fragen und Antworten zu Vitamin A Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung