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.
Beta-carotene has an important exception
High-dose beta-carotene trials found increased lung-cancer risk in smokers; risk also matters for former smokers and people with asbestos exposure. These supplement findings should not be generalized into a warning against vegetables. DGE reports no known harmful effects from naturally occurring food provitamin A. 1 2
Medicines can change absorption
Orlistat can reduce beta-carotene absorption. NIH advises discussing vitamin A status with a clinician when relevant medicines are used regularly. 1
For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.
Sources
- Vitamin A and Carotenoids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- Ausgewählte Fragen und Antworten zu Vitamin A Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung