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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.

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

  1. Ausgewählte Fragen und Antworten zu Vitamin A Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung