Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A that when ingested, is converted in the wall of the small intestine and converted to vitamin A. It is used as a dietary supplement in patients with vitamin A deficiency whose diet is inadequate

Beta-carotene Dose in Adults

Beta-carotene OTC labeling:

• Use as a dietary supplement:
  • One capsule orally once a day.

Beta-carotene Dose in Childrens

Safety and efficacy not established.

Pregnancy Risk Class: Unknown

• The fetal blood levels are affected by maternal intake.
• It may be used safely when taken via natural products, however, high doses as medicinal products should be avoided as it is converted to vitamin A that may be teratogenic.

Beta-carotene use during breastfeeding:

• Breast milk contains beta-carotene.
• Mother's intake may affect the concentrations.

Beta-carotene Dose in Renal Disease:

Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with kidney disease.

Beta-carotene Dose in Liver Disease:

Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with liver disease.

Side Effects to Beta-carotene Frequency not defined.

• Central nervous system:
  • Dizziness
• Dermatologic:
  • Skin discoloration
    • Yellowing of palms, hands, and soles of feet
    • Yellowing of the face is rarely seen.

Contraindication to Beta-carotene

Warnings & Precautions

• Hepatic impairment
  • Patients with hepatic impairment need to be cautious.
• Renal impairment
  • It should be used with caution by patients with impaired renal function.

Monitoring Parameters:

Monitoring is not required.

How to administer Beta-carotene?

• It may be administered with meals.

Mechanism of action of Beta-carotene:

• It is unclear what the mechanism of action is.
• Systemic therapy is more effective than topical treatment.
• Before being absorbed in the small intestine, beta-carotene must be metabolized into vitamin A. 
• Vitamin A is then oxidized into retinoic acid or retinol when there are bile acids or fats.
• A small amount of retinol is stored in the liver after it has been conjugated with glucuronic. 

It is excreted through the urine and feces.

International brands of Beta-carotene:

• A-Caro-25
• B-Caro-T
• Caroguard
• Acecap
• B-Tene
• Betacar-15
• Betavin
• Biocarotine
• Bronce Sol
• Carolin
• Carotaben
• Carovit
• Kalvo
• Medobiotin
• Natural Betacarotene
• Oxyma
• Tannisol

Beta-carotene brands in Pakistan: