Beta-carotene - a dietary vitamin A precursor

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:

Ethanolamine Oleate [Inj 20 mg/ml]

Jetepar Popular Chemical Works (Pvt) Ltd.
Recent Posts
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50: The Ultimate Mineral Face Sunscreen for Daily Use
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen SPF 50: The Ultimate Mineral Face Sunscreen for Daily Use
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Ceramide & Niacinamide for All Skin Types, Immediate Comfort & Long Lasting Hydration, Fragrance Free
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Ceramide & Niacinamide for All Skin Types, Immediate Comfort & Long Lasting Hydration, Fragrance Free
Ultra Strength Gas Relief Softgels, Simethicone 180 mg, Antigas
Ultra Strength Gas Relief Softgels, Simethicone 180 mg, Antigas
Effective Remedies for Constipation
Effective Remedies for Constipation

Comments

NO Comments Found