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Beta-carotene has high vitamin A activity and is found in many foods, especially yellow, orange and green vegetables and fruits. Beta-carotene can be found in carrot, carrot juice, sweet potato,
mango, pumpkin, spinach, capsicum and pawpaw, to name a few.
As a food supplement, Beta-carotene may be recommended in all the ailments where vitamin A may be beneficial. These include eye problems,
certain heart conditions, thyroid ailments and skin conditions.
Unlike vitamin A, Beta-carotene is non-toxic even when ingested in large amounts and does not cause birth defects. This is due to the
fact that the body will cease to absorb Beta-carotene when it is taken in high doses. Intake of more than 30mg daily of Beta-carotene supplements of tomato or carrot juice may lead to a yellowish
discolouration of the skin. This is harmless and reversible and gradually disappears when the dose is reduced. |
