The Functions of Beta Carotene

The Functions of Beta CaroteneUnlike supplements, foods rich in beta-carotene specify no lung cancer seek. Synthetic beta-carotene supplements have been found to attach the risk of both colorectal and lung cancer in smokers, especially those who alike draw alcohol. A study published by an international team in the January 2004 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention indicates that beta-carotene watchd as part of whole foods has no much(prenominal) negative effects. This study, which pooled data from seven large cohort studies discharge amidst 7 and 16 years and involving a subject cosmos of 399,765 participants in North America and Europe, found that beta-carotene from foods was not associated with any increase risk of lung cancer among current smokers or non-smokers. Other carotenoids in foods (lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene) were also found to have no association with lung cancer risk. (February 26, 2004)Food sources of beta-carotene embarrass refreshin g potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro and fresh thyme. To maximize the approachability of the carotenoids in the foods listed above, the foods should be eaten raw or steamed lightly.For serving sizing for specific foods, see food Rating Chart be let loose at the bottom of this page.Content (Jump to)DescriptionFunctionDeficiency SymptomsToxicity SymptomsCooking, entrepot and processingFactors that affect functionDrug- intellectual nourishment interactionNutrient interactionwellness terminussSupplementsFood SourcesRecommendationsDescriptionWhat is beta-carotene?Beta-carotene is probably the closely well cognize of the carotenoids, a phytonutrients family that represents of the one most widespread groups of congenitally occurring pigments. It is one of the most large carotenoids in the North American diet as well as one of approximately 50 carotenoids known as provitamin Acompounds, able to be converted in the body into retino l, an active form of vitamin A.While beta-carotene produces colour in in the orange and yellow range, beta-carotene rich foods whitethorn be some other colors be steads from these two. That is be originator other phytonutrients pigments blend together with the beta-carotene to give the sic food its unique hue that, in asset to orange or yellow, could be other colors including pink, red or white.How it FunctionsWhat ar the functions of beta-carotene?Preventing Vitamin A DeficiencyUntil late in the 20th Century, the functions of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, were discussed only in harm of their potential vitamin A activity. Beta-carotene is one of approximately 50 carotenoids of the known 600, that ar called provitamin A compounds because the body can convert them into retinol, an active form of vitamin A.As a result, foods that retard beta-carotene can help prevent vitamin A need. In addition to alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene is among the most c ommonly consumed provitamin A carotenoids in the North American diet.Antioxidant Immune-Enhancing ActivityIn recent years, carotenoids including beta-carotene have received a awful amount of attention as potential anti-cancer and anti-aging compounds. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant, protect the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also one of the carotenoids relyd to get up the function of the immune system.Promoting Proper Cell CommunicationIn addition to their antioxidant and immune-enhancing activity, carotenoids including beta-carotene have shown the ability to stimulate cell to cell communication. Researchers now believe that poor communication between cells may be one of the causes of the overgrowth of cells, a condition which eventually leads to cancer. By promoting proper communication between cells, carotenoids may play a role in cancer prevention. encouraging Reproductive HealthIt is also believed that beta-carotene may participate in distaff reproduction. Although its exact function in female reproduction has not withal been identified, it is known that the corpus luteum has the highest concentration of beta-carotene of any organ in the body, suggesting that this nutrient plays an important role in reproductive processes.Deficiency SymptomsWhat are deficiency symptoms for beta-carotene?A low dietetic in school of carotenoids such as beta-carotene is not known to directly cause any diseases or wellness conditions, at least in the short term. However, if your consumption of vitamin A is also low, a dietetical deficiency of beta-carotene and/or other provitamin A carotenoids can cause the symptoms associated with vitamin A deficiency.In addition, long-term inadequate intake of carotenoids is associated with chronic disease, including nerve centre disease and various cancers. One important mechanism for this carotenoid-disease relationship appears to be free radicals. Research indicates that diets low in beta- carotene and carotenoids can increase the bodys capacity to damage from free radicals. As a result, over the long term, beta-carotene wanting(p) diets may increase tissue damage from free radical activity, and increase risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancers.Toxicity SymptomsWhat are toxicity symptoms for beta-carotene?A tell-tale sign of excessive exercise of beta-carotene is a xanthous discoloration of the skin, most often occurring in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This condition is called carotenodermia, and is correctable and harmless.High intake of carotenoid-containing foods or supplements is not associated with any toxic side effects. As a result, the ground of Medicine at the National honorary society of Sciences did not establish a Tolerable Upper Intake direct (UL) for carotenoids when it reviewed these compounds in 2000.However, the results of two research studies indicate that those who smoke heavily and subscribe alcohol regularly , may increase their chance of developing lung cancer and/or heart disease if they take beta-carotene supplements in amounts greater than 20-30 milligrams per day.Impact of Cooking, depot and ProcessingHow do cooking, storage, or processing affect beta-carotene?In genuine cases, cooking can improve the availability of carotenoids in foods. Lightly steam carrots and spinach improves your bodys ability to absorb carotenoids in these foods.It is important to note, however, that in most cases, prolonged cooking of vegetables lights the availability of carotenoids by changing the shape of the carotenoid from its natural trans-configuration to a cis-configuration. For example, fresh carrots contain 100% all-trans beta-carotene, objet dart canned carrots contain only 73% all-trans beta-carotene.Factors that Affect FunctionWhat factors might contribute to a deficiency of beta-carotene?Carotenoids are ample-soluble stubs, and as such require the presence of dietary plentiful for prop er absorption through the digestive tract. Consequently, your carotenoid status may be impaired by a diet that is extremely low in fat or if you have a medical condition that causes a reduction in the ability to absorb dietary fat such as pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohns disease, celiac sprue, cystic fibrosis, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, gall bladder disease, and liver disease. payable to low consumption of fruits and vegetables, many adolescents and young adults do not take in enough beta-carotene. In addition, if you smoke cigarettes and/or drink alcohol, you may have lower than normal blood levels of beta-carotene. Statistically speaking, smokers and drinkers eat less foods that contain carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Also, researchers suspect that cigarette smoke destroys carotenoids. However, if you do smoke or drink, use carotenoid supplements with caution (see Toxicity section).Drug-Nutrient InteractionsWhat medications affect beta-carotene?The ch olesterol-lowering medications referred to as bile acid sequestrants (Cholestyramine, Colestipol, and Colestid) lower blood levels of carotenoids. In addition, margarines enriched with plant sterols such as Benecol and Take Control, may decrease the absorption of carotenoids. Olestra, a fat substitute added to snack foods, may also decrease the absorption of carotenoids.Nutrient InteractionsHow do other nutrients interact with beta-carotene?Beta-carotene supplements reduce blood levels of lutein while they may also increase blood levels of beta-cryptoxanthin.Supplementing your diet with pectin may decrease the absorption of carotenoids.Health ConditionsCarotenoids may play a role in the prevention of the following health conditionsAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)Age-related macular degenerationAngina pectorisAsthmaCataractscervical cancerCervical dysplasiaChlamydial infectionHeart diseaselaryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx)Lung cancerMale and female infertilityOsteoarthr itisphotosensitivityPneumoniaProstate cancerRheumatoid arthritisSkin cancerVaginal monilia diseaseForm in Dietary SupplementsWhat forms of beta-carotene are found in dietary supplements?In dietary supplements, beta-carotene is available as synthetic all-trans beta-carotene, beta- and alpha-carotene from the algae Dunaliella, and tangled carotenes from palm oil.It is important to note, however, that, due to the inconsistent results from research studies aimed at evaluating the health benefits of beta-carotene supplements, the National Academy of Sciences cautions against taking high dose carotenoid supplements, except as a method for preventing vitamin A deficiency.Food SourcesWhat foods provide beta-carotene?Beta-carotene can be found in concentrated amounts in a variety of foods including sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro, fresh thyme, cantaloupe, romaine lettuce and broccoli.Food Source compend not Available for this NutrientPublic Health RecommendationsWhat are current public health recommendations for beta-carotene and carotenoids?To date, no recommended dietary intake levels have been completed for carotenoids. In an effort to set such recommendations, the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences reviewed the existing scientific research on carotenoids in 2000.Despite the large body of population-based research that links high consumption of foods containing beta-carotene and other carotenoids with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, the Institute of Medicine concluded that this evidence was not strong enough to hold back a required carotenoid intake level because it is not yet known if the health benefits associated with carotenoid-containing foods are due to the carotenoids or to some other substance in the food.However, the National Academy of Sciences supports the recommendations of various health agencies, which encourage individuals to consume five or more ser vings of fruits and vegetable every day. This level of intake of fruits and vegetables provides approximately three to six milligrams of beta-carotene.