Beta Carotene
Pronunciation: (bay-tuh kuh-ROW-teen).
- Generic name
- Beta-Carotene
- Brand names
- Betatene, Aquasol A, Carotene, Bio-Carotene, Betacarotene, Carotaben
- Drug class
- Provitamin A (Carotenoid Antioxidant)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Beta-Carotene is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Beta-Carotene works
Beta-Carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that is converted in the small intestine to retinol (vitamin A) as needed by the body. It acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Its conversion to vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and epithelial cell integrity. (1) (2)
What Beta-Carotene is used for
Nutritional supplementation
Nutritional supplementation (2)
Antioxidant therapy
Antioxidant therapy (2)
Before taking Beta-Carotene
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Beta-Carotene, hypervitaminosis A, or those with a history of lung cancer who smoke or have asbestos exposure. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Beta-Carotene
- General Instructions: Take Beta-Carotene exactly as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 6 to 15 mg (10,000 to 25,000 IU) daily, depending on the indication and dietary intake.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing for children should be determined by a healthcare provider based on age, weight, and clinical need.. Administration: Take with food to enhance absorption. Swallow capsules or tablets whole with a glass of water.. When To Stop: Seek medical attention promptly if you experience serious side effects or signs of an allergic reaction; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop Beta-Carotene.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Beta-Carotene overdose is rare but can cause yellow-orange skin discoloration. Very high doses may lead to symptoms of vitamin A toxicity, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. Seek medical attention if you suspect an overdose. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Yellowing of skin (carotenodermia)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stomach cramps
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Joint pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased risk of lung cancer in smokers
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
High doses may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers and those exposed to asbestos — serious
Symptoms: High doses may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers and those exposed to asbestos. Not recommended as a cancer prevention supplement. May interact with certain medications, including statins and orlistat. Use caution in patients with liver or kidney disease. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Beta-Carotene, hypervitaminosis A, or those with a history of lung cancer who smoke or have asbestos exposure. Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment, and during pregnancy or lactation unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
In current or former smokers, beta-carotene supplementation has also been associated with increased cardiovascular risk (such as coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality), in addition to the lung-cancer risk noted above — serious
Symptoms: In current or former smokers, beta-carotene supplementation has also been associated with increased cardiovascular risk (such as coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality), in addition to the lung-cancer risk noted above.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Beta-Carotene may interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as cholestyramine, colestipol), orlistat, mineral oil, and other fat-soluble vitamin supplements. These interactions can reduce absorption or increase the risk of toxicity. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and medications you are taking. | (1) |
| Acid-reducing medicines (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole) | Stomach-acid-reducing medicines may decrease absorption of beta-carotene; tell your healthcare provider about all acid-reducing medicines you take. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Drugs.com's beta-carotene monograph advises telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Beta-carotene taken by mouth in ordinary dietary-supplement amounts is generally considered likely safe in pregnancy, but there is not enough reliable evidence on the safety of high doses; use only the amount advised by a healthcare provider. (2)
Breastfeeding
Drugs.com's beta-carotene monograph advises telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding. As with pregnancy, ordinary supplement doses are generally considered likely safe, but there is not enough reliable evidence on high-dose safety while breastfeeding; consult a healthcare provider before use. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Weight Based: Not established for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Single Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal: the Drugs.com monograph reviewed for this page does not discuss kidney-impairment precautions or dose adjustment for beta-carotene; no adjustment is specified, and renal status should be assessed by the treating clinician. Hepatic: the same source cautions that heavy alcohol use together with beta-carotene supplementation may increase the risk of liver problems (in addition to the separately noted lung-cancer risk in smokers); people with liver disease or heavy alcohol use should discuss beta-carotene supplementation with a healthcare provider. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal: the Drugs.com monograph reviewed for this page does not discuss kidney-impairment precautions or dose adjustment for beta-carotene; no adjustment is specified, and renal status should be assessed by the treating clinician. Hepatic: the same source cautions that heavy alcohol use together with beta-carotene supplementation may increase the risk of liver problems (in addition to the separately noted lung-cancer risk in smokers); people with liver disease or heavy alcohol use should discuss beta-carotene supplementation with a healthcare provider. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store beta-carotene supplements at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children (standard dietary-supplement storage guidance; the clinician-authored record and Drugs.com monograph do not specify different conditions).
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Nutritional supplementation
Dose summary: 15 mg (25,000 IU) daily, taken orally.
Renal context: The Drugs.com monograph reviewed for this page states no renal-impairment guidance for beta-carotene. No dose adjustment is specified; renal status should be assessed by the prescriber. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
The Drugs.com monograph cautions that heavy alcohol use together with beta-carotene supplementation may increase the risk of liver problems; it gives no formal hepatic-impairment dose-adjustment table. People with liver disease or heavy alcohol use should discuss beta-carotene supplementation with a healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is Beta-Carotene used for?
Beta-Carotene is used as a dietary supplement to prevent or treat vitamin A deficiency, support eye and skin health, and provide antioxidant benefits.
Is Beta-Carotene safe for everyone?
Beta-Carotene is generally safe for most people when used as directed. However, high doses are not recommended for smokers or those with a history of asbestos exposure due to increased cancer risk.
Can I take Beta-Carotene during pregnancy?
Beta-Carotene is considered safer than preformed vitamin A during pregnancy, but you should consult your doctor before use to ensure appropriate dosing.
What are the signs of Beta-Carotene overdose?
Overdose may cause yellow-orange skin discoloration and, rarely, symptoms of vitamin A toxicity such as headache, nausea, and blurred vision. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Does Beta-Carotene interact with other medications?
Yes, Beta-Carotene may interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs, orlistat, and other fat-soluble vitamins. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and medications you are taking.
Can Beta-Carotene prevent cancer?
Current evidence does not support the use of Beta-Carotene supplements for cancer prevention. In fact, high doses may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
How long does it take for Beta-Carotene to work?
The effects of Beta-Carotene depend on the reason for use. Improvements in vitamin A deficiency may be seen within weeks, while antioxidant benefits may take longer and are less easily measured.
What happens if I take too much Beta-Carotene?
Taking excessive amounts of Beta-Carotene can lead to carotenodermia, a harmless yellow-orange discoloration of the skin, particularly on the palms and soles. While generally not dangerous, extremely high doses over extended periods may interfere with vitamin A metabolism. If you suspect an overdose or experience concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop Beta-Carotene. In severe cases, seek emergency medical attention.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Beta-Carotene?
While there isn't a direct contraindication for moderate alcohol consumption with Beta-Carotene, excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact liver function, which is crucial for the conversion of Beta-Carotene to vitamin A. Heavy alcohol use may also deplete other essential nutrients. It is generally advisable to consume alcohol in moderation and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions.
Is Beta-Carotene safe during pregnancy?
Beta-Carotene is categorized as 'Consult doctor' during pregnancy. While vitamin A is essential for fetal development, excessive amounts can be harmful. The body converts Beta-Carotene to vitamin A as needed, reducing the risk of toxicity compared to preformed vitamin A. However, it is crucial to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, including Beta-Carotene, during pregnancy to ensure appropriate dosing and safety for both mother and baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Beta-Carotene?
Beta-Carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that is converted in the small intestine to retinol (vitamin A) as needed by the body. It acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Its conversion to vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and epithelial cell integrity. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Beta Carotene?
The generic name is Beta-Carotene. It is sold under brand names including Betatene, Aquasol A, Carotene, Bio-Carotene, Betacarotene, Carotaben.
What class of drug is Beta-Carotene?
Beta Carotene is classed as: Provitamin A (Carotenoid Antioxidant).
References
- Beta-Carotene — MedGuideGlobal medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global (MedGuideGlobal internal) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Beta-Carotene — Drugs.com Drug InformationDrugs.com · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- TRUEVITE (COENZYME Q10, ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID, ASCORBIC ACID, BETA-CAROTENE, CHOLECALCIFEROL, CHROMIUM, COPPER, D-ALPHA TOCOPHERYL ACID, FOLIC ACID, MAGNESIUM, MANGANESE, METHYLCOBALAMIN, MOLYBDENUM AMINO ACID, NIACINAMIDE, POTASSIUM, PYRIDOXINE, RIBOFLAVIN, SELENIUM, THIAMINE, ZINC) TABLET [TRIVIA PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Beta-Carotene — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 19143)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Beta-Carotene names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- Betadek30-tablet bottle · Waterley Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Antoxid30 capsules · Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
- Antoxid HC30 capsules · Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
- Carofit Plus10 tablets · Ajanta Pharma Limited