Beta carotene: what is it, benefits for the body
- As children, we were told that carrots are very healthy. We ate it with sugar or sour cream. The slightly yellowed corners of the lips or palms only evoked tenderness in our mothers and grandmothers. This approach was correct, since orange vegetables and berries contain the highest content of much-needed beta-carotene.
Today we will look at the questions: why does the body need beta carotene, what are its benefits and whether it is possible to meet the full requirement without taking pills.
Beta-carotene in foods
With food, a person receives both energy and nutrients. Therefore, starting to eat right means starting to take care of your health. From a chemical point of view, beta-carotene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. It is produced by photosynthesis and is an orange-yellow pigment. Accordingly, contained in products of the same color:
- carrot;
- sea buckthorn;
- sorrel;
- parsley;
- watercress;
- rose hip;
- spinach;
- celery;
- garlic;
- green onions;
- red bell pepper;
- salad;
- apricots;
- pumpkin;
- peaches.
The level of vitamins and beta carotene content directly depends on the season, variety and storage methods. Cooking options are also of no small importance: after heat treatment, about 30% of carotene breaks down, so it is recommended to eat fruits and vegetables raw.
Animal products are also a source of vitamin A. However, here the content of this substance is significantly lower. So in one hundred grams of milk there is only 0.02 mg, in cottage cheese - 0.06 mg, in sour cream - 0.15 mg, in butter (it owes its yellowish tint to vitamin carotene) - 0.2 mg, in liver - 1 mg. For example, in the same carrots it is 9 mg, and in sorrel – 7 mg.
Consuming beta carotene in its pure form will not cause any harm, since it is perfectly absorbed. It is impossible to overeat carrots, so there is no need to limit yourself and your child. They are afraid that there will be an overabundance; it is not worth it. Moreover, the body tends to accumulate excess carotene in the fat layer, in order to then convert it into retinol.
For some, a large amount of this pigment results in the skin of the palms and soles becoming yellowish. There is no need to worry about this, since this is a normal reaction of the body, and not any pathology. When the supply of the substance stops, the skin takes on a natural appearance.
What it is
Beta carotene is part of the carotenes group. In total, there are more than three hundred of them in science, but this substance is one of the most necessary. Not to be confused with carnitine (vitamin BT), which belongs to a completely different type of substance.
Food additive E160a (beta carotene formula) is a natural dye. It is often used in the production of sweet carbonated drinks, juices, condensed milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, cakes, and bakery products.
What is beta carotene for?
- The main property is that in the human body it is converted into vitamin A or retinol. This happens only when there is a deficiency of the latter. Moreover, in this form the substance is absorbed much better than “ready-made” retinol;
- increases resistance to stress and emotional overload;
- antioxidant vitamin;
- protects cells from premature aging;
- reduces the risk of developing oncology and neoplasms (including fibroids);
- influences the regenerative processes in the skin;
- participates in the production of immunoglobulins;
- improves vision;
- protects against the toxic effects of tobacco smoke;
- indispensable for tanning: protects against ultraviolet radiation;
- in children, increases resistance to diseases, counteracts free radicals;
- maintains mucous membranes in a healthy condition;
- improves the functioning of the gonads.
Provitamin A deficiency in the body
Signs of retinol deficiency:
- hair loss, dandruff;
- nails begin to peel and often break;
- tooth sensitivity increases;
- Numerous skin rashes appear: pimples, acne;
- growth slows down in children;
- immunity decreases. A person often suffers from acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections;
- visual acuity weakens: “night blindness”, a feeling of “sand in the eyes”.
Possible reasons for the development of deficiency:
- liver and kidney diseases;
- lack of fats and proteins. Usually, this is a consequence of poor nutrition, diets, and all kinds of food restrictions;
- seasonal vitamin deficiency;
- intestinal pathologies;
- improper functioning of the pancreas;
- metabolic disorders.
Contraindications
With a balanced diet, when the diet contains a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, provitamin deficiency does not develop. Under certain circumstances, doctors have to prescribe beta carotene in tablets to prevent complications.
Such compositions are not medicines. These are dietary supplements. Their role is to restore the lack of nutrients. There are quite a few brands on the pharmaceutical market that produce capsules at different prices. They are analogous to each other, since the composition is approximately the same with a slight difference.
- Solgar (USA);
- Oksilik (Germany);
- Veteron (Russia);
- Vitrum (America);
- Sinergin (RF).
- pills;
- gelatin capsules;
- an oily solution, a few drops of which are added to water.
Beta carotene preparations are commercially available and can be purchased in many pharmacies without a prescription. You need to choose the right brand for yourself not based on online reviews or after asking friends, but only on the recommendation of a doctor. A specialist consultation is required in advance, since the drugs have a number of contraindications. You can get acquainted with them at a doctor’s appointment, as well as by reading the text of the instructions for use:
- Allergic reaction.
- Breastfeeding period.
- Pregnant women are prescribed vitamin complexes to provide all the needs of the unborn child, reducing the risk of developing abnormalities. Medicines often contain vitamin A. In itself, it is not contraindicated. The main thing is to prevent its excess in the body. In this case, hypervitaminosis occurs, and then the load on the liver and pancreas of the mother and baby greatly increases.
- It has been proven that beta carotene is absorbed worse by children than by adults. Use with caution.
- Chronic renal failure.
- Viral hepatitis.
- In smokers, an excess of carotene can cause lung cancer.
- Hypothyroidism.
Possible side effects:
- pain in the stomach and joints;
- attacks of nausea;
- vomit;
- skin court;
- decreased appetite;
- dizziness.
Daily requirement
For adults - this is 1 mg of vitamin A (or 5 mg of carotene), for preschool children - 0.4 mg, for adolescents - 04 - 0.7 mg, for the elderly - 0.8 mg, for pregnant women - 0 .2 - 0.8 mg, for nursing mothers - 0.4 - 1.2 mg.
Moreover, if you divide the daily norm into three times and drink it in the morning, afternoon and evening, the substance will begin to be absorbed by the body better than in one dose. It is believed that the benefits of beta carotene are greater than those of pure vitamin A.
Cases when the body's need increases:
- stay in a hot climate (for example, a holiday at sea);
- frequent x-ray examinations;
- during therapy, drugs to lower cholesterol;
- when work involves constant presence at a computer monitor;
- when there is a lot of protein in the diet. A similar phenomenon is often observed in professional athletes;
- alcohol abuse.
Indications for use
- The period of bearing a child.
- Unbalanced diet.
- Chronic illnesses or recovery time after an infection.
- Negative external factors. For example, unfavorable environmental conditions.
- Great emotional and physical stress.
- Cancer prevention.
- Preventing premature aging.
- Stomach ulcer.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Gastritis.
- Eye diseases and visual impairments.
- Helps to recover after surgery.
As a means for external use it is used for:
- tonsillitis;
- psoriasis;
- excessive pigmentation;
- dermatoses;
- promotes rapid healing of wounds, burns, frostbite;
- vitiligo.
How is beta carotene absorbed?
The substance is absorbed through the intestines with the help of bile. Without it, assimilation will not occur correctly. Much also depends on the degree of rupture of cell membranes in plant foods: that is, it is easier for the body to break down puree or mush. Fats are also needed: (that’s why dairy products), vitamins E and C to enhance the effect.
Tips to help increase the absorption of provitamin:
- try to eat freshly prepared food whenever possible;
- store vegetables and fruits in a dark place, at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees, as oxygen promotes the rapid decomposition of hydrocarbons;
- season salads with sour cream or vegetable oil, cook porridge in milk;
- don't get carried away with diets. Beta carotene is a fat-soluble substance, and a lack of fat leads to improper absorption. And as a consequence of the shortage;
- It is useful to combine different dishes in your menu. It is necessary that a third of the daily intake comes from animal foods, and 2/3 from plant foods.
Provitamin A (E160a), better known as beta-carotene, is a substance that is formed during photosynthesis, found in natural products, and also synthesized artificially and available in tablet form. Orange plant pigment belongs to the group of carotenoids - fat-soluble vitamins, that is, it is absorbed only together with fats of plant and animal origin. Converts into retinol (vitamin A) in the body.
What is beta carotene
The substance beta-carotene was isolated in the 19th century. The name comes from the Latin word "carrot", which is the record holder among vegetables for carotene content. Accumulates in all orange-colored vegetables and fruits, in some types of greens, mushrooms, algae and bacteria. Subsequently, the vitamin was synthesized artificially, but the activity of chemical E160a is much lower than natural.
Properties
Belonging to the group of natural carotenoids, provitamin A has a powerful antioxidant effect on the body. When absorbed, as a result of interaction with fats, it is synthesized into retinol, which has the following beneficial properties:
- protects body cells, promotes their growth;
- improves vision;
- increases immunity;
- protects skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- improves the condition of nails and hair;
- prevents the development of risk factors for atherosclerosis;
- protects tissues from the effects of free radicals, which inhibits their aging processes, a natural antioxidant.
Sources
Having received the answer to the question of what carotene is and how it is useful for the body, it is worth finding out where this substance is found. The main natural sources of carotenoids are plants, fungi, some types of algae, and bacteria. Orange and red vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin A precursors, but they are obtained by microbiological synthesis from the cells of filamentous fungi, yeast, algae and bacteria.
How is it absorbed in the body?
Carotene is absorbed in the intestinal mucous membranes; the degree of vitamin A release and absorption from plant foods depends on the completeness of the rupture of cells containing E160a. During heat treatment of vitamin sources, about a third of its total content is lost. You need to eat plant carotenoids in combination with fats (sour cream, vegetable oil), otherwise retinol is not synthesized and is not absorbed by the body.
What is beta-carotene for?
Carotene is used as a natural coloring agent in the production of juices and lemonades. The antioxidant properties of this substance, the ability of retinol to suppress cell aging processes, and enhance the activity of the immune system due to its beneficial effects on macrophage cells are important for the health of an adult. Provitamin A reduces the risk of developing cancer, so it can be used as a means to prevent cancer of the stomach, mammary glands, cervix, and other organs.
During pregnancy
Beta-carotene during pregnancy is necessary to maintain the health of the expectant mother, for the full formation and development of the fetus, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and nervous systems. As a rule, if you follow the diet recommended by your doctor, the required level of vitamin A can be maintained through proper nutrition. Sometimes a multivitamin course may be prescribed. It is important to avoid hypervitaminosis so as not to overload the liver and pancreas of the mother and child.
For children
In childhood, a sufficient level of carotene from food is necessary to support cell growth processes and ensure the development of the immune system. Vitamin A protects the body from infections, inflammation, from the harmful effects of an aggressive external environment (for example, from ultraviolet radiation), and enriches tissues with active oxygen. E160a's resistance to free radicals increases the child's body's ability to resist infectious diseases and has a general strengthening effect.
Beta carotene deficiency
In case of metabolic disorders caused by poor nutrition (regular deficiency of proteins and fats), with diseases of the liver, pancreas or intestines, carotene deficiency may occur. Symptoms of this phenomenon are:
- blurred vision;
- deterioration of skin condition;
- fragility and increased hair loss;
- increased sensitivity of tooth enamel.
Foods Rich in Beta Carotene
You can avoid provitamin A deficiency or hypovitaminosis by knowing the answer to the question of which foods contain beta-carotene. Carotene is found in carrots, pumpkin, spinach, red pepper, cabbage, and tomatoes. Orange fruits - grapefruits, apricots, persimmons, melons - are also plant sources of E160a. Carotenes are found in berries - black currants, gooseberries, blueberries, sea buckthorn. Beta-carotene in food is absorbed better than artificially synthesized beta-carotene, so its benefits are higher than the benefits of multivitamin complexes containing vitamin A.
Preparations with beta-carotene
Beta-carotene tablets are prescribed for vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin complexes and nutritional supplements containing multivitamin A help compensate for the lack of carotene in the diet. The pharmaceutical market offers a wide range of drugs containing E160a:
- Oxylic. A biological supplement, one capsule of which contains 2 mg of carotene, 36 mg of vitamin E, 300 mg of vitamin C. The complex of these active substances enhances the effect of each other, so taking the drug allows you to achieve a better effect than taking pure carotene. The course is three to four weeks, one capsule every day.
- Vetoron. Drops, 1 ml of which contain 8 mg of vitamin E, 20 mg of provitamin A (carotene). Recommended for use during seasonal infectious quarantines (to increase immunity and the body's defenses), with the development of ophthalmological diseases, as part of complex treatment of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, during radiation and chemotherapy. Directions for use: on an empty stomach in the morning, dissolving 6-11 drops in a glass of clean drinking water.
- Solgar. Dietary supplement contains retinol, a complex of alpha and beta carotenes. You should take one tablet every day. Completing a month-long course of therapy with the drug replenishes retinol deficiency and improves overall health.
- Synergin. A dietary supplement containing five natural antioxidants, including carotene (5 mg per capsule), vitamins E and C, rutin, coenzyme, lycopene. Take with meals, two capsules daily for adults, one capsule for children under 18 years of age. The duration of treatment is 30 days.
- Vitrum. A multivitamin complex containing vitamins A, B, E, C, as well as a complex of essential minerals. Each tablet contains 6 mg of carotene. The drug has a balanced vitamin and mineral composition, helps strengthen health and the body's defense system.
Instructions for use of beta-carotene
Before taking carotene in tablets or as part of vitamin complexes, be sure to read the instructions. This will help avoid overdoses, prevent side effects, and make taking the drug safe and effective. Follow these recommended dosages to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose.
Indications for use
Vitamins with beta-carotene are taken as prescribed by a doctor if there is an established vitamin A deficiency. Other indications for the use of carotene are:
- deterioration of the body's protective functions, expressed in increased frequency of inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- decreased immunity;
- blurred vision;
- the appearance of signs of premature aging.
Daily norm
In accordance with recognized and recommended standards for the use of food and biologically active substances, the daily daily dose of vitamin A is 1 mg, which corresponds to 5 mg of carotene. This amount of this substance contains 200 g of carrots, 350 g of pumpkin, 250 g of spinach, 300 g of apricots, 100 g of sea buckthorn.
Contraindications
Like any dietary supplement, carotene has a number of special instructions for use and contraindications. It is not recommended to take it in case of chronic alcoholism (due to increased load on the liver), and caution should be exercised when taken together with other multivitamin complexes. Increased consumption of carotene by smokers may pose a risk of lung cancer. There are a number of diseases and conditions for which taking drugs with carotenes is categorically not indicated. These include:
- liver diseases;
- pancreatic diseases;
- viral hepatitis;
- hypothyroidism;
- chronic renal failure.
Products containing beta-carotene
- Bergamot71 mg
- Dried paprika26.162 mg
- Ground red pepper21.84 mg
- Grape leaves16.194 mg
- Carrot12 mg
- Red rowan9 mg
- Parsley5.7 mg
- Romaine lettuce5.226 mg
Description
Beta-carotene is a plant pigment that is part of the group of natural carotenoids. Carotenoids are also natural organic pigments that give fruits, algae, some mushrooms and vegetables their color.
The natural dye carota is orange-yellow in color, which means "carrot" in Latin. Beta-carotene is valued for its antioxidant qualities, as well as for being a carrier of retinol (vitamin A). What is the difference between vitamin A and beta-carotene? Unlike retinol, carotene has virtually no contraindications or side effects in case of overdose, and is also considered more beneficial. This substance activates the immune system, increasing the human body’s resistance to various negative chemical, physical and biological influences. But these are not all the beneficial properties of the substance that women, men, children and the elderly can take advantage of!
The composition of beta-carotene includes unsaturated hydrocarbons and antioxidant molecules (the structural formula of the composition can be seen in the photo). This substance is obtained primarily from plant products, although chemical extraction is also possible, but this is not necessary. Beta-carotene is made from plants, beneficial bacteria, fungi and algae, which are abundant in nature.
The production of this useful pigment is based on raw materials from carrots, which predominate in antioxidant content compared to other plant products. Carrots contain about 90% of the required substance, while pumpkin contains only up to 70%.
What is beta-carotene for?
Why and who needs the beneficial element beta-carotene? Many people know that this pigment is found in many fruits and vegetables, but not everyone understands how it affects humans. Provitamin is extremely beneficial for the whole body, both children and adults:
- Being a powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene protects the body from harmful effects;
- prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases and diseases associated with oncology;
- protects tissues from early old age;
- provides prevention in the treatment of malignant tumors in the uterus and lungs;
- affects the level of cholesterol in the blood, thereby reducing the likelihood of diseases such as coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis;
- serves as a protective barrier for the skin from ultraviolet radiation, accelerates the healing process of sunburn;
- prevents the development of glaucoma or cataracts;
- necessary in the treatment of the urinary and reproductive systems of men and women;
- active support of immunity and resistance to infectious processes.
Beta-carotene is also widely used for cosmetic purposes. The benefit of the component is determined by its beneficial effect on the skin and hair. Reviews of those using this product note a beneficial effect on hair, skin and eyes, because the absorption of provitamin occurs much faster than other elements and does not require certain combinations.
Since this pigment improves the condition of the epidermis, during tanning it actively protects skin cells from destruction, and also independently gives a beautiful, even shade to the surface of the dermis due to the corresponding pigments. In order to prepare the body for solar treatments, it is advisable to consume carotenoids before tanning.
During pregnancy
Provitamin is necessary during pregnancy, as it supports all processes in the body of the expectant mother. Beta-carotene promotes the full formation and development of the fetus, strengthens the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Retinol in overdose is quite dangerous for pregnant women, as it can negatively affect the liver. And when taking beta-carotene, the harm is reduced to a minimum, since the substance is converted into vitamin A only in the quantities needed by the body.
Children's body
Saturated provitamin is also necessary for a growing child's body. Due to active cell growth, babies quickly lose accumulated vitamins, which are used for growth and maintaining the healthy functioning of organs. Beta-carotene protects children's bodies from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, fights infections and inflammatory processes and enriches cells with oxygen. The useful element strengthens the child’s body both inside and outside, but it is not recommended to give the child such drugs on your own, since supplementation in the form of an auxiliary drug can only be allowed after 3 years. Individual cases are considered by specialists, who individually prescribe the duration of the course and the permissible dose.
Antioxidant norm
Due to the fact that beta-carotene is considered one of the most non-toxic substances, the daily antioxidant intake can vary significantly. If you take provitamin exclusively as part of food products, then you can practically not limit yourself, because natural pigment is not as well absorbed as medical pigment, and many substances are destroyed during prolonged heat treatment.
The need for beta-carotene in the form of the drug for the most part should be determined by the attending physician. For prevention, you can and should take about 3-6 mg per day, but this intake should be accompanied by food, since at least vegetable fats are simply necessary for good absorption of the carotenoid.
Lack of provitamin
With a lack of provitamin, the human body is especially susceptible to immune and viral diseases. A lack of beta-carotene can manifest itself not only in internal malfunctions of the body, but also be visible, in particular, on the skin. If there is a shortage of an element, the following symptoms can be observed:
- inhibition of the growth of the child’s body;
- dullness and fragility of hair;
- peeling nail plate;
- dry and flaky skin;
- acne or acne;
- decreased immunity;
- deviations in reproductive processes;
- dry mucous membranes due to microflora disturbances;
- weakened vision.
Such indications give reason to think about a serious deficiency of provitamin, which must be replenished.
Overdose
Hypercarotenemia is an overdose of provitamin, which is extremely rare. Unlike retinol, beta-carotene is low-toxic, and an excess of the substance can lead to serious consequences only in exceptional cases. Most often, an excess of the element is not considered a serious danger, although it can lead to yellowing of the skin.
Carotenemia can be observed with excessive consumption of carrots, but in a healthy body this will also not cause a dangerous condition.
Beta-carotene in foods
Sources of beta-carotene can be accurately identified by the color of the product. Natural food ingredients come in vibrant shades of green, red, orange and yellow. In addition to provitamin, such products have a fairly complete nutritional value, thanks to which you can replenish useful elements practically without the use of vitamin complexes.
Below we provide a list of food names that contain beta-carotene; high provitamin content will start the list, and lower content will end the list:
- raw carrots;
- sea buckthorn berries;
- sorrel leaves;
- fresh parsley;
- watercress;
- dog-rose fruit;
- spinach leaves;
- celery leaves;
- wild garlic;
- mango;
- garlic;
- melon;
- sweet red pepper;
- green onion;
- head lettuce, leaf;
- apricot;
- pumpkin;
- broccoli;
- chokeberry;
- tomatoes;
- sweet green pepper;
- dill;
- liver;
- peach;
- asparagus;
- green pea;
- Brussels sprouts;
- natural butter;
- natural sour cream;
- red cabbage;
- plum;
- watermelon;
- cherry;
- natural cottage cheese;
- natural milk;
- potato.
Here is a partial list of what contains beta-carotene that the body needs. You can add blueberries, persimmons, black currants, gooseberries, grapefruit and camel milk to the list.
Separately, it is worth noting the large salt lake on the Crimean peninsula, which contains provitamin. The natural element enters the reservoir due to the bloom of certain algae, which have managed to take root in harsh ultra-saline conditions. Lake Sasyk is considered a unique deposit of sea salt containing beta-carotene.
Preparations containing carotenoids
Vitamin preparations containing carotenoids can be bought at the pharmacy, where the variety of medicines is replete with variety; there or in the cosmetics department you can find creams with these elements. Online stores can also please you not only with a wide range, but also with rarer and more unique products.
Basically, medications based on beta-carotene are needed by athletes whose metabolism in the body is much faster, or by people working in difficult physical conditions.
Commercial forms of vitamins containing beta-carotene can be purchased in tablets, syrup, capsules, oil solution or drops without a doctor's prescription. Preparations containing provitamin:
- "Arnebia" beta-carotene plus calcium;
- "Beta-carotene";
- "Solgar";
- Bluebonnet Nutrition with Vitamins C, E and Selenium;
- "Vitrum" provitamin and folic acid;
- "Antioxypax" is a vitamin-medicinal preparation with ascorbic acid, zinc oxide and beta-carotene;
- Bilberry Vita Complex dietary supplement with riboflavin, blueberry extract and carotenoid;
- Doppelhertz Active;
- "Trimegavital" provitamin and sea buckthorn.
This is just a small list of the most famous names of vitamins or medications containing organic matter and other useful components. There are also similar medications with differences in composition or manufacturer. The most similar in therapeutic properties and chemical composition are: “Retinol acetate”, “Cyclocar”, “Carotinyl”, “Retinol palmitate”. Thanks to the widest range, you can choose the most suitable products, taking into account the cost.
Instructions for use
Use beta-carotene according to the instructions as prescribed by a doctor or independently at home. The drug is taken orally (inside) or externally as compresses. The duration of the treatment course is determined by the attending physician.
For preventive purposes, the oil solution should be used after meals or during meals. Adults and children over 12 years old can take 1 tsp of provitamin oil. per day. As an external medicine, beta-carotene is soaked in paper or napkins and applied to the affected areas 1-2 times a day.
Tablets and capsules are most often prescribed individually by specialists and the intake is adjusted during the treatment process. Basically, take 1 tablet of provitamin 1 time per day after meals..
Contraindications
There is no doubt that beta-carotene is extremely important for the body, but like any medicine, the provitamin has contraindications, and if they are not taken into account, it can cause some harm to the body.
Any instruction states that before taking vitamins and medications, you must consult a doctor to identify certain predispositions or allergic reactions. Thus, this component should not be used independently by persons with hypersensitivity to these components.
Taking the plant substance is contraindicated in case of alcohol intoxication, disorders of all kidney functions, hypercarotenemia, progressive liver diseases, viral hepatitis, hypothyroidism.
Smokers should take this drug only after a full medical examination, as studies conducted over decades have shown that taking the provitamin increases the incidence of cancer. It has also recently become known that, indeed, smokers are more at risk of developing lung cancer when consuming higher doses of beta-carotene.
This effect of carotenoids applies exclusively to people who smoke and those who come into contact with harmful substances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to remind you that beta-carotene is a unique substance that, in small doses, can slow down the development of tumors. Provitamin coming from products is absolutely safe for those who are not allergic to individual components, and can be consumed in unlimited quantities.
Just 5 mg per day of this substance can prevent many possible diseases, make the immune system stronger and more stable, and also completely improve working processes in the body. For women, beta-carotene is an excellent substance that has a positive effect on appearance and well-being.