What does the body need beta carotene for?

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:

1. protects body cells, promotes their growth;
2. improves vision;
3. increases immunity;
4. protects skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays;
5. improves the condition of nails and hair;
6. prevents the development of risk factors for atherosclerosis;
7. 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:

1. blurred vision;
2. deterioration of skin condition;
3. fragility and increased hair loss;
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Solgar. Dietary supplement contains retinol, a complex of alpha and beta carotenes. You should take one tablet every day. Completing a month's course of therapy with the drug replenishes retinol deficiency and improves overall health.
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. deterioration of the body's protective functions, expressed in increased frequency of inflammatory and infectious diseases;
2. decreased immunity;
3. blurred vision;
4. 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:

1. liver diseases;
2. pancreatic diseases;
3. viral hepatitis;
4. hypothyroidism;
5. chronic renal failure.

Beta-carotene is a natural antioxidant that performs numerous functions in the human body. Widely distributed in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, mushrooms and algae, and is also present in many types of dietary supplements.

Our body needs beta-carotene in very small quantities; moreover, excess beta-carotene can even have side effects.

What is beta-carotene - what is it for?

Beta carotene is classified as carotenoid, natural antioxidant, present in a variety of plants that perform important functions in our body.

An antioxidant is a molecule capable bind and therefore inactivate free radicals, are a type of chemically reactive molecules that can cause irreparable damage to cellular structure.

As an antioxidant, beta-carotene performs important functions in our body:

1. together with other carotenes it is used for vitamin A synthesis, which is important for the growth and development of bones, for vision, for reproduction;
2. along with vitamin Aprotects skin from damage due to sun exposuresuch as dryness and aging skin.

Where to find beta-carotene - not just carrots

Beta-carotene is a pigment that gives food its orange-reddish color.

Most abundantly represented in the following products:

1. carrot, from which it was first isolated, potatoes and peppers, as well as zucchini, apricots, peaches and grapefruits.
2. some vegetables such as chard, spinach, lettuce and kale contain a lot of beta-carotene, but it is “hidden” behind the bright green chlorophyll.
3. beta-carotene is also present in some grains (corn, barley) and algae.

Properties and Benefits of Beta Carotene

The beneficial effect of beta-carotene, as an antioxidant and precursor of vitamin A, is expressed in relation to various organs and systems:

1. For skin: Beta-carotene protects the skin during sun exposure, preventing the appearance of erythema. The accumulation of beta-carotene in the skin gives it a yellow-orange color and enhances the action of melanin, which is responsible for natural tanning. Even in the case of vitiligo, beta-carotene helps avoid sunburn on the white areas of the skin and therefore more sensitive.
2. For eyes: Some of the beta-carotene that enters the body is transferred to the retina, where it is converted into vitamin A. At this level, vitamin A is necessary in order, together with other pigments (for example, rhodopsin), to realize the ability to night vision. Therefore, beta-carotene deficiency can lead to decreased ability to see in the dark.
3. For hair: Beta-carotene, like provitamin A, is important for the well-being of skin and scalp cells. Vitamin A is a component of the cell membrane and when deficient in it can lead to excessive production of keratin, and therefore dry scalp.
4. Acne: Vitamin A is a component of scar tissue; beta-carotene, both internally and topically, may be helpful in restoring facial skin after acne.

Medicinal supplements with beta-carotene

Despite the fact that beta carotene is present in many foods, it can sometimes be deficient, especially in the presence of intestinal pathologies that limit the absorption of vitamin A and its precursors. Since vitamin A is part of many biological mechanisms, there may be several symptoms associated with its deficiency: dry skin and hair, frequent infections, decreased visual acuity, fatigue, poor appetite.

In these cases it is useful to resort to using beta-carotene based nutritional supplements. They may contain beta-carotene of natural origin, that is, extracts, or synthetic.

There are several benefits of additionally using beta-carotene:

1. preventing breast and ovarian cancer in women during menopause, thanks to its antioxidant effect, which neutralizes free radicals responsible for damage to DNA and enzymes responsible for controlling cell replication;
2. reducing the risk of sunburn, since beta-carotene is a pigment that can protect against damage caused by sun exposure, even in the case of pathologies such as protoporphyria, which predisposes to sunburn.

A pinch a day, and nothing more!

Beta-carotene enters the body through food, absorbed in the intestines and accumulates in the liver. When the body requires vitamin A, beta-carotene reserves from the liver are mobilized and converted into this vitamin.

How much beta-carotene do we need per day? In fact, very little: only 2 mg per day, which are contained in one carrot (30 g), 5-6 apricots (130 g) or 50 g of spinach or chard.

Concerning food additives based on beta-carotene, usually the dosage is one capsule per day.

Beta-carotene poisoning and side effects

In order to get all the benefits of beta carotene, it is enough to take, as we have seen, 2 mg per day, but what happens if you take it in excessive doses?

1. Beta-carotene poisoning: In moderate doses, beta-carotene will give the skin a nice tan color, but if consumed in excess, the effect will be like jaundice. However, skin color will be restored if you avoid or reduce the dose of beta-carotene.
2. Increased incidence of cancer in smokers: Some studies have shown that beta-carotene increases the likelihood of developing cancer in people who smoke. However, the mechanism by which beta-carotene promotes the occurrence of malignant tumors in smokers has not yet been elucidated.
3. Liver and kidney fatigue: Excessive use of antioxidant supplements may be harmful to humans. Along with antioxidants, we have to ingest excipients - synthetic molecules that take away the resources of the liver and kidneys for their metabolism and excretion.

As we have seen, beta-carotene, being an antioxidant, can have side effects if taken in excess. A healthy and balanced diet, without excesses, will provide the body with everything it needs. You should seek the help of nutritional supplements only in cases of real need.

Finally, beta-carotene does not make you fat: it is not used in our body to produce energy and has no effect on overall metabolism!

Beta carotene: what is it, benefits for the body

1. 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:

1. carrot;
2. sea ​​​​buckthorn;
3. sorrel;
4. parsley;
5. watercress;
6. rose hip;
7. spinach;
8. celery;
9. garlic;
10. green onions;
11. red bell pepper;
12. salad;
13. apricots;
14. pumpkin;
15. 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 carotene 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?

1. 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;
2. increases resistance to stress and emotional overload;
3. antioxidant vitamin;
4. protects cells from premature aging;
5. reduces the risk of developing oncology and neoplasms (including fibroids);
6. influences the regenerative processes in the skin;
7. participates in the production of immunoglobulins;
8. improves vision;
9. protects against the toxic effects of tobacco smoke;
10. indispensable for tanning: protects against ultraviolet radiation;
11. in children, increases resistance to diseases, counteracts free radicals;
12. maintains mucous membranes in a healthy condition;
13. improves the functioning of the gonads.

Provitamin A deficiency in the body

Signs of retinol deficiency:

1. hair loss, dandruff;
2. nails begin to peel and often break;
3. tooth sensitivity increases;
4. Numerous skin rashes appear: pimples, acne;
5. growth slows down in children;
6. immunity decreases. A person often suffers from acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections;
7. visual acuity weakens: “night blindness”, a feeling of “sand in the eyes”.

Possible reasons for the development of deficiency:

1. liver and kidney diseases;
2. lack of fats and proteins. Usually, this is a consequence of poor nutrition, diets, and all kinds of food restrictions;
3. seasonal vitamin deficiency;
4. intestinal pathologies;
5. improper functioning of the pancreas;
6. 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.

1. Solgar (USA);
2. Oksilik (Germany);
3. Veteron (Russia);
4. Vitrum (America);
5. Sinergin (RF).

1. pills;
2. gelatin capsules;
3. 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:

1. Allergic reaction.
2. Breastfeeding period.
3. 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.
4. It has been proven that beta carotene is absorbed worse by children than by adults. Use with caution.
5. Chronic renal failure.
6. Viral hepatitis.
7. In smokers, an excess of carotene can cause lung cancer.
8. Hypothyroidism.

Possible side effects:

1. pain in the stomach and joints;
2. attacks of nausea;
3. vomit;
4. skin court;
5. decreased appetite;
6. 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:

1. stay in a hot climate (for example, a holiday at sea);
2. frequent x-ray examinations;
3. during therapy, drugs to lower cholesterol;
4. when work involves constant presence at a computer monitor;
5. when there is a lot of protein in the diet. A similar phenomenon is often observed in professional athletes;
6. alcohol abuse.

Indications for use

1. The period of bearing a child.
2. Unbalanced diet.
3. Chronic illnesses or recovery time after an infection.
4. Negative external factors. For example, unfavorable environmental conditions.
5. Great emotional and physical stress.
6. Cancer prevention.
7. Preventing premature aging.
8. Stomach ulcer.
9. Dysbacteriosis.
10. Gastritis.
11. Eye diseases and visual impairments.
12. Helps to recover after surgery.

As a means for external use it is used for:

1. tonsillitis;
2. psoriasis;
3. excessive pigmentation;
4. dermatoses;
5. promotes rapid healing of wounds, burns, frostbite;
6. 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:

1. try to eat freshly prepared food whenever possible;
2. store vegetables and fruits in a dark place, at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees, as oxygen promotes the rapid decomposition of hydrocarbons;
3. season salads with sour cream or vegetable oil, cook porridge in milk;
4. 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;
5. 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.