Betacarotene
Betacarotene Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Beta-carotene, with the molecular formula C40H56, belongs to the group of carotenoids consisting of isoprene units. The presence of long chains of conjugated double bonds donates beta-carotene with specific colors. It is the most abundant form of carotenoid and it is a precursor of the vitamin A. Beta-carotene is composed of two retinyl groups. It is an antioxidant that can be found in yellow, orange and green leafy vegetables and fruits. Under the FDA, beta-carotene is considered as a generally recognized as safe substance (GRAS).
Oral administration of beta-carotene increases the serum concentration of beta-carotene by 60% but it does not change the concentration found in the heart, liver or kidneys. In vitro studies in hepatocytes have shown that beta-carotene ameliorates oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant activity and decreases apoptosis.
Other than the antioxidant activities, some other actions have been correlated to beta-carotene. It is thought to have detoxifying properties, as well as to help increase resistance to inflammation and infection and increase immune response and enhance RNA production.
| Trade Name | Betacarotene |
| Generic | Beta carotene |
| Beta carotene Other Names | Beta carotene, beta-carotene, Betacarotene |
| Type | |
| Formula | C40H56 |
| Weight | Average: 536.888 Monoisotopic: 536.438201803 |
| Protein binding | Beta-carotene is thought to be highly bound to plasma proteins. It is registered to be retained by the chylomicron and transported in VLDL. After absorption, beta-carotene is rapidly transformed to retinol which is highly bound to a high number of plasma proteins. |
| Groups | Approved, Nutraceutical |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Betacarotene is a vitamin A precursor found in various nutritional supplements and health products.
Beta-carotene is FDA approved to be used as a nutrient supplement and to be even added in infant formula as a source of vitamin A. It is also approved to be used as a color additive for food products, drugs (with the label of "only as a color additive") and cosmetics.
It is used commonly for the reduction of photosensitivity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases.
Betacarotene is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Deficiency, Vitamin A, Nutritional supplementation
How Betacarotene works
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that presents significant efficacy against the reactive oxygen species singlet oxygen. Beta-carotene acts as a scavenger of lipophilic radicals within the membranes of every cell compartments. It also presents an oxidative modification of LDL. The presence of long chains of conjugated double bonds is responsible for its antioxidative properties by allowing beta-carotene to chelate oxygen-free radicals and dissipate their energy. The chelation of free radicals inhibits the peroxidation of lipids.
The effect of beta-carotene in the immune response is thought to be related to the direct effect on the thymus which increases the production of immune cells.
Toxicity
Beta-carotene is not toxic but the high and constant administration of this substance can translate into skin yellow coloration. Some reports have indicated that administration of high and periodic doses of beta-carotene are correlated to the increase in cancer incidence. This risk seems to be very elevated in the case of smokers. The registered LD50 of beta-carotene is >5000 mg/kg.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Volume of Distribution
No pharmacokinetic studies have been performed regarding the volume of distribution of beta-carotene.
Elimination Route
After administration of beta-carotene, some of the administered dose is absorbed into the circulatory system unchanged and stored in the fat tissue. The coadministration of beta-carotene and a high-fat content diet is correlated to a better absorption of beta-carotene. The absorption is also dependent on the isomeric form of the molecule where the cis conformation seems to present a higher bioavailability. The absorption of beta-carotene is thought to be performed in 6-7 hours.
The reported AUC of beta-carotene when administered orally from 0 to 440 hours after initial administration was reported to be 26.3 mcg.h/L. The maximal concentration of beta-carotene is attained in a dual pharmacokinetic profile after 6 hours and again after 32 hours with a concentration of 0.58 micromol/L.
Half Life
The apparent half-life of beta-carotene is of 6-11 days after initial administration.
Clearance
The clearance rate of beta-carotene administered orally is 0.68 nmol/L each hour.
Elimination Route
The unabsorbed carotene is excreted in feces. It is also excreted in feces and urine as metabolites. The consumption of dietary fiber can increase the fecal excretion of fats and other fat-soluble compounds such as beta-carotene.
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