What it does
A carotenoid that the body can convert to vitamin A.
What symptoms can—and cannot—tell you
There is no established dietary deficiency syndrome for this specific botanical or compound. Symptoms are not evidence that you need this supplement.
Food sources
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and dark leafy greens.
Supplement forms
Beta-carotene appears in some single-ingredient and multivitamin products.
Before taking a supplement
High-dose supplements increase lung-cancer risk in smokers and some people exposed to asbestos. Food sources are different from high-dose supplements.
Questions for your visit
Could my diet, medicines, absorption or another condition explain my concern? What evidence would support treatment, and how would we check whether it helps?
Names you may see
Beta-Carotene
Sources & perspective
This is an editorial adaptation of the Purser Wellness nutrient reference app. Purser teaching connections are labeled separately from clinical interpretation. Private cases and individual treatment protocols are not reproduced.
Use the public resources below for additional context.
NCCIH: using dietary supplements wisely
