Beta Carotene
Beta Carotene is a natural pigment found in fruits and vegetables that acts as a provitamin A, converting into vitamin A as needed by the body, and is primarily used as a dietary supplement.
Beta Carotene is a vitamin A precursor supplement used to prevent deficiency and support eye health, skin health, and immune function.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- unclassified
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Beta Carotene
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Macuvite with Lutein, B-Caro-T, Ocuvite, PreserVision
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 48
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, softgel, liquid
- Regions
- United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, Asia
- Monitoring
- blood vitamin A levels
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid excessive doses
limit intake to recommended dietary allowances; avoid high-dose supplements unless prescribed
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
continue normal dietary intake; supplementation only if deficient
none specific
geriatric
elderly over 65no adjustment needed
may be beneficial for age-related eye health; follow recommended daily allowance
periodic eye examinations
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing recommended
use age-appropriate formulations; do not exceed age-specific recommendations
none specific
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing generally safe
routine renal function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
monitor liver function; avoid high doses due to altered vitamin A metabolism
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol consumptionlimit intake
avoid high-dose supplements; alcohol may impair beta-carotene absorption and metabolism
periodic liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
General supplement usage information
Drug class
Classification as dietary supplement
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses in ophthalmology
Black box warning
Important safety consideration for beta carotene supplements
Treatment and prevention of vitamin A deficiency, support for eye health (especially night vision), immune system support, skin health maintenance, and as an antioxidant supplement for general wellness.
Beta Carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that the body converts into retinol (active vitamin A) through enzymatic processes in the intestinal mucosa and liver. As an antioxidant, it helps neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Generally safe when obtained from food sources; high-dose supplements may cause skin yellowing (carotenemia). Smokers should avoid high-dose beta carotene supplements due to associated lung cancer risk. Unlike preformed vitamin A, excess beta carotene is not stored and is instead excreted, making toxicity unlikely from dietary sources.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy