beta-carotene
Evidence status
Limited evidence to recommend for any consumer outcome yet.
16 papers · 3 claims · 21 outcomes scored
Outcomes
What beta-carotene actually does, by outcome
Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.
Your eye's natural lens stays clearer longer, delaying or avoiding surgery.
Builds the protective pigment that shields your central vision from age.
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Dose | Weeks | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower cataract risk Probably doesn't help | | 1 meta-analysis n=87k Meta-analyzed | — | — | — |
| Protect against macular degeneration Not enough research | | 1 meta-analysis n=22k Meta-analyzed | — | 468 wk | — |
| Raise protective carotenoid levels Not enough research | | 3 RCTs n=— | 1.2–4000 IU | 26 wk | — |
Recommended beta-carotene products
Real products that dose beta-carotene where the research does, in a clean formulation, from brands we've audited. We only list ones we'd stand behind.
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Bluebonnet
D. Salina Beta-Carotene 25,000 IU
Well dosed 3,750 mcg/day A formulaBrand audit 82/100
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NATURELO Premium Supplements
Whole Food Multivitamin for Teens
Well dosed 1,350 mcg RAE/day A formula -
NATURELO Premium Supplements
Whole Food Multivitamin for Teen Guys
Well dosed 1,350 mcg RAE/day A formula -
NATURELO
Whole Food Multivitamin for Men
Well dosed 1,000 mcg RAE/day A formula -
Isotonix
Multivitamin
Well dosed 10,000 IU/day B formula -
Amazon Elements
Men's 40+ One Daily
Well dosed 5,000 IU/day B formula
Chosen for adequate beta-carotene dosing vs. the studied range, a clean formulation (grade A–C), and independent brand-quality audits. Not sponsored.
Risk profile
Adverse events and known drug interactions
Safety events
Sources
- 1. Effects of beta-carotene supplementation for six months on clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with cystic fibrosis. (2001) ↑
- 2. Low-dose beta-carotene supplementation and deworming improve serum vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations in preschool children of Bangladesh. (2010) ↑
- 3. Effects of Mixed Carotenoids on Adipokines and Abdominal Adiposity in Children: A Pilot Study. (2017) ↑
- 4. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing age-related macular degeneration. (2017) ↑
- 5. Antioxidant vitamin supplementation for preventing and slowing the progression of age-related cataract. (2012) ↑
- 6. β-Carotene Supplementation and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (2022) ↑
- 7. Effects of alpha tocopherol and beta carotene supplements on symptoms, progression, and prognosis of angina pectoris. (1998) ↑
- 8. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. (2022) ↑
- 9. Effects of α-tocopherol and β-carotene supplementation on liver cancer incidence and chronic liver disease mortality in the ATBC study. (2014) ↑
- 10. The Effect of Randomized Beta-Carotene Supplementation on CKD in Men. (2024) ↑
Generated August 14, 2026