beta-caroteen - Vitamins & Supplements Message Board

sternrad941 · 01-15-2001, 12:51 PM

i was just wondering how toxic beta-caroteen can be if you take too much of it. i have acne and i hear beta-caroteen(vitamin a) and other vitamins can lead to healthy skin. but it looks like vitamin a is like the only vitamin that can hurt if you get too much. i have a book that says people take suplements ranging from 5,000 iu - 50,000 iu and that is the safe amounts. BUT..every pharmacist ive talked to says you should only take what is offered in your everyday multivitamin (like 15,000 iu in mine) and no more unless you talk to a doctor first. anyway..im confused about this and i need some people to reply asap..im anxious to know more..thanks!

[This message has been edited by sternrad941 (edited 01-15-2001).]

BigDave · 01-15-2001, 04:12 PM

I make fresh carrot juice every morning, (loaded with beta carrotene) and have never experienced any negatives except a slight orange tint to my hands and feet. I think the real stuff you get from fresh veggies is much better for you and can't lead to toxicity like pills and powders.

sternrad941 · 01-15-2001, 07:02 PM

thanks alot. i think thats good advice man because no matter how much carrot juice i have per day its not toxic. so ill be getting plenty of vitamin-a (Beta-C) and i dont have to worry about overdosing..awesome! thanks again dude!

Copper · 01-15-2001, 10:44 PM

naturopathic dr. Michael Murray states in his book: Encyclopedia of Nutritional Substances: "...beta-carotene does not produce any significant toxicity despite its use in very high doses....patients complain of 'loose stools', but this usually clears up...elevated carotene levels..do not lead to vitamin A toxicity..lead to..a yellowing of the skin....can, however, cause a neutropenia as well as menstrual disorders"

hope this helps inform

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Copper
Let Miracles Replace all Grievances

sternrad941 · 01-16-2001, 12:35 AM

COPPER:
im currently taking 20,000 iu of vit-a(75% beta-caroteen, 25% acetate) in a gnc multi-vitamin because i heard beta-caroteen can be good for people with problem skin (from acne) and people who have bad eyesight (mine is getting bad)..if i were to take more, like another 25,000iu on top of that, which would be 40,000iu + the 5,000iu from the acetate portion (so 45,000iu in total) ..do you think it would be ok? or do you think its better to stay away from the beta-caroteen suppletments and stick to just eating alot of carrots and things with b-c in it? because, a pharmacist did tell me one time that beta-caroteen collects in the body and too much can be toxic...i dunno what to think, just let me get your input..thanks!

[This message has been edited by sternrad941 (edited 01-16-2001).]