Excess beta-carotene, a danger to the body

Subscribe to Vitónica

Receive an email a day with our articles:

We all know that vitamins are a necessary and fundamental nutrient for the proper functioning of our body and that is why we give them main importance in the diet through the intake of vegetables and fruits that contain them. It is true that it is necessary to maintain good levels in the body for it to function well, but going too far is not good. For this reason, on this occasion we are going to focus on the excess of beta-carotene that many people carry out systematically and the repercussions that it will have for our health.

Beta-carotene is vitamin A, necessary for the proper functioning of many fundamental organs in our body. The eyes and, above all, preserving sight in perfect condition is one of the main tasks that vitamin A has, in addition to ensuring that the skin of our body looks in perfect condition, free of flaking, redness and other ills derived from a lack of of this vitamin. Besides. Many internal mucous membranes of the body need it for their proper functioning, as well as the bones.

This type of vitamin is contained in an infinite number of foods, although some are notable for containing larger amounts such as orange and red fruits and vegetables. Oranges, carrots, strawberries, pumpkin, forest fruits such as blackberries or blueberries contain high amounts of beta-carotene. Its consumption is essential when it comes to achieving adequate levels, but in excess of these nutrients will have a series of side effects.

With the arrival of good weather and the first rays of sun, many people decide to resort to beta-carotene supplements that will considerably increase the amounts that we already obtain through food. The purpose of these supplements is to prepare the body, and especially the skin, for subsequent exposure to the sun, and thus achieve a much better tan in summer.

Damage to some organs

What many people don't know is that exceeding beta-carotene levels for a prolonged period of time is not advisable for our general health, since excess vitamin A will have a series of consequences. First of all, we are going to see that this excess will affect the organs that synthesize vitamin A for its proper functioning. With a continued excess we will be putting our eyesight, bones and even the general condition of the skin at risk.

Pregnant women

In the case of pregnant women, it is important to take care of the intake of beta-carotene and supplements that contain it, since there is a risk of suffering from an excess of this nutrient, causing it to have direct effects on the fetus that will result in malformations. This will not always happen like this, but the risk of it occurring is high. Therefore, it is necessary that we control this point to avoid unnecessary evils.

Some people need extra doses of beta-carotene

It is true that often in certain cases an extra intake of this vitamin is recommended, since the lifestyle of certain people causes our body to destroy reserves of this vitamin. This is the case of smokers, who need an extra supply of beta-carotene, as well as people who spend long hours in the sun, as the skin will run a huge risk of burning. In these cases, vitamin A in high amounts will be very useful, although it is always important to control your intake at all times.

Image | CLC Photography

Share Excess beta-carotene, a danger to the body