Beta-Carotene
13 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
239 products in our catalogue print how much Beta-Carotene a serving holds.
Most common: 1 mg to 2.5 mg, 25% of 239 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 50 mcg or less | 10 |
| 50 mcg to 100 mcg | 5 |
| 100 mcg to 250 mcg | 1 |
| 250 mcg to 500 mcg | 28 |
| 500 mcg to 1 mg | 38 |
| 1 mg to 2.5 mg | 60 |
| 2.5 mg to 5 mg | 48 |
| 5 mg to 10 mg | 25 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 9 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 7 |
| over 50 mg | 8 |
Dose per serving from research
284 study groups in 194 studies say how much Beta-Carotene participants took a day.
These are the doses the studies gave. They are not a recommendation.
Most common: 10 mg to 25 mg, 43% of 284 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 1 mg or less | 11 |
| 1 mg to 2.5 mg | 15 |
| 2.5 mg to 5 mg | 12 |
| 5 mg to 10 mg | 46 |
| 10 mg to 25 mg | 122 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 58 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 11 |
| over 100 mg | 9 |
Commonly used together
167 of 291 study groups took Beta-Carotene with something else. Shown: what 3 or more different studies gave. The 10 most common of 17.
What was given together, not what works together.
| Taken with | Study groups |
|---|---|
| Vitamin E | 120 |
| Vitamin C | 98 |
| Zinc | 37 |
| Selenium | 30 |
| Vitamin A | 29 |
| Copper | 9 |
| Folic Acid | 8 |
| Lycopene | 6 |
| Iron | 5 |
| Vitamin D | 5 |
Benefit Evidence
Vitamin A, anemia, memory
Maternal mortality −49%
Carotenoids, survival, pain
Antioxidant photoprotection + skin redness
Carotenoids/pigmentation +10-67%
Better airflow, fewer exacerbations
Nasal dryness improved, dysplasia unchanged
Better airflow, fewer exacerbations
Nasal dryness improved, dysplasia unchanged
Research sources
Nutrient uptake (132)
- A Randomized Trial of a Novel Chewable Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
PubMed ID: 29500675
Chewable multivitamin post‑gastric bypass better maintained plasma β‑carotene and other micronutrients vs standard—direct evidence for maintaining nutrient status.
- Impact of biofortified maize consumption on serum carotenoid concentrations in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 29321687
Daily biofortified β‑carotene maize markedly raised serum β‑carotene in children—strong evidence for maintaining provitamin A nutrient balance.
- Multiple Micronutrients, Lutein, and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation during Lactation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 33339438
Maternal MMS including β‑carotene increased maternal blood and milk β‑carotene — direct demonstration of improved nutrient status.
- Effects of Individual Dietary Intervention on Nutrient Intake in Postpartum Japanese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 34579149
Individualized dietary counseling postpartum increased reported β‑carotene intake at 6 months — behaviorally improved nutrient intake.
- Reflection Spectroscopy-Assessed Skin Carotenoids Are Sensitive to Change in Carotenoid Intake in a 6-Week Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Sample
PubMed ID: 36804322
Controlled juice RCT produced dose‑dependent and substantial increases in plasma total carotenoids and skin carotenoid scores (clear nutrient‑status effect).
- Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplementation Prevents or Reverses Decline in Vitamin Biomarkers and Cellular Energy Metabolism in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
PubMed ID: 37375594
MV/MM raised plasma β‑carotene in older men (clear change in nutrient biomarker, RCT but mixed nutrients).
- Supplementation of red palm olein-enriched biscuits improves levels of provitamin A carotenes, iron, and erythropoiesis in vitamin A-deficient primary schoolchildren: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38240773
RPO in school biscuits increased serum provitamin A (α/β‑carotene), improved haemoglobin/iron markers and reduced microcytic anemia in deficient children—strong nutrient‑repletion evidence.
- Red palm olein biscuit supplementation modulates gut microbiota in vitamin A deficient rural Malaysian schoolchildren: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41125622
RPO biscuits raised provitamin A markers in vitamin A–deficient children — clear improvement in nutrient balance.
- Effects of cooking using multi-ply cookware on absorption of potassium and vitamins: a randomized double-blind placebo control study
PubMed ID: 22229802
Vegetable intervention increased plasma β‑carotene alongside improvements in related biomarkers—supports nutrient repletion.
- The effects of daily consumption of β-cryptoxanthin-rich tangerines and β-carotene-rich sweet potatoes on vitamin A and carotenoid concentrations in plasma and breast milk of Bangladeshi women with low vitamin A status in a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 24004891
Sweet potato feeding strongly increased plasma β‑carotene demonstrating bioavailability and contribution to vitamin A substrate (though milk retinol unchanged short‑term).
- Relationships between serum and colon concentrations of carotenoids and fatty acids in randomized dietary intervention trial
PubMed ID: 23592741
Dietary counseling increased serum carotenoids and modestly colon levels → demonstrates ability to alter carotenoid nutrient status via diet.
- Egg intake improves carotenoid status by increasing plasma HDL cholesterol in adults with metabolic syndrome
PubMed ID: 23128450
Three eggs/day increased plasma β‑carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin → dietary source improves carotenoid status.
- Nutrient intake in the GEICO multicenter trial: the effects of a multicomponent worksite intervention
PubMed ID: 23942177
Worksite diet intervention increased β‑carotene intake → practical means to maintain carotenoid nutrient balance.
- Biofortified orange maize is as efficacious as a vitamin A supplement in Zambian children even in the presence of high liver reserves of vitamin A: a community-based, randomized placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25411289
Orange (β‑carotene) maize clearly increased total body vitamin A reserves comparable to preformed vitamin A—strong evidence for maintaining vitamin A balance.
- Assessment of the effect of esterified propoxylated glycerol (EPG) on the status of fat-soluble vitamins and select water-soluble nutrients following dietary administration to humans for 8 weeks
PubMed ID: 25497998
EPG feeding reduced circulating β‑carotene and vitamin K1—demonstrates factors that can disrupt fat‑soluble vitamin balance.
- Biofortified yellow cassava and vitamin A status of Kenyan children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26675768
Yellow cassava RCT produced large serum β‑carotene increases and modest retinol gains—strong provitamin A bioefficacy evidence.
- Effects of a food-based intervention on markers of micronutrient status among Indian women of low socio-economic status
PubMed ID: 25677713
Food snack raised circulating β‑carotene in women—direct evidence of improving provitamin A status.
- Circulating IGF-1 may mediate improvements in haemoglobin associated with vitamin A status during pregnancy in rural Nepalese women
PubMed ID: 25740751
Analyses from supplementation trials linked retinol status to hematologic and growth mediators—supports importance of vitamin A balance.
- Provitamin A-biofortified maize increases serum β-carotene, but not retinol, in marginally nourished children: a cluster-randomized trial in rural Zambia
PubMed ID: 27169838
Large feeding trial showed raised serum β‑carotene after provitamin A maize—strong evidence for improving provitamin A status in populations.
- Gastrointestinal tolerance and plasma status of carotenoids, EPA and DHA with a fiber-enriched tube feed in hospitalized patients initiated on tube nutrition: Randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27126710
Carotenoid‑enriched tube feed promptly raised plasma carotenoids in hospitalized patients—practical evidence of nutrient repletion via feeding.
- Short term effects of palm-tocotrienol and palm-carotenes on vascular function and cardiovascular disease risk: A randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27760402
Supplementation raised plasma α‑ and β‑carotene demonstrating nutrient repletion though short‑term functional outcomes were unchanged.
- Dietary biomarker evaluation in a controlled feeding study in women from the Women's Health Initiative cohort
PubMed ID: 28031191
Controlled feeding validated serum β‑carotene as a reliable biomarker of intake (direct evidence for nutrient status monitoring).
- Increased intake of fruits and vegetables in overweight subjects: effects on body weight, body composition, metabolic risk factors and dietary intake
PubMed ID: 26996228
Dietary intervention doubled fruit/veg intake and increased serum β‑carotene—evidence for improved nutrient balance via diet change.
- Cardiovascular, Metabolic Effects and Dietary Composition of Ad-Libitum Paleolithic vs. Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Diets: A 4-Week Randomised Trial
PubMed ID: 27223304
Paleolithic diet raised serum β‑carotene and produced short‑term weight loss—supports diet‑driven nutrient status change.
- A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates on Intermediate Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer
PubMed ID: 28102098
Supplement (Juice PLUS+) produced very large serum β‑carotene increases, demonstrating robust change in nutrient status.
- Effect of increasing fruit and vegetable intake by dietary intervention on nutritional biomarkers and attitudes to dietary change: a randomised trial
PubMed ID: 28560503
Fruit/veg intervention raised plasma β‑carotene, vitamin C and folate demonstrating nutrient repletion from diet.
- High provitamin A carotenoid serum concentrations, elevated retinyl esters, and saturated retinol-binding protein in Zambian preschool children are consistent with the presence of high liver vitamin A stores
PubMed ID: 26178727
High provitamin A carotenoid levels and retinyl ester findings indicate altered vitamin A storage — nutrient balance implication.
- Effects of supplemental beta-carotene, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption on serum carotenoids in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study
PubMed ID: 9250116
Long‑term supplementation substantially altered serum carotenoid patterns — direct evidence of nutrient status modulation.
- Responsiveness of carotenoids to a high vegetable diet intervention designed to prevent breast cancer recurrence
PubMed ID: 9264275
Dietary intervention reliably raised serum beta‑carotene and other carotenoids — supports nutrient balance maintenance.
- Intervention study with a high or low antioxidant capacity diet: effects on circulating beta-carotene
PubMed ID: 19536163
Dietary intervention nearly doubled plasma beta‑carotene without supplement pills—strong dietary modulation of nutrient status.
- Beta-carotene's effects on serum lipoproteins and immunologic indices in humans
PubMed ID: 2000823
Dose‑related rise in plasma β‑carotene over weeks documents pharmacokinetics relevant to nutrient balance.
- Determinants of increase in plasma concentration of beta-carotene after chronic oral supplementation. The Skin Cancer Prevention Study Group
PubMed ID: 2035471
Large, consistent increases in plasma β‑carotene with predictors of variability document how supplementation alters nutrient status.
- Serum beta-carotene before and after beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 1348473
Two months of 20 mg/day produced a ~10‑fold serum rise without changing retinol/alpha‑tocopherol—clear effect on nutrient status.
- Reduction in plasma or skin alpha-tocopherol concentration with long-term oral administration of beta-carotene in humans and mice
PubMed ID: 1404449
Long‑term β‑carotene markedly lowered plasma alpha‑tocopherol (~40%), a clear nutrient interaction that affects balance.
- The Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) to prevent lung cancer in high-risk populations: pilot study with cigarette smokers
PubMed ID: 8348063
Large pilot supplementation markedly increased serum β‑carotene demonstrating robust systemic uptake and predictable nutrient level changes.
- The effect of long-term beta-carotene and vitamin A administration on serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol
PubMed ID: 7920211
Long‑term β‑carotene plus vitamin A supplementation did not reduce serum α‑tocopherol and slightly increased it — evidence of maintained nutrient balance between carotenoids and vitamin E.
- No effect of beta-carotene supplementation on plasma lipoproteins in healthy smokers
PubMed ID: 7942580
20 mg/day β‑carotene produced a 15‑fold plasma rise in smokers, demonstrating reliable nutrient repletion.
- Changes in serum carotenoids in subjects with colorectal adenomas after 24 mo of beta-carotene supplementation. Australian Polyp Prevention Project Investigators
PubMed ID: 7985637
Large randomized supplementation produced very large, sustained increases in serum beta‑carotene and other carotenoids—strong evidence of changing nutrient status.
- Carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and red blood cells after long-term beta-carotene supplementation in men
PubMed ID: 8599319
Physicians' Health Study: long‑term supplementation raised plasma/RBC/PBMC beta‑carotene substantially without lowering other carotenoids or vitamin E — strong evidence for maintaining/increasing beta‑carotene status.
- The effect of orlistat, an inhibitor of dietary fat absorption, on the pharmacokinetics of beta-carotene in healthy volunteers
PubMed ID: 8852391
Randomized crossover: orlistat reduced beta‑carotene absorption/AUC by ~33% — clinically relevant determinant of beta‑carotene nutrient status.
- Antioxidants, Helicobacter pylori and stomach cancer in Venezuela
PubMed ID: 8664811
Short antioxidant regimens including beta‑carotene raised plasma beta‑carotene — direct effect on nutrient levels.
- Randomised controlled trial of effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on plasma concentrations of lipids and antioxidants
PubMed ID: 9224079
Dietary intervention clearly raised plasma beta‑carotene and vitamin C—direct evidence for nutrient repletion.
- Effect of a two-year supplementation with low doses of antioxidant vitamins and/or minerals in elderly subjects on levels of nutrients and antioxidant defense parameters
PubMed ID: 9263186
Low‑dose vitamin/mineral supplementation normalized serum nutrient status including beta‑carotene over 2 years.
- Antioxidant nutrient supplementation reduces the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease
PubMed ID: 9247510
High‑dose antioxidant supplementation increased plasma beta‑carotene (nutrient repletion).
- Effects of 4 y of oral supplementation with beta-carotene on serum concentrations of retinol, tocopherol, and five carotenoids
PubMed ID: 9250109
Four‑year supplementation sustained increased serum β‑carotene with little change in retinol/E—important long‑term nutrient effect.
- Plasma concentrations of micronutrients during a nine-month clinical trial of beta-carotene in women with precursor cervical cancer lesions
PubMed ID: 9507512
30 mg/day beta‑carotene raised and maintained plasma beta‑carotene levels for 15 months — clear nutrient‑status maintenance evidence.
- Beta-carotene concentration in buccal mucosal cells with and without dysplastic oral leukoplakia after long-term beta-carotene supplementation in male smokers
PubMed ID: 9881881
Five–seven years of supplementation increased buccal mucosal beta‑carotene ~7‑fold — strong tissue‑level nutrient accumulation.
- Orange fruit is more effective than are dark-green, leafy vegetables in increasing serum concentrations of retinol and beta-carotene in schoolchildren in Indonesia
PubMed ID: 9808223
Dietary intervention with orange fruit produced marked rises in serum retinol and beta‑carotene in schoolchildren — clear nutrient impact from food sources.
- Effects of supplementation with a combination of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements, at nutritional doses, on biochemical indicators and markers of the antioxidant system in adult subjects
PubMed ID: 9627910
Multivitamin including beta‑carotene increased serum beta‑carotene and other vitamin/trace element levels — direct evidence of improving nutrient status.
- Effect of iron-, iodine-, and beta-carotene-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of primary school children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10075336
Fortified biscuits (iron, iodine, beta‑carotene) produced large, clinically important improvements in serum retinol, ferritin and anemia — direct evidence of maintaining and restoring nutrient balance.
- "The SU.VI.MAX Study": a primary prevention trial using nutritional doses of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in cardiovascular diseases and cancers. SUpplementation on VItamines et Minéraux AntioXydants
PubMed ID: 10541446
SU.VI.MAX trial (6 mg/day beta‑carotene) improved biochemical vitamin/trace‑element markers without excess levels after 2 years — supports maintenance of nutrient balance.
- Effects of reduced-fat diets consumed ad libitum on intake of nutrients, particularly antioxidant vitamins
PubMed ID: 10570677
Dietary intervention increased beta‑carotene intake and serum concentrations — clear effect on nutrient status.
- Plasma carotenoids are biomarkers of long-term high vegetable intake in women with breast cancer
PubMed ID: 10573560
High‑vegetable diet raised plasma beta‑carotene long‑term — evidence of maintaining/increasing nutrient levels.
- Retinol, vitamin D, carotenes and alpha-tocopherol in serum of a moderately hypercholesterolemic population consuming sitostanol ester margarine
PubMed ID: 10488954
Sitostanol margarine reduced serum beta‑carotene over one year — demonstrates impact on nutrient status from foods.
- Spreads enriched with three different levels of vegetable oil sterols and the degree of cholesterol lowering in normocholesterolaemic and mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects
PubMed ID: 10334658
Plant sterol intervention lowered circulating carotenoids (alpha+beta), showing diet interactions that affect beta‑carotene balance.
- Effects of low-fat stanol ester enriched margarines on concentrations of serum carotenoids in subjects with elevated serum cholesterol concentrations
PubMed ID: 10602355
Low‑fat stanol spreads in hypercholesterolemic subjects significantly lowered serum beta‑carotene — nutrient interaction evidence.
- Children's consumption of dark green, leafy vegetables with added fat enhances serum retinol
PubMed ID: 10419989
Dietary intervention with beta‑carotene–rich vegetables increased serum retinol and percent with adequate vitamin A in children.
- Effects of three-month oral supplementation of beta-carotene and vitamin C on serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins in middle-aged subjects: a pilot study for a randomized controlled trial to prevent gastric cancer in high-risk Japanese population
PubMed ID: 10835489
Dose‑dependent, large increases in serum beta‑carotene after supplementation — strong evidence of restoring/maintaining this nutrient.
- Amount of fat in the diet affects bioavailability of lutein esters but not of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in humans
PubMed ID: 10799382
Demonstrated that beta‑carotene absorption is relatively robust to meal fat content — relevant practical bioavailability information.
- Increasing vegetable and fruit intake: randomized intervention and monitoring in an at-risk population
PubMed ID: 10750670
Dietary counseling to increase fruits/vegetables produced sustained plasma beta‑carotene rises over 1 year — supports nutrient balance via diet.
- Red palm oil as a source of beta-carotene in a school biscuit used to address vitamin A deficiency in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11271856
Beta‑carotene‑fortified biscuits were acceptable and population retinol rose, but effect attribution was confounded by school feeding program.
- The effect of a biscuit with red palm oil as a source of beta-carotene on the vitamin A status of primary school children: a comparison with beta-carotene from a synthetic source in a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11477464
Randomized fortification with beta‑carotene (synthetic or red palm oil) significantly increased serum retinol in schoolchildren.
- Bioefficacy of beta-carotene dissolved in oil studied in children in Indonesia
PubMed ID: 11333850
Isotope labeling in children provided precise conversion efficiency (≈2.4 µg beta‑carotene → 1 µg retinol) and kinetics—strong evidence of nutritional role.
- Circulating levels of retinol, tocopherol and carotenoid in Nepali pregnant and postpartum women following long-term beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation
PubMed ID: 11360129
Weekly beta‑carotene in pregnant Nepali women increased serum retinol and carotenoids, improving maternal nutrient status.
- Increase in serum beta-carotene following dark green leafy vegetable supplementation in Mebendazole-treated school children in Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 11303489
Feeding dark green leafy vegetables raised serum beta‑carotene and produced a modest increase in retinol in schoolchildren.
- Comparison of the effects of supplemental red palm oil and sunflower oil on maternal vitamin A status
PubMed ID: 11566649
Red palm oil intervention clearly increased plasma and breast‑milk carotenoids and maintained milk retinol—direct provitamin A effect.
- Red palm oil in the maternal diet increases provitamin A carotenoids in breastmilk and serum of the mother-infant dyad
PubMed ID: 11315503
Maternal red palm oil produced larger increases in maternal and milk provitamin A carotenoids vs supplements—strong nutrient effect.
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
School biscuit fortified with beta‑carotene improved serum retinol, hemoglobin and ferritin while consumed—clear nutritional benefit.
- Effect of two years' supplementation with natural antioxidants on vitamin and trace element status biomarkers: preliminary data of the SU.VI.MAX study
PubMed ID: 11718454
Two‑year antioxidant supplementation reliably raised plasma beta‑carotene and other vitamins.
- Beta-carotene plasma levels and content in oral mucosal epithelium is skin type associated
PubMed ID: 12239432
Shows plasma and oral mucosal beta‑carotene vary with skin type and are lower in smokers—helps interpret nutrient status.
- Effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on plasma antioxidant concentrations and blood pressure: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12076551
Large dietary program increased plasma beta‑carotene robustly — strong evidence of maintaining/increasing status.
- The MRC/BHF Heart Protection Study: preliminary results
PubMed ID: 11831837
Large trial reported substantial increases in plasma beta‑carotene despite neutral clinical endpoints.
- MRC/BHF Heart Protection Study of antioxidant vitamin supplementation in 20,536 high-risk individuals: a randomised placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12114037
Same large trial showing ~4-fold blood beta‑carotene increase—evidence of nutrient status change.
- A randomized, 4-month mango and fat supplementation trial improved vitamin A status among young Gambian children
PubMed ID: 12468609
Dietary mango with fat raised plasma beta‑carotene and modestly increased retinol in children (improves vitamin A status).
- A European multicentre, placebo-controlled supplementation study with alpha-tocopherol, carotene-rich palm oil, lutein or lycopene: analysis of serum responses
PubMed ID: 11914107
Carotenoid supplementation produced large, specific rises in serum beta‑carotene in healthy adults (clear effect on nutrient levels).
- An increase in dietary carotenoids when consuming plant sterols or stanols is effective in maintaining plasma carotenoid concentrations
PubMed ID: 11756063
Dietary increase in carotenoid‑rich foods produced a clear ~13% rise in plasma beta‑carotene—direct evidence that intake affects beta‑carotene status/nutrient balance.
- Improved antioxidant and fatty acid status of patients with cystic fibrosis after antioxidant supplementation is linked to improved lung function
PubMed ID: 12499335
High‑dose antioxidant mix including 25 mg beta‑carotene raised plasma beta‑carotene.
- Behavioural counselling to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables in low income adults: randomised trial
PubMed ID: 12702620
Behavioral counseling modestly increased plasma beta‑carotene via greater fruit/vegetable intake.
- Plasma and buccal mucosal cell response to short-term supplementation with all trans-beta-carotene and lycopene in human volunteers
PubMed ID: 14612979
One week of supplementation raised plasma and buccal carotenoids — evidence of rapid nutritional repletion in tissues.
- A mixed fruit and vegetable concentrate increases plasma antioxidant vitamins and folate and lowers plasma homocysteine in men
PubMed ID: 12840177
Supplement (mixed concentrate) increased plasma beta‑carotene and folate — supports nutrient repletion though multi‑nutrient product.
- Complex multivitamin supplementation improves homocysteine and resistance to LDL-C oxidation
PubMed ID: 14559932
Multivitamin including beta‑carotene significantly increased plasma beta‑carotene concentrations — direct evidence of improving nutrient status.
- Red palm oil supplementation: a feasible diet-based approach to improve the vitamin A status of pregnant women and their infants
PubMed ID: 12891825
Red palm oil (beta‑carotene source) substantially raised maternal and infant retinol and reduced vitamin A deficiency — clear evidence for maintaining vitamin A balance.
- Zinc plus beta-carotene supplementation of pregnant women is superior to beta-carotene supplementation alone in improving vitamin A status in both mothers and infants
PubMed ID: 15531679
Pregnancy supplementation with beta‑carotene + zinc markedly improved maternal and infant vitamin A status and reduced infant deficiency by >30%.
- Effects of 6-month multivitamin supplementation on serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and vitamin C in healthy elderly women
PubMed ID: 15255454
Randomized trial: multivitamin with 9 mg beta‑carotene raised alpha‑tocopherol and maintained vitamin C and beta‑carotene levels—strong evidence for nutrient maintenance.
- On the importance of using multiple methods of dietary assessment
PubMed ID: 15475724
Dietary program (fruits/vegetables) significantly raised plasma beta‑carotene and related carotenoids.
- Daily consumption of Indian spinach (Basella alba) or sweet potatoes has a positive effect on total-body vitamin A stores in Bangladeshi men
PubMed ID: 15321812
Direct beta‑carotene supplementation increased total‑body vitamin A stores—clear effect on vitamin A balance.
- Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults
PubMed ID: 15190044
Fruit/vegetable concentrate raised serum beta‑carotene and vitamin C — clear change in nutrient balance.
- Behavioral variables and education are predictors of dietary change in the Women's Health Trial: Feasibility Study in Minority Populations
PubMed ID: 15020177
Nutrition education increased dietary beta‑carotene intake — behavioural evidence of improving nutrient balance.
- GLV supplements increased plasma beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and hemoglobin in young healthy adults
PubMed ID: 15834756
Controlled feeding markedly increased plasma beta‑carotene and other micronutrients, showing clear effect on nutrient balance.
- Effect of a fortified maize-meal porridge on anemia, micronutrient status, and motor development of infants
PubMed ID: 16280435
Fortified porridge improved hemoglobin and ferritin and included beta‑carotene among nutrients.
- Beta-carotene-rich orange-fleshed sweet potato improves the vitamin A status of primary school children assessed with the modified-relative-dose-response test
PubMed ID: 15883432
Orange‑fleshed sweet potato intervention improved vitamin A stores — direct evidence of improving micronutrient status.
- Daily intake of multivitamins during long-term intake of olestra in men prevents declines in serum vitamins A and E but not carotenoids
PubMed ID: 15930452
Olestra caused large drops in serum beta‑carotene not prevented by multivitamin, demonstrating dietary factors alter beta‑carotene status (nutrient balance concern).
- Effects of high fruit-vegetable and/or low-fat intervention on plasma micronutrient levels
PubMed ID: 16766775
Controlled dietary intervention increased plasma β‑carotene and other carotenoids over 1 year—demonstrates diet/supply effects on nutrient status.
- Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate
PubMed ID: 16988134
Fruit/veg concentrate raised plasma beta‑carotene significantly.
- Increases in plasma carotenoid concentrations in response to a major dietary change in the women's healthy eating and living study
PubMed ID: 17035395
Large behavioral intervention produced ~50% increase in circulating carotenoids including beta‑carotene.
- [Antioxidant supplements and risk of hypertension in the SU.VI.MAX trial: relationship to plasma antioxidants]
PubMed ID: 17061440
Baseline plasma beta‑carotene tertiles were associated with lower hypertension risk in men (nutrient status correlation).
- Supplementation with vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and selenium has no effect on anti-oxidant status and immune responses in allergic adults: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 17250690
Four weeks of antioxidant supplementation reliably raised serum beta‑carotene vs placebo.
- The effects of dietary advice and vouchers on the intake of fruit and fruit juice by pregnant women in a deprived area: a controlled trial
PubMed ID: 17381912
Food‑based intervention (juice vouchers) substantially raised serum β‑carotene in pregnant women—real‑world nutrient balance effect.
- The contribution of plant foods to the vitamin A supply of lactating women in Vietnam: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 17413113
Randomized dietary shifts raised maternal serum and breast‑milk retinol—demonstrates provitamin A contribution to nutrient balance.
- Carotene-rich plant foods ingested with minimal dietary fat enhance the total-body vitamin A pool size in Filipino schoolchildren as assessed by stable-isotope-dilution methodology
PubMed ID: 17413103
Controlled feeding in children produced ~5x serum β‑carotene and doubled vitamin A stores—strong evidence for maintaining vitamin A balance.
- Fruits and stir-fried vegetables increase plasma carotenoids in young adults
PubMed ID: 18042520
Short dietary intervention quickly raised plasma carotenoids in adults—supports ability to influence nutrient status.
- Effect of vitamin supplementation on breast milk concentrations of retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols in HIV-infected Tanzanian women
PubMed ID: 17940544
Direct, large increases in breast‑milk retinol and β‑carotene following supplementation—strong nutrient‑balance evidence.
- The effect of an increased intake of vegetables and fruit on weight loss, blood pressure and antioxidant defense in subjects with sleep related breathing disorders
PubMed ID: 17268408
Dietary advice increased blood carotenoids (β‑carotene) alongside metabolic improvements—nutrient status change.
- Serum lipid and antioxidant responses in hypercholesterolemic men and women receiving plant sterol esters vary by apolipoprotein E genotype
PubMed ID: 19056656
Plant sterol consumption caused genotype‑dependent decreases in serum β‑carotene—relevant to nutrient balance considerations.
- Dietary modification in patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance: a randomized, multicentre feasibility study
PubMed ID: 18218061
Telephone dietary counseling raised plasma β‑carotene and total carotenoids in men — demonstrates improved nutrient status from diet.
- Bioavailability and nutritional effects of carotenoids from organically and conventionally produced carrots in healthy men
PubMed ID: 19021920
Controlled carrot feeding significantly increased plasma α‑ and β‑carotene — strong evidence for improving provitamin A status via diet.
- No differences in DNA damage and antioxidant capacity between intervention groups of healthy, nonsmoking men receiving 2, 5, or 8 servings/day of vegetables and fruit
PubMed ID: 18444147
High fruit/vegetable intake raised plasma carotenoids including β‑carotene — supports dietary strategies to maintain nutrient balance.
- beta-Carotene and alpha-tocopherol in healthy overweight adults; depletion kinetics are correlated with adiposity
PubMed ID: 19391032
Concentrate dramatically increased serum β‑carotene and characterized depletion half‑life—direct bioavailability/nutrient balance evidence.
- Changes in vitamin biomarkers during a 2-year intervention trial involving increased fruit and vegetable consumption by free-living volunteers
PubMed ID: 19538812
Dietary fruit/vegetable intervention substantially increased serum carotenoids including β‑carotene—direct dietary evidence.
- The effect of a very high daily plant stanol ester intake on serum lipids, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins
PubMed ID: 19709787
Very high plant‑stanol ester intake significantly lowered serum β‑carotene—important evidence that other interventions can alter β‑carotene status.
- Serum lutein concentrations in healthy term infants fed human milk or infant formula with lutein
PubMed ID: 19672550
Infant formula fortification raised infant serum β‑carotene vs control—demonstrates dietary control of β‑carotene status in infants.
- Stearate-enriched plant sterol esters lower serum LDL cholesterol concentration in normo- and hypercholesterolemic adults
PubMed ID: 19535421
Plant sterol ester lowered LDL without reducing serum β‑carotene—shows some interventions spare β‑carotene status.
- Plant sterols from rapeseed and tall oils: effects on lipids, fat-soluble vitamins and plant sterol concentrations
PubMed ID: 19748247
Plant‑sterol margarines modestly reduced lipid‑adjusted β‑carotene—demonstrates diet–nutrient interactions affecting β‑carotene balance.
- Evaluation of cardiovascular risk and oxidative stress parameters in hypercholesterolemic subjects on a standard healthy diet including low-fat milk enriched with plant sterols
PubMed ID: 19889524
Healthy diet and plant‑sterol milk trial raised plasma β‑carotene—dietary context alters β‑carotene levels.
- Effects of multivitamin/mineral supplementation on plasma levels of nutrients. Report No. 4 of the Italian-American clinical trial of nutritional supplements and age-related cataract
PubMed ID: 19636163
Randomized long‑term multivitamin markedly raised plasma β‑carotene and other vitamins—strong direct evidence for improving nutrient status.
- Low-dose beta-carotene supplementation and deworming improve serum vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations in preschool children of Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 20635633
Low‑dose β‑carotene supplementation in preschoolers increased serum β‑carotene and improved serum retinol (clear nutrient‑balance effect).
- Effects of phytosterol ester-enriched low-fat milk on serum lipoprotein profile in mildly hypercholesterolaemic patients are not related to dietary cholesterol or saturated fat intake
PubMed ID: 20456813
Phytosterol milk trial showed that background diet determines effects on plasma β‑carotene—practical nutrient‑balance finding.
- Effects of a school-based intervention on adherence of 7-9-year-olds to food-based dietary guidelines and intake of nutrients
PubMed ID: 20409359
School program increased fruit/veg intake and beta‑carotene intake in children—clear improvement in nutrient intake balance.
- Effect of dietary fat supplementation during late pregnancy and first six months of lactation on maternal and infant vitamin A status in rural Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 20824976
Adding soybean oil in pregnancy/lactation improved plasma retinol and reduced postpartum declines in β‑carotene—improved provitamin A status.
- Increased vitamin plasma levels in Swedish military personnel treated with nutrients prior to automatic weapon training
PubMed ID: 22122960
Direct supplementation raised plasma β‑carotene ~2×, showing clear impact on provitamin A nutrient status.
- Fruit and vegetable intakes in relation to plasma nutrient concentrations in women in Shanghai, China
PubMed ID: 21729475
Observed correlations between FV intake and plasma β‑carotene validate dietary–biomarker relationships for nutrient balance.
- Effect of zinc- and micronutrient-rich food supplements on zinc and vitamin A status of adolescent girls
PubMed ID: 22129855
Controlled food interventions substantially increased plasma β‑carotene and retinol (vitamin A) in adolescent girls.
- A randomized parallel-group dietary study for stages II-IV ovarian cancer survivors
PubMed ID: 22119991
Encapsulated FV juice powders increased serum total carotenoids and β‑carotene in a randomized trial.
- Reduction of LDL-cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic Thais with plant stanol ester-fortified soy milk
PubMed ID: 22256472
Stanol-ester soy milk trial reduced circulating β‑carotene, demonstrating an interaction that affects nutrient balance/status.
- β-Carotene in Golden Rice is as good as β-carotene in oil at providing vitamin A to children
PubMed ID: 22854406
Direct evidence that β‑carotene from Golden Rice converts efficiently to retinol and can supply a large fraction of vitamin A RNI in children.
- Insulin resistance and adiposity in relation to serum β-carotene levels
PubMed ID: 22381025
Juice concentrate raised serum β‑carotene markedly—demonstrates ability to increase circulating carotenoid status (nutrient balance).
- Associations of soluble fiber, whole fruits/vegetables, and juice with plasma Beta-carotene concentrations in a free-living population of breast cancer survivors
PubMed ID: 23127215
Observational evidence that juice form gives higher plasma β‑carotene than whole foods—absorption/biomarker relevance to nutrient balance.
- Introduction of β-carotene-rich orange sweet potato in rural Uganda resulted in increased vitamin A intakes among children and women and improved vitamin A status among children
PubMed ID: 22875553
Orange sweet potato programs raised vitamin A intake and improved serum retinol status in children—clear nutrient‑balance effect.
- Micronutrient deficiency in obese subjects undergoing low calorie diet
PubMed ID: 22657586
Documents widespread low β‑carotene intake/status in obesity and limited correction by a DRI formula diet—relevant to nutrient balance considerations.
- Daily consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato for 60 days increased plasma β-carotene concentration but did not increase total body vitamin A pool size in Bangladeshi women
PubMed ID: 22933750
OFSP feeding raised plasma β‑carotene though did not expand total body vitamin A stores—clear impact on circulating carotenoid levels.
- Effect of vitamin A supplementation on clinical evolution in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, according to serum levels of zinc
PubMed ID: 23588448
Vitamin A supplementation increased retinol and β‑carotene levels postoperatively—improves nutrient markers.
- Effects of chronic consumption of fruit and vegetable puree-based drinks on vasodilation, plasma oxidative stability and antioxidant status
PubMed ID: 22831286
Fruit/vegetable puree drinks reliably raised plasma α‑ and β‑carotene—direct nutrient‑balance evidence.
Growth support (49)
- A randomised controlled trial to test equivalence between retinyl palmitate and beta carotene for vitamin A deficiency
PubMed ID: 8251808
In children with vitamin A deficiency, β‑carotene corrected ocular cytology, supporting developmental health in deficient populations.
- The effect of antenatal vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation on gut integrity of infants of HIV-infected South African women
PubMed ID: 11396815
Antenatal vitamin A (incl. beta‑carotene) prevented gut barrier decline in infected infants — strong developmental support.
- High provitamin A carotenoid serum concentrations, elevated retinyl esters, and saturated retinol-binding protein in Zambian preschool children are consistent with the presence of high liver vitamin A stores
PubMed ID: 26178727
Evidence of high vitamin A stores in children from provitamin A carotenoids supports development where diets are deficient.
- Red palm olein biscuit supplementation modulates gut microbiota in vitamin A deficient rural Malaysian schoolchildren: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41125622
RPO biscuits increased provitamin A markers in vitamin A–deficient children — strong relevance to development in deficient populations.
- New infant formulas for healthy term infants: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, non-inferiority design safety study
PubMed ID: 41406156
Infant formulas containing β‑carotene (and human‑milk components) supported expected growth (non‑inferiority) and changed stool biochemistry—supports development (mixed formula).
- Supplementation of red palm olein-enriched biscuits improves levels of provitamin A carotenes, iron, and erythropoiesis in vitamin A-deficient primary schoolchildren: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38240773
RPO biscuits in vitamin‑A deficient children increased provitamin A status and improved anemia—public‑health evidence for supporting child development via provitamin A.
- Prenatal and childhood exposures are associated with thymulin concentrations in young adolescent children in rural Nepal
PubMed ID: 31475652
Randomized maternal β‑carotene (and vitamin A) associated with modestly higher child thymulin concentration and slight gestational/height effects — evidence for developmental influence.
- Maternal vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation in lactating bangladeshi women benefits mothers and infants but does not prevent subclinical deficiency
PubMed ID: 10024613
Postpartum beta‑carotene increased maternal stores and raised milk vitamin A by 9 months — directly relevant to infant development/nutrition.
- Impact of biofortified maize consumption on serum carotenoid concentrations in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 29321687
Biofortified β‑carotene maize increased provitamin A in children—direct nutritional support for development through vitamin A precursors.
- Circulating IGF-1 may mediate improvements in haemoglobin associated with vitamin A status during pregnancy in rural Nepalese women
PubMed ID: 25740751
Maternal retinol status linked to IGF‑1 and higher hemoglobin, mediating improved growth/anemia outcomes—supports developmental processes.
- Biofortified yellow cassava and vitamin A status of Kenyan children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26675768
Biofortified cassava in schoolchildren increased provitamin A and retinol—strong evidence supporting developmental nutrient needs.
- Biofortified orange maize is as efficacious as a vitamin A supplement in Zambian children even in the presence of high liver reserves of vitamin A: a community-based, randomized placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25411289
Orange maize increased vitamin A reserves, relevant to maternal/infant nutritional status and development.
- Improving women's diet quality preconceptionally and during gestation: effects on birth weight and prevalence of low birth weight--a randomized controlled efficacy trial in India (Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Project)
PubMed ID: 25332324
Food‑based preconception/pregnancy intervention including β‑carotene produced modest increases in newborn weight in some analyses.
- Female dietary antioxidant intake and time to pregnancy among couples treated for unexplained infertility
PubMed ID: 24355050
Observational associations of supplemental β‑carotene with shorter time‑to‑pregnancy in some subgroups suggest potential reproductive/developmental relevance for some women.
- Increase in serum beta-carotene following dark green leafy vegetable supplementation in Mebendazole-treated school children in Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 11303489
Dietary beta‑carotene increased retinol in schoolchildren, supporting nutritional needs for growth/development.
- Comparison of the effects of supplemental red palm oil and sunflower oil on maternal vitamin A status
PubMed ID: 11566649
Red palm oil increased maternal and milk provitamin A and maintained milk retinol—supports infant vitamin A supply for development.
- Red palm oil in the maternal diet increases provitamin A carotenoids in breastmilk and serum of the mother-infant dyad
PubMed ID: 11315503
Maternal red palm oil led to larger increases in maternal and milk carotenoids vs supplements—relevant to infant nutrition/development.
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
Fortified biscuit improved vitamin A and other micronutrients in schoolchildren—direct developmental nutrition benefit while fed.
- Effects of vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy and early lactation on body weight of South African HIV-infected women
PubMed ID: 11761770
Vitamin A with beta‑carotene improved postpartum outcomes in HIV+ women—implications for maternal/infant health in vulnerable groups.
- A randomized, 4-month mango and fat supplementation trial improved vitamin A status among young Gambian children
PubMed ID: 12468609
Mango supplementation in Gambian children raised beta‑carotene and modestly improved retinol (vitamin A status important for child development).
- Red palm oil supplementation: a feasible diet-based approach to improve the vitamin A status of pregnant women and their infants
PubMed ID: 12891825
Red palm oil raised maternal/infant retinol and reduced deficiency and maternal anemia — directly supports fetal/infant nutritional development.
- Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in rural Nepal. Risk factors and effects of beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation
PubMed ID: 14749738
Large community trial in Nepal showed markedly reduced pregnancy‑related maternal mortality with beta‑carotene supplementation — supports maternal survival and indirectly child development context.
- Effects of a combined micronutrient supplementation on maternal biological status and newborn anthropometrics measurements: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in apparently healthy pregnant women
PubMed ID: 14679367
Pregnancy multivitamin (including beta‑carotene) raised maternal micronutrients and increased newborn birth weight by ~10% — strong developmental outcome (multi‑nutrient).
- Zinc plus beta-carotene supplementation of pregnant women is superior to beta-carotene supplementation alone in improving vitamin A status in both mothers and infants
PubMed ID: 15531679
Maternal beta‑carotene + zinc markedly improved infant vitamin A status and reduced deficiency — strong support for infant development via nutrient provision.
- Effect of a fortified maize-meal porridge on anemia, micronutrient status, and motor development of infants
PubMed ID: 16280435
Fortified porridge including beta‑carotene improved hemoglobin, ferritin and motor development scores in infants.
- Beta-carotene-rich orange-fleshed sweet potato improves the vitamin A status of primary school children assessed with the modified-relative-dose-response test
PubMed ID: 15883432
Beta‑carotene‑rich sweet potato improved vitamin A stores in children — critical for growth/development.
- Synergy between mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms and supplementation with vitamin A influences susceptibility to HIV infection in infants born to HIV-positive mothers
PubMed ID: 16960176
Maternal vitamin A + beta‑carotene supplementation reduced HIV transmission in infants with certain MBL‑2 genotypes (developmental relevance).
- The contribution of plant foods to the vitamin A supply of lactating women in Vietnam: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 17413113
Maternal provitamin A foods increased serum/breast‑milk retinol—directly relevant to infant development via vitamin A transfer.
- Carotene-rich plant foods ingested with minimal dietary fat enhance the total-body vitamin A pool size in Filipino schoolchildren as assessed by stable-isotope-dilution methodology
PubMed ID: 17413103
Feeding carotene‑rich foods to children doubled vitamin A stores and corrected deficiency—strong support for development.
- Multivitamin supplementation improves hematologic status in HIV-infected women and their children in Tanzania
PubMed ID: 17490971
Multivitamin interventions in HIV‑infected pregnant women produced beneficial hematologic effects—supports maternal/child health/development context.
- Effect of vitamin supplementation on breast milk concentrations of retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols in HIV-infected Tanzanian women
PubMed ID: 17940544
Large increases in milk retinol/β‑carotene after supplementation support infant vitamin A–dependent development.
- Newborn vitamin A supplementation reduced infant mortality in rural Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 18595969
Neonatal vitamin A supplementation reduced infant mortality — relevant to vitamin A biology though not β‑carotene specifically.
- Serum lutein concentrations in healthy term infants fed human milk or infant formula with lutein
PubMed ID: 19672550
Infant formula fortification with lutein (and effects on β‑carotene) raised infant carotenoid status—relevant to early development nutrition.
- Low-dose beta-carotene supplementation and deworming improve serum vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations in preschool children of Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 20635633
Randomized trial in preschool children showed that low‑dose β‑carotene (with deworming) raised serum β‑carotene and improved retinol—direct evidence for developmental nutrient support.
- Effect of zinc- and micronutrient-rich food supplements on zinc and vitamin A status of adolescent girls
PubMed ID: 22129855
Adolescent nutritional intervention increased vitamin A markers relevant to growth and development.
- Effect of carotenoid supplementation on plasma carotenoids, inflammation and visual development in preterm infants
PubMed ID: 21760585
Preterm infant RCT raised carotenoids, reduced inflammation and improved retinal function—direct developmental relevance.
- β-Carotene in Golden Rice is as good as β-carotene in oil at providing vitamin A to children
PubMed ID: 22854406
Golden Rice providing β‑carotene converts to vitamin A and supplies a high % of child vitamin A RNI—important for child development.
- Introduction of β-carotene-rich orange sweet potato in rural Uganda resulted in increased vitamin A intakes among children and women and improved vitamin A status among children
PubMed ID: 22875553
Community interventions with orange sweet potato improved child vitamin A status—supports developmental nutrient needs.
- Provitamin A-biofortified maize consumption increases serum xanthophylls and (13)C-natural abundance of retinol in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 28836851
Provitamin A maize increased conversion to retinol (vitamin A) measurable in serum—supports developmental needs for vitamin A.
- Children's consumption of dark green, leafy vegetables with added fat enhances serum retinol
PubMed ID: 10419989
Large randomized feeding trial: beta‑carotene–rich leafy veg with fat raised children's vitamin A levels and adequacy — directly relevant to child development/nutrition.
- Vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation reduces symptoms of illness in pregnant and lactating Nepali women
PubMed ID: 11053506
Weekly beta‑carotene/vitamin A in pregnancy reduced night‑blindness and some maternal illness symptoms — relevant to maternal/infant health and development contexts.
- Night blindness during pregnancy and subsequent mortality among women in Nepal: effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 10997544
Large Nepali trial: vitamin A/beta‑carotene greatly lowered maternal and infection mortality — strong support for maternal and neonatal development outcomes.
- The effect of a biscuit with red palm oil as a source of beta-carotene on the vitamin A status of primary school children: a comparison with beta-carotene from a synthetic source in a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11477464
Child fortification trials increased vitamin A status, supporting child development where deficiency risks exist.
- Bioefficacy of beta-carotene dissolved in oil studied in children in Indonesia
PubMed ID: 11333850
Conversion efficiency data show beta‑carotene as an effective source of vitamin A for children, relevant to development.
- Circulating levels of retinol, tocopherol and carotenoid in Nepali pregnant and postpartum women following long-term beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation
PubMed ID: 11360129
Weekly beta‑carotene supplementation in pregnant women increased serum retinol—important for fetal development in populations with low baseline vitamin A.
- Randomized trial testing the effect of vitamin A supplementation on pregnancy outcomes and early mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission in Durban, South Africa. South African Vitamin A Study Group
PubMed ID: 10465076
In HIV+ pregnant women vitamin A/beta‑carotene regimen reduced preterm births — relevant to fetal development/healthy outcomes.
- Double blind, cluster randomised trial of low dose supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene on mortality related to pregnancy in Nepal. The NNIPS-2 Study Group
PubMed ID: 10037634
Cluster‑randomized field trial in undernourished pregnant women: weekly beta‑carotene supplements markedly lowered pregnancy‑related mortality — strong developmental/maternal health evidence.
- Effect of iron-, iodine-, and beta-carotene-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of primary school children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10075336
Fortification improved vitamin A status, reduced anemia and improved cognitive performance in schoolchildren — strong evidence for supporting child development.
- Vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation reduces but does not eliminate maternal night blindness in Nepal
PubMed ID: 9732305
Large maternal supplementation program reduced night blindness during pregnancy/postpartum (maternal vitamin A status important for pregnancy and infant outcomes).
Antioxidant (71)
- Effects of supplemental beta-carotene, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption on serum carotenoids in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study
PubMed ID: 9250116
Long‑term beta‑carotene supplementation produced durable changes in serum carotenoids, supporting antioxidant substrate increase.
- Antioxidant status and risk of cancer in the SU.VI.MAX study: is the effect of supplementation dependent on baseline levels?
PubMed ID: 16115341
SU.VI.MAX (including 6 mg β‑carotene) lowered cancer incidence in men and is framed as an antioxidant supplement—supports a role in antioxidant protection (multi‑nutrient trial).
- Dietary Nutrient Intake and Progression to Late Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2
PubMed ID: 32858063
Higher dietary β‑carotene associated with lower AMD progression; retinal oxidative stress is a proposed mechanism (observational support).
- Complementary therapy in diabetic patients with chronic complications: a pilot study
PubMed ID: 20586147
Small diabetic pilot: antioxidant treatment raised plasma β‑carotene and improved oxidative markers—direct support for antioxidant boosting.
- Early enteral supplementation with key pharmaconutrients improves Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score in critically ill patients with sepsis: outcome of a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial
PubMed ID: 18007263
Pharmaconutrition in sepsis increased serum β‑carotene and sped organ‑recovery—consistent with enhanced antioxidant protection (multi‑component formula).
- Usefulness of antioxidant vitamins in suspected acute myocardial infarction (the Indian experiment of infarct survival-3)
PubMed ID: 8607399
In suspected AMI patients, antioxidant therapy including β‑carotene increased plasma β‑carotene and reduced infarct markers and events—strong clinical signal consistent with antioxidant protection (multi‑component regimen).
- Effects of antioxidant supplementation on platelet function: a randomized pair-matched, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in men with low antioxidant status
PubMed ID: 1826987
Antioxidant tablet including β‑carotene reduced serum lipid peroxides and platelet activation markers (multi‑nutrient confounding).
- Investigation of the effects of oral administration of vitamin E and beta-carotene on the chemiluminescence responses and the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in circulating leukocytes from cigarette smokers
PubMed ID: 2167623
40 mg/day β‑carotene in smokers progressively inhibited phagocyte luminol chemiluminescence (reduced oxidant generation) — direct antioxidant/oxidative‑stress relevant finding.
- Determinants of increase in plasma concentration of beta-carotene after chronic oral supplementation. The Skin Cancer Prevention Study Group
PubMed ID: 2035471
Very large plasma increases with supplementation indicate greater availability for antioxidant activity.
- Beta-carotene supplementation in smokers reduces the frequency of micronuclei in sputum
PubMed ID: 1457358
Randomized double‑blind trial in smokers showed substantial reductions in a sputum DNA‑damage biomarker after β‑carotene.
- Decreased excretion of thioethers in urine of smokers after the use of beta-carotene
PubMed ID: 1399032
Randomized trial in smokers produced modest reductions in urinary electrophile‑detoxification markers with β‑carotene.
- Antioxidant vitamins and low-density-lipoprotein oxidation
PubMed ID: 8379508
Controlled combined antioxidant supplements (including β‑carotene) raised antioxidant concentrations and extended LDL oxidation lag time.
- No effect of beta-carotene supplementation on plasma lipoproteins in healthy smokers
PubMed ID: 7942580
Large rise in plasma β‑carotene in smokers after 20 mg/day provides biochemical substrate for antioxidant protection.
- Effects of beta-carotene supplementation on lipid peroxidation in humans
PubMed ID: 8147334
β‑carotene lowered breath‑pentane in smokers (~26% reduction) showing reduced lipid peroxidation — direct antioxidant marker improvement.
- Increase in oxidation resistance of atherogenic serum lipoproteins following antioxidant supplementation: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 8001520
Antioxidant regimen including β‑carotene raised plasma β‑carotene +209% and increased lipoprotein oxidation lag time (clear antioxidant effect).
- Effect of 6 month supplementation with different combinations of an association of antioxidant nutrients on biochemical parameters and markers of the antioxidant defence system in the elderly. The Geriatrie/Min.Vit.Aox Network
PubMed ID: 8862480
Elderly RCT: supplementation raised serum beta‑carotene and antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, SOD) — direct support for enhanced antioxidant protection.
- Effect of a two-year supplementation with low doses of antioxidant vitamins and/or minerals in elderly subjects on levels of nutrients and antioxidant defense parameters
PubMed ID: 9263186
Low‑dose multinutrient including beta‑carotene improved red cell resistance to oxidative challenge.
- Antioxidant nutrient supplementation reduces the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease
PubMed ID: 9247510
Large increase in LDL oxidation lag time with high‑dose antioxidant regimen including beta‑carotene — strong antioxidant protection signal.
- Peroxidation of LDL from combined-hyperlipidemic male smokers supplied with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
PubMed ID: 9409230
Antioxidant supplementation (incl. 15 mg beta‑carotene) increased LDL resistance to oxidation in smokers.
- Effects of 4 y of oral supplementation with beta-carotene on serum concentrations of retinol, tocopherol, and five carotenoids
PubMed ID: 9250109
Four years of 25 mg/day produced a sustained moderate rise in serum β‑carotene, consistent with long‑term antioxidant availability.
- Effect of supplemental beta-carotene on plasma concentrations of carotenoids, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol in humans
PubMed ID: 9734742
50 mg/day led to ~9–10‑fold plasma rise, supporting potential antioxidant effects systemically.
- Effects of supplementation with a combination of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements, at nutritional doses, on biochemical indicators and markers of the antioxidant system in adult subjects
PubMed ID: 9627910
Multivitamin (with 6 mg beta‑carotene) produced clear rises in serum beta‑carotene and increases in GPx activity — strong biomarker evidence of enhanced antioxidant protection.
- Effect of the antioxidants selenium and beta-carotene on HIV-related endothelium dysfunction
PubMed ID: 9869176
In HIV patients, beta‑carotene (or selenium) prevented increases in endothelial damage markers over 1 year — consistent with protection against oxidative/endothelial injury.
- LDL oxidizability and antioxidative status of plasma in vegetarians
PubMed ID: 9895420
Vegetarians with higher plasma beta‑carotene had lower LDL TBARS and higher total antioxidant status — associative evidence linking beta‑carotene to antioxidant protection.
- [Effects of vitamins E, C and beta-carotene on DNA damage]
PubMed ID: 11864448
Trial showed increased serum beta‑carotene and reduced induced DNA damage when combined with vitamins C and E.
- Antioxidants, but not B-group vitamins increase the resistance of low-density lipoprotein to oxidation: a randomized, factorial design, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10407503
Antioxidant mix (with beta‑carotene) extended LDL oxidation lag time significantly.
- Effect of antioxidant supplementation on urine and blood markers of oxidative stress during extended moderate-altitude training
PubMed ID: 10442154
High‑dose antioxidant regimen including large beta‑carotene dose prevented plasma LPO rise.
- Effects of three-month oral supplementation of beta-carotene and vitamin C on serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamins in middle-aged subjects: a pilot study for a randomized controlled trial to prevent gastric cancer in high-risk Japanese population
PubMed ID: 10835489
High‑dose beta‑carotene produced very large, dose‑dependent rises in serum beta‑carotene — increases antioxidant substrate availability.
- Enteral feeding with a solution enriched with antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E enhances the resistance to oxidative stress
PubMed ID: 11153621
Antioxidant formula including beta‑carotene increased plasma levels and improved LDL resistance to oxidation in critically ill patients.
- Effect of two years' supplementation with natural antioxidants on vitamin and trace element status biomarkers: preliminary data of the SU.VI.MAX study
PubMed ID: 11718454
Low‑dose antioxidant supplementation including beta‑carotene raised plasma beta‑carotene and other antioxidant vitamins over two years.
- Antioxidant effect of beta-carotene in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis: clinical and laboratory parameters of a pilot study
PubMed ID: 12200905
Increased antioxidant levels and decreased oxidative/inflammatory markers in children with CF/bronchiectasis.
- Dietary supplementation with a natural carotenoid mixture decreases oxidative stress
PubMed ID: 12947433
Supplement containing beta‑carotene increased plasma carotenoids and reduced oxidative damage markers—strongest antioxidant evidence in the dataset.
- Improved antioxidant and fatty acid status of patients with cystic fibrosis after antioxidant supplementation is linked to improved lung function
PubMed ID: 12499335
High‑dose antioxidant regimen including beta‑carotene increased plasma beta‑carotene and GPx activity.
- Plasma and buccal mucosal cell response to short-term supplementation with all trans-beta-carotene and lycopene in human volunteers
PubMed ID: 14612979
Rapid tissue uptake of beta‑carotene supports increased antioxidant presence in target tissues (biomarker evidence).
- Complex multivitamin supplementation improves homocysteine and resistance to LDL-C oxidation
PubMed ID: 14559932
Multivitamin with beta‑carotene increased plasma carotenoid and improved LDL oxidation markers — supports antioxidant capacity (multi‑ingredient).
- The SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals
PubMed ID: 15557412
Long‑term antioxidant/mineral regimen (with beta‑carotene) lowered cancer/mortality in men — consistent with enhanced antioxidant protection in that subgroup.
- Folate levels determine effect of antioxidant supplementation on micronuclei in subjects with cardiovascular risk
PubMed ID: 15548759
Supplement containing beta‑carotene improved FRAP, lowered MDA and micronucleus frequency—evidence for improved antioxidant capacity.
- Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults
PubMed ID: 15190044
Fruit/vegetable concentrate raised blood antioxidants including beta‑carotene.
- GLV supplements increased plasma beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and hemoglobin in young healthy adults
PubMed ID: 15834756
Green leafy vegetable feeding markedly raised plasma beta‑carotene and other antioxidants — clear increase in antioxidant nutrient status.
- Low intake of calcium, folate, nicotinic acid, vitamin E, retinol, beta-carotene and high intake of pantothenic acid, biotin and riboflavin are significantly associated with increased genome instability--results from a dietary intake and micronucleus index survey in South Australia
PubMed ID: 15705599
ACEZn supplement (contains beta‑carotene) modestly reduced micronucleus frequency, a marker of genome damage/oxidative stress.
- A community randomized controlled clinical trial of mixed carotenoids and micronutrient supplementation of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
PubMed ID: 16721396
High‑dose mixed carotenoids in AIDS doubled serum carotene and associated with improved survival—supports antioxidant reserve increase (mixed supplementation).
- Antioxidant supplementation lowers exercise-induced oxidative stress in young overweight adults
PubMed ID: 17189550
Combined antioxidant supplementation reduced exercise‑induced oxidative markers (RCT) supporting antioxidant protection.
- Modification of lymphocyte DNA damage by carotenoid supplementation in postmenopausal women
PubMed ID: 16400064
Randomized trial in postmenopausal women: carotenoid supplements (including β‑carotene) significantly reduced lymphocyte endogenous DNA damage (direct antioxidant protection).
- Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate
PubMed ID: 16988134
ORAC increased ~50% and plasma beta‑carotene rose after daily fruit/veg concentrate (contains beta‑carotene).
- Increases in plasma carotenoid concentrations in response to a major dietary change in the women's healthy eating and living study
PubMed ID: 17035395
Intensive dietary counseling raised total plasma carotenoids ~50%, increasing antioxidant substrates.
- Effect of low dose antioxidant vitamin and trace element supplementation on the urinary concentrations of thromboxane and prostacyclin metabolites
PubMed ID: 17914127
Low‑dose antioxidant supplement raised serum β‑carotene and lowered a urinary platelet‑activation/oxidative marker.
- Four week supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased protective serum antioxidants and folate and decreased plasma homocysteine in Japanese subjects
PubMed ID: 17704021
Concentrate raised serum carotenoids massively and reduced oxidative markers (direct antioxidant enhancement evidence).
- Plasma and dietary carotenoids are associated with reduced oxidative stress in women previously treated for breast cancer
PubMed ID: 17932348
Higher plasma β‑carotene/total carotenoids associated with significantly lower DNA oxidative damage in breast cancer survivors.
- Watercress supplementation in diet reduces lymphocyte DNA damage and alters blood antioxidant status in healthy adults
PubMed ID: 17284750
Daily watercress reduced lymphocyte DNA damage and raised plasma β‑carotene—direct oxidative‑damage evidence.
- The effects of cilostazol on exercise-induced ischaemia-reperfusion injury in patients with peripheral arterial disease
PubMed ID: 19112032
Cilostazol treatment was associated with reduced lipid hydroperoxide and increased serum β‑carotene (associative antioxidant signal).
- Correlation between two markers of inflammation, serum C-reactive protein and interleukin 6, and indices of oxidative stress in patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease
PubMed ID: 17852073
Inverse correlations between β‑carotene and inflammatory markers indicate antioxidant-related associations.
- [Study the effect of antioxidant vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene supplement on erythrocyte functions in elderly person]
PubMed ID: 18646528
Antioxidant supplementation including β‑carotene decreased H2O2‑induced erythrocyte hemolysis — direct functional antioxidant effect on cells.
- beta-Carotene and alpha-tocopherol in healthy overweight adults; depletion kinetics are correlated with adiposity
PubMed ID: 19391032
Clear evidence of large serum β‑carotene increases and sustained kinetics—supports capacity to raise antioxidant pool.
- Effects of antioxidant supplementation on insulin sensitivity, endothelial adhesion molecules, and oxidative stress in normal-weight and overweight young adults
PubMed ID: 19154960
Combined antioxidant supplementation improved oxidative and endothelial biomarkers in overweight adults.
- Antioxidant micronutrients and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in colorectal adenoma patients: results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 20200432
Antioxidant supplement including β‑carotene produced significant reductions in inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers.
- Treatment of Alzheimer's disease with a cholinesterase inhibitor combined with antioxidants
PubMed ID: 20224285
Antioxidant supplement including β‑carotene reduced plasma oxidative markers (direct antioxidant outcome, though combined nutrients).
- Systemic inflammatory load in humans is suppressed by consumption of two formulations of dried, encapsulated juice concentrate
PubMed ID: 20425759
Juice powder increased plasma β‑carotene and SOD while lowering inflammatory markers—evidence of enhanced antioxidant protection.
- Antioxidant micronutrients improve intrinsic and UV-induced apoptosis of human lymphocytes particularly in elderly people
PubMed ID: 22159782
Supplementation including β‑carotene increased plasma levels and reduced lymphocyte apoptosis—evidence of stronger antioxidant defenses.
- Antioxidant micronutrient supplementation increases erythrocyte membrane fluidity in adults from a rural Chinese community
PubMed ID: 21736780
Decreased plasma MDA and improved erythrocyte membrane fluidity after antioxidant supplementation including β‑carotene.
- [Effect of antioxidant supplementation over oxidative stress and quality of life in cervical cancer]
PubMed ID: 22470030
Randomized antioxidant trial including β‑carotene reduced protein carbonyls (oxidative damage) in cervical cancer patients.
- Effects of cooking using multi-ply cookware on absorption of potassium and vitamins: a randomized double-blind placebo control study
PubMed ID: 22229802
Vegetable intervention increased plasma β‑carotene and improved oxidative biomarkers including decreased ox‑LDL.
- Long-term effects of vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and zinc on age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 35
PubMed ID: 23582353
AREDS antioxidant formulation (including β‑carotene) reduced AMD progression; consistent with an antioxidant role in the eye (combination product).
- A randomised controlled trial of increasing fruit and vegetable intake and how this influences the carotenoid concentration and activities of PON-1 and LCAT in HDL from subjects with type 2 diabetes
PubMed ID: 24423117
Dietary increase in fruit/veg raised circulating carotenoids and HDL antioxidant enzyme activities—supports antioxidant protection.
- The influence of beta-carotene on homocysteine level and oxidative stress in lead-exposed workers
PubMed ID: 25230559
Same randomized β‑carotene intervention showed ~16% MDA reduction and increased antioxidant enzyme activity.
- Effects of beta-carotene fortified synbiotic food on metabolic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind randomized cross-over controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 26209256
β‑carotene‑fortified synbiotic increased GSH and NO and improved oxidative/nitrosative biomarkers—supports cellular antioxidant effects.
- Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study
PubMed ID: 27662341
Oral carotenoid‑rich supplements (tomato complex/lutein) blunted UV‑induced skin oxidative/photoaging gene expression—molecular photoprotection evidence (mixture product).
- Effects of Multivitamin, Multimineral and Phytonutrient Supplementation on Nutrient Status and Biomarkers of Heart Health Risk in a Russian Population: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study
PubMed ID: 29370120
Multivitamin with β‑carotene raised circulating antioxidant vitamins—supports antioxidant protection (multinutrient context).
- Red palm olein supplementation on cytokines, endothelial function and lipid profile in centrally overweight individuals: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 29946115
Dietary replacement with red palm olein increased β‑carotene and reduced oxidized LDL—demonstrates antioxidant effects in humans.
- [Metabolic estimation of efficiency of vitamin and mineral complexes in qualified athletes]
PubMed ID: 33740332
Tailored multivitamin with β‑carotene raised carotenoids, increased SOD activity and lowered 8‑isoprostane in athletes.
- Reflection Spectroscopy-Assessed Skin Carotenoids Are Sensitive to Change in Carotenoid Intake in a 6-Week Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Sample
PubMed ID: 36804322
Dose‑dependent increases in plasma/skin carotenoids from juice; plasma antioxidant markers rose concordantly.
- Red palm olein biscuit supplementation modulates gut microbiota in vitamin A deficient rural Malaysian schoolchildren: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41125622
RPO (provitamin A) improved micronutrient markers alongside microbiome changes in deficient children — consistent with antioxidant/provitamin A benefits.
Immune support (41)
- Immunological response to antioxidant vitamin supplementation in rural Bangladeshi school children with group A streptococcal infection
PubMed ID: 15331332
Antioxidant vitamins (including beta‑carotene) added to antibiotics altered antibody/immunoglobulin responses and raised serum beta‑carotene in children.
- Effect of 6 month supplementation with different combinations of an association of antioxidant nutrients on biochemical parameters and markers of the antioxidant defence system in the elderly. The Geriatrie/Min.Vit.Aox Network
PubMed ID: 8862480
Raised antioxidant enzymes with supplementation may support innate defense mechanisms.
- Immunomodulatory effect of beta-carotene on T lymphocyte subsets in patients with resected colonic polyps and cancer
PubMed ID: 9290119
30 mg/day increased activated T‑cell markers in cancer patients over 3 months (immune activation).
- Effects of trace element and/or vitamin supplementation on vitamin and mineral status, free radical metabolism and immunological markers in elderly long term-hospitalized subjects. Geriatric Network MIN. VIT. AOX
PubMed ID: 9433680
Vitamin mix including β‑carotene raised plasma levels and increased IL‑1 production after 6 months in elderly—some immune modulation evidence.
- Effects of supplementation with a combination of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements, at nutritional doses, on biochemical indicators and markers of the antioxidant system in adult subjects
PubMed ID: 9627910
Supplementation increased antioxidant vitamins and GPx activity — strengthens endogenous defense systems (biomarker evidence).
- Double blind, cluster randomised trial of low dose supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene on mortality related to pregnancy in Nepal. The NNIPS-2 Study Group
PubMed ID: 10037634
Substantial lowering of pregnancy‑related deaths in undernourished women taking beta‑carotene suggests improved infection resistance/defenses.
- Children's consumption of dark green, leafy vegetables with added fat enhances serum retinol
PubMed ID: 10419989
Dark-green leafy intake raised retinol adequacy in children — vitamin A supports immune function (biomarker improvement).
- Vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation reduces symptoms of illness in pregnant and lactating Nepali women
PubMed ID: 11053506
Weekly beta‑carotene/vitamin A in pregnancy reduced some maternal/postpartum illness symptoms — clinical immune/illness signal.
- Night blindness during pregnancy and subsequent mortality among women in Nepal: effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 10997544
Marked reductions in maternal and infection‑related mortality following vitamin A/beta‑carotene supplementation indicate strengthened host defenses in a high‑risk setting.
- Comparison of the effects of supplemental red palm oil and sunflower oil on maternal vitamin A status
PubMed ID: 11566649
Red palm oil maintained milk retinol—supports infant defenses via breast milk vitamin A.
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
Improved micronutrient status (retinol, iron) in children supports natural defenses while intervention active.
- Antioxidant effect of beta-carotene in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis: clinical and laboratory parameters of a pilot study
PubMed ID: 12200905
Children with CF/bronchiectasis had reduced inflammatory markers after beta‑carotene supplementation.
- Dementia and Nutrition. Intervention study in institutionalized patients with Alzheimer disease
PubMed ID: 12917745
Nutrition supplement raised beta‑carotene and was associated with fewer infections in nursing‑home AD patients (multi‑nutrient context).
- Red palm oil supplementation: a feasible diet-based approach to improve the vitamin A status of pregnant women and their infants
PubMed ID: 12891825
Red palm oil (rich in beta‑carotene) raised maternal/infant retinol and reduced anemia — improved vitamin A status supports immune function.
- A randomized trial of multivitamin supplements and HIV disease progression and mortality
PubMed ID: 15229304
Pregnant HIV+ women given multivitamins that included beta‑carotene had delayed progression and improved CD4 counts — strong clinical immune benefit though multi‑nutrient.
- Plasma carotenoid concentrations in relation to acute respiratory infections in elderly people
PubMed ID: 15230994
Observational: higher plasma beta‑carotene in elderly associated with ~29% fewer acute respiratory infections — supports immune relevance of beta‑carotene status.
- Natural killer cell activity in elderly men is enhanced by beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 8901800
Long-term beta‑carotene supplementation increased NK cell cytotoxic activity in elderly men — direct immune functional enhancement.
- Beta-carotene-rich orange-fleshed sweet potato improves the vitamin A status of primary school children assessed with the modified-relative-dose-response test
PubMed ID: 15883432
Beta‑carotene–rich sweet potato improved vitamin A stores in children; vitamin A is important for immune function.
- A community randomized controlled clinical trial of mixed carotenoids and micronutrient supplementation of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
PubMed ID: 16721396
High‑dose mixed carotenoids (large β‑carotene equiv) in advanced AIDS increased serum carotene and was associated with improved adjusted survival (RCT context, co‑nutrients).
- Effect of a mixture of micronutrients, but not of bovine colostrum concentrate, on immune function parameters in healthy volunteers: a randomized placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 17118191
Micronutrient drink (incl. β‑carotene) raised plasma β‑carotene massively and improved delayed‑type hypersensitivity responses in older adults (RCT, mixed formula).
- Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate
PubMed ID: 16988134
Fruit/veg concentrate (contains beta‑carotene) increased certain immune cell subsets and reduced DNA damage.
- Synergy between mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms and supplementation with vitamin A influences susceptibility to HIV infection in infants born to HIV-positive mothers
PubMed ID: 16960176
Maternal vitamin A + beta‑carotene supplementation reduced HIV transmission in infants with specific genotypes.
- Relationship between markers of HIV-1 disease progression and serum beta-carotene concentrations in Kenyan women
PubMed ID: 17362556
Cross‑sectional: low serum β‑carotene associated with higher CRP and HIV viral load → supports immune relevance.
- Effect of vitamin supplementation on breast milk concentrations of retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols in HIV-infected Tanzanian women
PubMed ID: 17940544
β‑Carotene/vitamin A supplementation greatly increased breast‑milk retinol/carotenoids, supporting infant nutrient immunity.
- Correlation between two markers of inflammation, serum C-reactive protein and interleukin 6, and indices of oxidative stress in patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease
PubMed ID: 17852073
Lower plasma β‑carotene linked to higher IL‑6 and CRP in high-CVD-risk subjects; suggests immune/inflammatory associations.
- Newborn vitamin A supplementation reduced infant mortality in rural Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 18595969
Neonatal vitamin A reduced infant mortality (vitamin A trial) — relevant because β‑carotene is provitamin A though the trial did not use β‑carotene directly.
- Antioxidant micronutrients and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in colorectal adenoma patients: results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 20200432
Antioxidant cocktail including 24 mg β‑carotene lowered TNF‑α and other inflammatory/oxidative markers in colorectal adenoma patients (direct biomarker evidence).
- Low-dose beta-carotene supplementation and deworming improve serum vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations in preschool children of Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 20635633
Low‑dose β‑carotene in preschoolers raised serum β‑carotene and retinol (vitamin A), nutrients important for immune function.
- Maternal vitamin A and β-carotene supplementation and risk of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial in rural Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 22071710
Vitamin A and β‑carotene supplementation substantially reduced bacterial vaginosis—strong evidence of enhanced mucosal defense in deficient population.
- Antioxidant micronutrients improve intrinsic and UV-induced apoptosis of human lymphocytes particularly in elderly people
PubMed ID: 22159782
Supplementation including β‑carotene reduced spontaneous and UV‑induced lymphocyte apoptosis, indicating improved cellular immune resilience.
- 9-cis-rich β-carotene powder of the alga Dunaliella reduces the severity of chronic plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 23529989
9‑cis β‑carotene reduced psoriasis severity—an immune‑mediated skin disease—indicating immune‑modulatory effects.
- Introduction of β-carotene-rich orange sweet potato in rural Uganda resulted in increased vitamin A intakes among children and women and improved vitamin A status among children
PubMed ID: 22875553
Program increased vitamin A intake/status in children—improved vitamin A status supports immune defenses.
- Effects of cooking using multi-ply cookware on absorption of potassium and vitamins: a randomized double-blind placebo control study
PubMed ID: 22229802
Vegetable intervention increased β‑carotene and improved oxidative markers, which can support innate antioxidant defenses.
- Provitamin A-biofortified maize consumption increases serum xanthophylls and (13)C-natural abundance of retinol in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 28836851
Orange (provitamin A) maize increased conversion to retinol; vitamin A is important for immune function (indirect evidence via provitamin A).
- The effect of antenatal vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation on gut integrity of infants of HIV-infected South African women
PubMed ID: 11396815
Antenatal vitamin A (retinol + beta‑carotene) prevented gut permeability deterioration in HIV‑infected infants — immune barrier effect.
- Effects of an Antioxidant-enriched Multivitamin in Cystic Fibrosis. A Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 29688760
Antioxidant multivitamin (raising β‑carotene) in cystic fibrosis associated with fewer first antibiotic-treated exacerbations—suggests immune/host‑defense benefit.
- Prenatal and childhood exposures are associated with thymulin concentrations in young adolescent children in rural Nepal
PubMed ID: 31475652
Randomized maternal β‑carotene supplementation associated with modestly higher child thymulin (thymic/immune marker) in follow‑up.
- Red palm olein biscuit supplementation modulates gut microbiota in vitamin A deficient rural Malaysian schoolchildren: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41125622
RPO (provitamin A) biscuits raised provitamin A markers in children and shifted microbiota linked to better micronutrient status — plausible immune benefits in deficient kids.
- Early enteral supplementation with key pharmaconutrients improves Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score in critically ill patients with sepsis: outcome of a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial
PubMed ID: 18007263
Enteral pharmaconutrition including β‑carotene sped organ‑function recovery in septic ICU patients—supports immune/host‑response benefits though product contained multiple nutrients.
- Increase in oxidation resistance of atherogenic serum lipoproteins following antioxidant supplementation: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 8001520
Increased lipoprotein resistance to oxidation with a regimen including β‑carotene suggests enhanced biochemical defenses.
- Possible immunologic involvement of antioxidants in cancer prevention
PubMed ID: 7495248
LinXian randomized trial: beta‑carotene (with vitamin E + selenium) increased T‑lymphocyte mitogenic responsiveness in men — direct immune marker improvement.
Eye health (41)
- A randomised controlled trial to test equivalence between retinyl palmitate and beta carotene for vitamin A deficiency
PubMed ID: 8251808
Randomized blinded trial in vitamin A–deficient children found β‑carotene as effective as retinyl palmitate at restoring normal eye cytology.
- Impact of biofortified maize consumption on serum carotenoid concentrations in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 29321687
6‑month biofortified β‑carotene maize in children substantially raised serum β‑carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids—direct nutritional support for vision.
- Provitamin A-biofortified maize consumption increases serum xanthophylls and (13)C-natural abundance of retinol in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 28836851
Direct human feeding showing provitamin‑A carotenoids from orange maize convert to serum retinol—strong mechanistic support for vision benefits via vitamin A supply.
- Provitamin A Carotenoid-Biofortified Maize Consumption Increases Pupillary Responsiveness among Zambian Children in a Randomized Controlled Trial
PubMed ID: 27798345
Pupillary responsiveness improvement in vitamin A‑marginal children is a direct functional indicator relevant to dark/adaptive vision (RCT subgroup data).
- Biofortified yellow cassava and vitamin A status of Kenyan children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 26675768
Yellow cassava (β‑carotene) raised serum β‑carotene and modestly retinol in children—supports vitamin A–dependent vision.
- Treatment response to antioxidants and zinc based on CFH and ARMS2 genetic risk allele number in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study
PubMed ID: 25200399
AREDS analysis of zinc/antioxidants (incl. β‑carotene) showed genotype‑specific effects on progression to advanced AMD—relevant to vision outcomes.
- Secondary analyses of the effects of lutein/zeaxanthin on age-related macular degeneration progression: AREDS2 report No. 3
PubMed ID: 24310343
AREDS2 secondary analyses: carotenoid supplementation affected AMD progression; strong eye‑health relevance (β‑carotene contextually relevant).
- Biofortified orange maize is as efficacious as a vitamin A supplement in Zambian children even in the presence of high liver reserves of vitamin A: a community-based, randomized placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25411289
Biofortified orange maize raised total body vitamin A reserves—vitamin A is crucial for visual function.
- CFH and ARMS2 genetic polymorphisms predict response to antioxidants and zinc in patients with age-related macular degeneration
PubMed ID: 23972322
Genotype influences AREDS response (including β‑carotene), relevant to individualized vision benefit predictions.
- Long-term effects of vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and zinc on age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 35
PubMed ID: 23582353
AREDS antioxidant+zinc (which included β‑carotene) reduced progression to advanced AMD and vision loss over 10 years → strong evidence for vision preservation (combination therapy).
- Treatment with 9-cis β-carotene-rich powder in patients with retinitis pigmentosa: a randomized crossover trial
PubMed ID: 23700011
Improved dark‑adapted ERG b‑wave amplitude with 9‑cis β‑carotene in retinitis pigmentosa suggests clear support for night/dark vision.
- Introduction of β-carotene-rich orange sweet potato in rural Uganda resulted in increased vitamin A intakes among children and women and improved vitamin A status among children
PubMed ID: 22875553
Orange sweet potato intervention increased vitamin A intake and improved child retinol status; vitamin A supports vision and prevents deficiency‑related visual problems.
- β-Carotene in Golden Rice is as good as β-carotene in oil at providing vitamin A to children
PubMed ID: 22854406
Demonstrated efficient conversion of β‑carotene from Golden Rice to retinol (vitamin A), a key nutrient for vision.
- Effect of carotenoid supplementation on plasma carotenoids, inflammation and visual development in preterm infants
PubMed ID: 21760585
Randomized supplementation in preterm infants raised plasma carotenoids, reduced inflammation and measurably improved retinal (rod) function.
- Low-dose beta-carotene supplementation and deworming improve serum vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations in preschool children of Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 20635633
Low‑dose β‑carotene in preschoolers raised serum retinol (vitamin A), critical for normal visual function.
- Carotene-rich plant foods ingested with minimal dietary fat enhance the total-body vitamin A pool size in Filipino schoolchildren as assessed by stable-isotope-dilution methodology
PubMed ID: 17413103
Carotene‑rich dietary intervention in children doubled body vitamin A stores—provitamin A is essential for vision.
- Beta-carotene-rich orange-fleshed sweet potato improves the vitamin A status of primary school children assessed with the modified-relative-dose-response test
PubMed ID: 15883432
Improved vitamin A liver stores from beta‑carotene feeding supports rhodopsin cycle and adaptation to low light.
- Daily consumption of Indian spinach (Basella alba) or sweet potatoes has a positive effect on total-body vitamin A stores in Bangladeshi men
PubMed ID: 15321812
Direct supplementation with beta‑carotene increased body vitamin A stores, the key nutrient for retinal function and vision maintenance.
- Zinc plus beta-carotene supplementation of pregnant women is superior to beta-carotene supplementation alone in improving vitamin A status in both mothers and infants
PubMed ID: 15531679
Maternal beta‑carotene + zinc markedly improved maternal/infant vitamin A status and reduced infant deficiency — supports visual health via vitamin A.
- Red palm oil supplementation: a feasible diet-based approach to improve the vitamin A status of pregnant women and their infants
PubMed ID: 12891825
Red palm oil (high in beta‑carotene) substantially raised maternal/infant retinol status and reduced vitamin A deficiency — strong direct nutrient support for vision.
- The age-related eye disease study: the results of the clinical trial
PubMed ID: 11962062
AREDS trial: antioxidant/mineral formula that included beta‑carotene reduced progression to advanced AMD by ~25% in high‑risk patients (strong clinical outcome).
- A randomized, 4-month mango and fat supplementation trial improved vitamin A status among young Gambian children
PubMed ID: 12468609
Mango supplementation raised beta‑carotene and modestly improved retinol in children — improved vitamin A status can prevent night blindness (indirect evidence).
- The Roche European American Cataract Trial (REACT): a randomized clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of an oral antioxidant micronutrient mixture to slow progression of age-related cataract
PubMed ID: 11815895
Antioxidant mix including beta‑carotene produced a small slowing of age‑related cataract progression in some groups.
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
School feeding with beta‑carotene improved serum retinol—supports visual nutrition in children.
- Zinc supplementation might potentiate the effect of vitamin A in restoring night vision in pregnant Nepalese women
PubMed ID: 11382658
Trial showed vitamin A (with zinc interaction) restored night vision in night‑blind pregnant women—most direct evidence.
- Comparison of the effects of supplemental red palm oil and sunflower oil on maternal vitamin A status
PubMed ID: 11566649
Red palm oil substantially raised maternal and milk provitamin A levels—supports vitamin A–dependent vision in infants.
- Increase in serum beta-carotene following dark green leafy vegetable supplementation in Mebendazole-treated school children in Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 11303489
Dietary beta‑carotene from dark green leafy vegetables raised serum beta‑carotene and retinol in children, improving vitamin A status relevant to vision.
- Bioefficacy of beta-carotene dissolved in oil studied in children in Indonesia
PubMed ID: 11333850
Isotope study in children quantified efficient conversion of oil‑form beta‑carotene to retinol, supporting vitamin A availability for vision.
- The effect of a biscuit with red palm oil as a source of beta-carotene on the vitamin A status of primary school children: a comparison with beta-carotene from a synthetic source in a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 11477464
Beta‑carotene (synthetic or red palm oil) significantly increased serum retinol (vitamin A) in children, supporting vitamin A–dependent visual function.
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8
PubMed ID: 11594942
Large randomized AREDS trial containing beta‑carotene showed substantial reduction in progression to advanced AMD and less vision loss in high‑risk patients.
- Vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation reduces symptoms of illness in pregnant and lactating Nepali women
PubMed ID: 11053506
Reduction in maternal night‑blindness in the cluster trial indicates direct benefit to night vision from provitamin A/beta‑carotene.
- Children's consumption of dark green, leafy vegetables with added fat enhances serum retinol
PubMed ID: 10419989
Dark‑green leafy intake (beta‑carotene source) substantially improved retinol adequacy in children — directly relevant to vitamin A–dependent vision.
- Maternal vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation in lactating bangladeshi women benefits mothers and infants but does not prevent subclinical deficiency
PubMed ID: 10024613
Randomized postpartum beta‑carotene increased milk vitamin A (retinol) by 9 months — direct evidence of provitamin A effect relevant to vision.
- Effect of iron-, iodine-, and beta-carotene-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of primary school children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10075336
Fortified biscuits produced large improvements in serum retinol (vitamin A) — relevant and plausible benefit for vision maintenance.
- Vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation reduces but does not eliminate maternal night blindness in Nepal
PubMed ID: 9732305
Large randomized maternal supplementation showed a modest reduction in night blindness (clinical outcome relevant to night vision) in a deficient population.
- [Preliminary report on the results of nutrition prevention trials of cancer and other common diseases among residents in Linxian, China]
PubMed ID: 8261860
Combined Linxian trial reports linked β‑carotene‑containing regimens to a substantial reduction in nuclear cataract prevalence (strongest vision‑related finding in dataset).
- The Linxian cataract studies. Two nutrition intervention trials
PubMed ID: 8363468
Large nutrition trials including β‑carotene in combinations showed reduced nuclear cataract prevalence in older subgroups (effect not isolated to β‑carotene).
- Dietary Nutrient Intake and Progression to Late Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2
PubMed ID: 32858063
Dietary β‑carotene intake associated with markedly lower progression to late AMD (strong observational association in AREDS/AREDS2 cohorts).
- Oral Antioxidant and Lutein/Zeaxanthin Supplements Slow Geographic Atrophy Progression to the Fovea in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
PubMed ID: 39025435
AREDS antioxidants (β‑carotene included in original AREDS) meaningfully slowed geographic atrophy progression and visual decline (large RCT/subanalyses).
- Red palm olein biscuit supplementation modulates gut microbiota in vitamin A deficient rural Malaysian schoolchildren: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41125622
RPO biscuits increased provitamin A markers in vitamin A–deficient children — supports vitamin A–dependent vision development/status.
- Supplementation of red palm olein-enriched biscuits improves levels of provitamin A carotenes, iron, and erythropoiesis in vitamin A-deficient primary schoolchildren: a double-blinded randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 38240773
Replacing palm oil with red palm olein in school biscuits raised provitamin A (α/β‑carotene) and improved child iron/hemoglobin—provitamin A increases are relevant to vision in deficient populations.
Cell health (38)
- Chemoprevention of oral leukoplakia and chronic esophagitis in an area of high incidence of oral and esophageal cancer
PubMed ID: 8275193
Multivitamin therapy including β‑carotene reduced oral leukoplakia prevalence at 6 months and blood β‑carotene was linked to lower lesion prevalence in secondary analyses.
- Red palm olein biscuit supplementation modulates gut microbiota in vitamin A deficient rural Malaysian schoolchildren: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41125622
Provitamin A repletion in vitamin A–deficient children would support mucosal health.
- New infant formulas for healthy term infants: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, non-inferiority design safety study
PubMed ID: 41406156
Infant formula with β‑carotene (and other human‑milk components) supported non‑inferior weight gain and favorable stool markers—relevant to growth/repair in infants (mixed product).
- Impact of biofortified maize consumption on serum carotenoid concentrations in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 29321687
Biofortified β‑carotene raised serum provitamin A carotenoids in children—supports vitamin A availability for mucosal integrity.
- Provitamin A-biofortified maize consumption increases serum xanthophylls and (13)C-natural abundance of retinol in Zambian children
PubMed ID: 28836851
Provitamin A intake from orange maize increased retinol labeling—vitamin A is key for mucous membrane maintenance (direct nutritional mechanism).
- Gastrointestinal tolerance and plasma status of carotenoids, EPA and DHA with a fiber-enriched tube feed in hospitalized patients initiated on tube nutrition: Randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 27126710
Carotenoid‑enriched tube feed raised plasma carotenoids and reduced diarrhea incidence in hospitalized patients—consistent with better mucosal function/health.
- Circulating IGF-1 may mediate improvements in haemoglobin associated with vitamin A status during pregnancy in rural Nepalese women
PubMed ID: 25740751
Analysis showed retinol status linked to IGF‑1, which mediated improvements in hemoglobin—mechanistic link to growth/repair.
- Biofortified orange maize is as efficacious as a vitamin A supplement in Zambian children even in the presence of high liver reserves of vitamin A: a community-based, randomized placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25411289
Orange maize increased vitamin A reserves—vitamin A supports integrity of mucous membranes.
- Treatment of oral leukoplakia with a low-dose of beta-carotene and vitamin C supplements: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 25156040
Small RCT in oral leukoplakia used β‑carotene + vitamin C and showed numerically higher clinical remission of mucosal lesions (not statistically significant).
- Effect of vitamin A supplementation on clinical evolution in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, according to serum levels of zinc
PubMed ID: 23588448
Vitamin A supplementation (with resultant β‑carotene increases) associated with shorter hospital/ICU stays and lower mortality in some surgical patients—supports recovery/repair.
- Introduction of β-carotene-rich orange sweet potato in rural Uganda resulted in increased vitamin A intakes among children and women and improved vitamin A status among children
PubMed ID: 22875553
Improved vitamin A status in children from orange sweet potato—vitamin A supports mucosal health.
- Maternal vitamin A and β-carotene supplementation and risk of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial in rural Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 22071710
Vitamin A/β‑carotene supplementation markedly reduced bacterial vaginosis postpartum, implicating improved vaginal mucosal health.
- Low-dose beta-carotene supplementation and deworming improve serum vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations in preschool children of Bangladesh
PubMed ID: 20635633
β‑carotene supplementation in preschoolers increased serum retinol (vitamin A), which is central to mucous membrane integrity.
- Differential effects of low-dose and high-dose beta-carotene supplementation on the signs of photoaging and type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo
PubMed ID: 20516658
Low‑dose β‑carotene increased type I procollagen mRNA (~4.4‑fold) in skin, a direct molecular marker of connective‑tissue repair.
- Combined enteral infusion of glutamine, carbohydrates, and antioxidants modulates gut protein metabolism in humans
PubMed ID: 18996864
Enteral multi‑nutrient supplement (including β‑carotene) doubled duodenal protein synthesis and reduced proteolysis — plausible role in growth/repair though β‑carotene not isolated.
- Randomized trial of 13-cis retinoic acid compared with retinyl palmitate with or without beta-carotene in oral premalignancy
PubMed ID: 19075276
Combination therapy including β‑carotene improved short‑term clinical response of oral premalignant lesions (cellular repair response).
- Effect of vitamin supplementation on breast milk concentrations of retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols in HIV-infected Tanzanian women
PubMed ID: 17940544
Large increases in retinol/carotenoids in breast milk indicate improved vitamin A status, which maintains mucosal integrity.
- Carotene-rich plant foods ingested with minimal dietary fat enhance the total-body vitamin A pool size in Filipino schoolchildren as assessed by stable-isotope-dilution methodology
PubMed ID: 17413103
Marked increases in total‑body vitamin A and liver stores after carotene feeding — provitamin A supports cell differentiation and repair.
- The contribution of plant foods to the vitamin A supply of lactating women in Vietnam: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 17413113
Maternal dietary provitamin A raised retinol in serum and breastmilk — supports neonatal/infant cell growth via vitamin A transfer.
- Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate
PubMed ID: 16988134
Reduced lymphocyte DNA strand breaks after fruit/veg concentrate (contains beta‑carotene), indicating reduced DNA damage.
- Beta-carotene-rich orange-fleshed sweet potato improves the vitamin A status of primary school children assessed with the modified-relative-dose-response test
PubMed ID: 15883432
Enhanced vitamin A stores via beta‑carotene support mucosal integrity broadly (vitamin A biology).
- [Study of the antioxidant drug "Karinat" in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis]
PubMed ID: 15088527
Multinutrient antioxidant including beta‑carotene improved gastric mucosal histology and reduced metaplastic change, indicating tissue repair.
- Zinc plus beta-carotene supplementation of pregnant women is superior to beta-carotene supplementation alone in improving vitamin A status in both mothers and infants
PubMed ID: 15531679
Maternal beta‑carotene + zinc increased maternal/infant retinol and breast‑milk carotenoids — vitamin A supports mucosal integrity; evidence is direct for nutrient status.
- Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in rural Nepal. Risk factors and effects of beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation
PubMed ID: 14749738
Large trial in Nepal: beta‑carotene in pregnancy markedly lowered maternal death risk — may reflect improved maternal physiological resilience and tissue integrity.
- Red palm oil supplementation: a feasible diet-based approach to improve the vitamin A status of pregnant women and their infants
PubMed ID: 12891825
Red palm oil increased retinol and reduced deficiency — improved vitamin A status should help mucosal health.
- Plasma and buccal mucosal cell response to short-term supplementation with all trans-beta-carotene and lycopene in human volunteers
PubMed ID: 14612979
One week of supplementation increased buccal‑mucosal carotenoid concentrations (direct biomarker of mucosal deposition).
- A randomized, 4-month mango and fat supplementation trial improved vitamin A status among young Gambian children
PubMed ID: 12468609
Mango supplementation raised beta‑carotene and modestly increased plasma retinol in children; vitamin A supports mucosal integrity (mechanistic link).
- Antioxidant effect of beta-carotene in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis: clinical and laboratory parameters of a pilot study
PubMed ID: 12200905
Children with CF/bronchiectasis showed reduced inflammatory markers after beta‑carotene—relevant to mucosal oxidative/inflammatory status.
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
Fortified biscuit improved serum retinol in children—relevant to mucosal health in growing children.
- Comparison of the effects of supplemental red palm oil and sunflower oil on maternal vitamin A status
PubMed ID: 11566649
Red palm oil maintained breast‑milk retinol and raised carotenoids—supports mucosal vitamin A supply to infants.
- Circulating levels of retinol, tocopherol and carotenoid in Nepali pregnant and postpartum women following long-term beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation
PubMed ID: 11360129
Weekly beta‑carotene supplementation in pregnant Nepali women increased serum retinol and carotenoids, improving vitamin A status that supports mucosal integrity.
- Night blindness during pregnancy and subsequent mortality among women in Nepal: effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 10997544
Large Nepali trial: vitamin A/beta‑carotene markedly lowered maternal and infection‑related mortality — consistent with improved mucosal immunity and barrier function.
- Double blind, cluster randomised trial of low dose supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene on mortality related to pregnancy in Nepal. The NNIPS-2 Study Group
PubMed ID: 10037634
Large Tanzanian cluster RCT in undernourished women: beta‑carotene reduced pregnancy‑related deaths — likely via vitamin A effects on mucosal/immune defenses.
- Chemoprevention of oral leukoplakia with vitamin A and beta carotene: an assessment
PubMed ID: 9307711
Randomized trial in subjects with oral leukoplakia: beta‑carotene achieved significantly higher complete regression (33% vs 10% placebo) — direct evidence for mucosal benefit.
- Micronuclei, a biomarker for chemoprevention trials: results of a randomized study in oral pre-malignancy
PubMed ID: 7960211
Micronuclei (a DNA‑damage marker) were reduced with retinoid therapy and maintained by β‑carotene, indicating support for cellular genomic stability/repair biomarkers.
- A randomised controlled trial to test equivalence between retinyl palmitate and beta carotene for vitamin A deficiency
PubMed ID: 8251808
In vitamin A–deficient children β‑carotene corrected ocular cytology and signs of deficiency that reflect mucous membrane health.
- The effect of antenatal vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation on gut integrity of infants of HIV-infected South African women
PubMed ID: 11396815
Vitamin A (retinol + beta‑carotene) supplementation largely prevented deterioration of gut barrier in infants — strong mucosal protection evidence.
- Beta-carotene produces sustained remissions in patients with oral leukoplakia: results of a multicenter prospective trial
PubMed ID: 10604407
High‑dose β‑carotene induced clinical regressions and improved dysplasia in oral leukoplakia (direct improvement of oral mucous membrane lesions).
Wellbeing (18)
- Effect of a fortified maize-meal porridge on anemia, micronutrient status, and motor development of infants
PubMed ID: 16280435
Fortified porridge improved anemia and motor development in infants, consistent with better well‑being.
- GLV supplements increased plasma beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and hemoglobin in young healthy adults
PubMed ID: 15834756
Marked increases in plasma beta‑carotene and hemoglobin over 3 weeks likely contribute to subjective/functional well‑being.
- Quality of life and self-rated health in relation to changes in fruit and vegetable intake and in plasma vitamins C and E in a randomised trial of behavioural and nutritional education counselling
PubMed ID: 15231001
Behavioural counselling increased plasma carotenoids and was associated with modestly better self‑rated health.
- Double blind, cluster randomised trial of low dose supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene on mortality related to pregnancy in Nepal. The NNIPS-2 Study Group
PubMed ID: 10037634
Large mortality reduction in undernourished pregnant women implies meaningful population-level improvements in well‑being.
- Effect of iron-, iodine-, and beta-carotene-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of primary school children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10075336
Fortification including beta‑carotene produced broad improvements in nutritional status, anemia and cognition — strong, pragmatic evidence for improved well‑being in children.
- Do nutritional supplements lower the risk of stroke or hypertension?
PubMed ID: 9430262
Linxian nutrient factor including beta‑carotene modestly lowered mortality — indirect evidence of population well‑being benefit.
- Mortality associated with low plasma concentration of beta carotene and the effect of oral supplementation
PubMed ID: 8594267
Observational: higher baseline plasma beta‑carotene strongly associated with lower all‑cause mortality — suggests relation to overall well‑being though supplementation did not replicate benefit.
- [Preliminary report on the results of nutrition prevention trials of cancer and other common diseases among residents in Linxian, China]
PubMed ID: 8261860
Summary of Linxian trials shows mixed but promising reductions in mortality and cataract with β‑carotene‑containing regimens (supportive for broad well‑being).
- Nutrition intervention trials in Linxian, China: supplementation with specific vitamin/mineral combinations, cancer incidence, and disease-specific mortality in the general population
PubMed ID: 8360931
Large randomized trial in Linxian showed modest reductions in total and cancer mortality with a β‑carotene/E/Se combination — strongest population‑level well‑being signal.
- The effect of antenatal vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation on gut integrity of infants of HIV-infected South African women
PubMed ID: 11396815
Vitamin A (incl. beta‑carotene) protection of infant gut barrier has clear well‑being implications.
- High provitamin A carotenoid serum concentrations, elevated retinyl esters, and saturated retinol-binding protein in Zambian preschool children are consistent with the presence of high liver vitamin A stores
PubMed ID: 26178727
High carotenoid and vitamin A biomarker levels in children imply improved nutritional status and well‑being in that population.
- Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in rural Nepal. Risk factors and effects of beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation
PubMed ID: 14749738
Beta‑carotene in pregnancy markedly lowered maternal mortality in Nepal — substantial improvement in maternal well‑being/survival context.
- The SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals
PubMed ID: 15557412
Long‑term antioxidant/mineral supplementation including beta‑carotene reduced cancer and mortality in men — consistent with improved general health in that subgroup.
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
Fortified biscuit improved multiple micronutrient markers (retinol, hemoglobin, ferritin) in children—supports overall health while consumed.
- Night blindness during pregnancy and subsequent mortality among women in Nepal: effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 10997544
Marked maternal survival benefits with vitamin A/beta‑carotene support improved overall health status in at‑risk groups.
- Red palm olein biscuit supplementation modulates gut microbiota in vitamin A deficient rural Malaysian schoolchildren: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 41125622
Improvements in provitamin A status and biomarkers in children plausibly support overall well‑being where deficiency existed.
- Combined antioxidant therapy reduces pain and improves quality of life in chronic pancreatitis
PubMed ID: 16627214
Antioxidant supplement (incl. beta‑carotene) improved pain and multiple QoL domains in chronic pancreatitis.
- A community randomized controlled clinical trial of mixed carotenoids and micronutrient supplementation of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
PubMed ID: 16721396
Survival benefit signal in advanced AIDS with high‑dose carotenoids suggests improved clinical outcomes/vitality in that context.
Vitality (13)
- Effect of iron-, iodine-, and beta-carotene-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of primary school children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10075336
Fortification including beta‑carotene reduced anemia and improved cognitive performance in children — robust evidence for improved vitality/functional health.
- Double blind, cluster randomised trial of low dose supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene on mortality related to pregnancy in Nepal. The NNIPS-2 Study Group
PubMed ID: 10037634
Marked lowering of pregnancy‑related deaths in undernourished women taking beta‑carotene → meaningful population vitality benefit.
- Night blindness during pregnancy and subsequent mortality among women in Nepal: effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 10997544
Substantial reductions in maternal/infection mortality in Nepali women with vitamin A/beta‑carotene → strong signal for improved survival and vitality in at‑risk populations.
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
Fortified biscuit improved serum retinol, hemoglobin and ferritin in children—nutritional gains that support vitality and function.
- The SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals
PubMed ID: 15557412
Reduced cancer and mortality in men on long‑term antioxidant/mineral supplementation including beta‑carotene suggests improved vitality in that subgroup.
- Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in rural Nepal. Risk factors and effects of beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation
PubMed ID: 14749738
Beta‑carotene given in pregnancy markedly lowered maternal death risk — strong effect on maternal survival and well‑being in that context.
- Quality of life and self-rated health in relation to changes in fruit and vegetable intake and in plasma vitamins C and E in a randomised trial of behavioural and nutritional education counselling
PubMed ID: 15231001
Behavioural counselling to increase fruits/vegetables raised plasma carotenoids and was associated with modestly better self‑rated health (subjective vitality).
- GLV supplements increased plasma beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and hemoglobin in young healthy adults
PubMed ID: 15834756
Raised beta‑carotene and hemoglobin robustly in short feeding trial — likely improves vitality/energy.
- Effect of a fortified maize-meal porridge on anemia, micronutrient status, and motor development of infants
PubMed ID: 16280435
Fortified porridge improved anemia and motor development in infants, consistent with increased vitality.
- A community randomized controlled clinical trial of mixed carotenoids and micronutrient supplementation of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
PubMed ID: 16721396
In advanced AIDS, high‑dose carotenoid supplementation increased serum carotene and was associated with better adjusted survival—suggests vitality/clinical benefit in this context (mixed nutrients).
- Combined antioxidant therapy reduces pain and improves quality of life in chronic pancreatitis
PubMed ID: 16627214
Antioxidant mixture (incl. beta‑carotene) improved pain and multiple QoL domains in chronic pancreatitis patients.
- Total and cancer mortality after supplementation with vitamins and minerals: follow-up of the Linxian General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial
PubMed ID: 19318634
Long‑term trial with β‑carotene‑containing factor reduced some mortality endpoints → potential vitality/healthspan relevance.
- Fatigue reduction diet in breast cancer survivors: a pilot randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 27913933
Dietary increase in carotenoids correlated with improved fatigue and sleep, consistent with higher perceived vitality in cancer survivors (multi‑nutrient intervention).
Healthy aging (14)
- Total and cancer mortality after supplementation with vitamins and minerals: follow-up of the Linxian General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial
PubMed ID: 19318634
Large RCT (factor including β‑carotene) showed modest reductions in total/gastric cancer mortality → plausible contribution to healthier aging.
- Differential effects of low-dose and high-dose beta-carotene supplementation on the signs of photoaging and type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo
PubMed ID: 20516658
Low-dose β‑carotene improved skin aging markers and procollagen expression in a randomized human dose study (direct, clinically relevant).
- Dietary vitamin C and beta-carotene and risk of death in middle-aged men. The Western Electric Study
PubMed ID: 7503047
Observational cohort: higher dietary beta‑carotene (with vitamin C) associated with lower long‑term mortality—moderate associative support for aging outcomes.
- Apolipoprotein E ε4-dependent associations between carotenoids and cognitive decline: Findings from the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative delay) randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 40876538
Higher blood carotenoids (incl. β‑carotene) associated with slower 3‑y cognitive decline in APOE ε4 carriers (associative evidence).
- The Inflammatory Potential of the Diet at Midlife Is Associated with Later Healthy Aging in French Adults
PubMed ID: 29546305
SU.VI.MAX antioxidant trial context links antioxidant supplementation (including β‑carotene) to higher probability of healthy aging (effect in placebo subgroup noted).
- Natural killer cell activity in elderly men is enhanced by beta-carotene supplementation
PubMed ID: 8901800
Long-term supplementation increased NK activity in elderly men — immune marker relevant to healthy aging.
- Effect of 6 month supplementation with different combinations of an association of antioxidant nutrients on biochemical parameters and markers of the antioxidant defence system in the elderly. The Geriatrie/Min.Vit.Aox Network
PubMed ID: 8862480
Elderly RCT: modest antioxidant supplement including beta‑carotene raised serum beta‑carotene and antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD) — mechanistic support for aging-related protection.
- Do nutritional supplements lower the risk of stroke or hypertension?
PubMed ID: 9430262
Large Linxian factorial trial (beta‑carotene included) showed modest reductions in total and cancer mortality for the nutrient factor — indirect evidence for aging-related outcomes.
- [Effects of vitamins E, C and beta-carotene on DNA damage]
PubMed ID: 11864448
Antioxidant mix including beta‑carotene reduced induced DNA damage — plausible aging benefit (combination therapy).
- Effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on plasma antioxidant concentrations and blood pressure: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12076551
Dietary intervention raised beta‑carotene and lowered blood pressure, a factor in healthy aging.
- The SU.VI.MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals
PubMed ID: 15557412
Large RCT (multinutrient including beta‑carotene) showed reduced cancer and mortality in men — supports aging-related outcomes though effect not attributable to beta‑carotene alone.
- Folate levels determine effect of antioxidant supplementation on micronuclei in subjects with cardiovascular risk
PubMed ID: 15548759
Multinutrient antioxidant (including beta‑carotene) reduced markers of oxidative/genetic damage—mechanistic relevance to ageing.
- Low intake of calcium, folate, nicotinic acid, vitamin E, retinol, beta-carotene and high intake of pantothenic acid, biotin and riboflavin are significantly associated with increased genome instability--results from a dietary intake and micronucleus index survey in South Australia
PubMed ID: 15705599
Combined antioxidant supplement (includes beta‑carotene) reduced micronucleus index, a marker related to genome stability/aging.
- Modification of lymphocyte DNA damage by carotenoid supplementation in postmenopausal women
PubMed ID: 16400064
Carotenoid supplements reduced lymphocyte DNA damage in postmenopausal women—mechanism relevant to aging.
Skin health (10)
- Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study
PubMed ID: 27662341
Carotenoid‑rich supplementation reduced UV‑induced photoaging gene expression in skin—supports skin appearance/protection (not β‑carotene alone but carotenoid class).
- Consuming High-Carotenoid Fruit and Vegetables Influences Skin Yellowness and Plasma Carotenoids in Young Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Crossover Trial
PubMed ID: 27160341
Controlled increase in carotenoid intake raised plasma β‑carotene and objectively increased skin yellowness (direct evidence of skin appearance effect).
- A dietary supplement to reduce side effects of oral isotretinoin therapy in acne patients
PubMed ID: 25068233
Multi‑nutrient supplement (includes β‑carotene) improved skin redness, dryness and hydration in isotretinoin patients—clinical skin benefits reported.
- Prevention of polymorphic light eruption by oral administration of a nutritional supplement containing lycopene, β-carotene, and Lactobacillus johnsonii: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study
PubMed ID: 24283388
Supplement containing β‑carotene reduced UVA‑provoked skin lesions and ICAM‑1 expression in PLE patients—supports skin photoprotection/appearance.
- 9-cis-rich β-carotene powder of the alga Dunaliella reduces the severity of chronic plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 23529989
9‑cis β‑carotene supplement significantly reduced psoriasis severity—direct benefit to skin appearance and condition.
- Efficacy of Natural β-Carotene Chewable Tablets Derived from Banana (Musa AA) Pulp in Reducing UV-Induced Skin Erythema
PubMed ID: 39796498
Placebo‑controlled trial of natural β‑carotene chewables (with hemp oil) increased serum β‑carotene, reduced UV‑erythema and improved skin density over 16 weeks (clinically relevant skin outcomes).
- Reflection Spectroscopy-Assessed Skin Carotenoids Are Sensitive to Change in Carotenoid Intake in a 6-Week Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Sample
PubMed ID: 36804322
Large RCT: dose‑dependent increases in skin carotenoid scores (Veggie Meter) and plasma carotenoids—strong biomarker support for skin carotenoid deposition linked to skin coloration/appearance.
- Differential effects of low-dose and high-dose beta-carotene supplementation on the signs of photoaging and type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo
PubMed ID: 20516658
Low‑dose β‑carotene improved facial skin aging markers and increased procollagen mRNA—direct clinical/molecular evidence for skin benefits.
- Supplementation with beta-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema
PubMed ID: 12514275
Oral beta‑carotene/mixed carotenoids increased skin carotenoid levels and reduced UV erythema—direct evidence of improved skin photoprotection/appearance.
- Beta-carotene plasma levels and content in oral mucosal epithelium is skin type associated
PubMed ID: 12239432
Measured beta‑carotene in plasma and oral mucosa and showed skin‑type variation; higher tissue carotenoids associate with skin coloration.
Respiratory comfort (7)
- Effects of an Antioxidant-enriched Multivitamin in Cystic Fibrosis. A Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial
PubMed ID: 29688760
Antioxidant multivitamin raising β‑carotene was associated with fewer first antibiotic‑treated lung exacerbations in CF—suggests benefit to respiratory outcomes/lining (small trial).
- Randomized trial of antioxidant vitamins to prevent acute adverse effects of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients
PubMed ID: 16027437
Antioxidant vitamins including beta‑carotene reduced some radiation toxicities to the larynx (respiratory mucosa) in cancer patients.
- Role of free radicals and antioxidants in nasal polyps
PubMed ID: 15235348
Lower tissue and blood beta‑carotene with higher oxidative markers in nasal polyp patients—observational support for respiratory mucosal involvement.
- Plasma carotenoid concentrations in relation to acute respiratory infections in elderly people
PubMed ID: 15230994
Higher plasma beta‑carotene associated with fewer acute respiratory infections in elderly — supports respiratory mucosal defenses.
- Antioxidant effect of beta-carotene in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis: clinical and laboratory parameters of a pilot study
PubMed ID: 12200905
CF/bronchiectasis children: antioxidant supplementation raised antioxidants and lowered inflammatory/oxidative markers — relevant to respiratory lining health.
- Prevention of exercise-induced asthma by a natural isomer mixture of beta-carotene
PubMed ID: 10400482
Randomized human trial: 64 mg/day beta‑carotene for 1 week protected ~53% of exercise‑induced asthma patients from bronchoconstriction — supports airway mucosal/lining benefit.
- Nasal cytology in southwest metropolitan Mexico City inhabitants: a pilot intervention study
PubMed ID: 8354200
Polluted‑city study found nasal dryness improved in the β‑carotene group, consistent with a benefit to the respiratory mucosal lining (symptom improvement).
Energy & Fatigue (5)
- Long-term evaluation of a micronutrient-fortified biscuit used for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in primary school children
PubMed ID: 11796083
Fortified biscuit raised hemoglobin and micronutrient status in children—reduced anemia can improve energy.
- Effect of iron-, iodine-, and beta-carotene-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of primary school children: a randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10075336
Fortification including beta‑carotene markedly reduced anemia and improved short‑term memory in schoolchildren — strong support for improved energy/functional status via better nutrient status.
- Fatigue reduction diet in breast cancer survivors: a pilot randomized clinical trial
PubMed ID: 27913933
High fruit/vegetable diet raising carotenoids improved fatigue scores in breast cancer survivors (dietary intervention, multi‑nutrient).
- Effect of a fortified maize-meal porridge on anemia, micronutrient status, and motor development of infants
PubMed ID: 16280435
Fortified porridge (includes beta‑carotene) raised hemoglobin and reduced anemia in infants — likely to support energy levels.
- GLV supplements increased plasma beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and hemoglobin in young healthy adults
PubMed ID: 15834756
Green leafy vegetable feeding raised plasma beta‑carotene and produced a sizable hemoglobin increase (~9%), which can improve energy.
Skin repair (5)
- Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study
PubMed ID: 27662341
Tomato nutrient complex/lutein reduced expression of skin photoaging/oxidative genes after UV exposure—molecular evidence for skin protection/repair processes.
- 9-cis-rich β-carotene powder of the alga Dunaliella reduces the severity of chronic plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 23529989
9‑cis β‑carotene supplement produced large reductions in psoriasis severity—clear clinical skin benefit.
- Differential effects of low-dose and high-dose beta-carotene supplementation on the signs of photoaging and type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo
PubMed ID: 20516658
Low‑dose β‑carotene increased procollagen mRNA and improved wrinkle/elasticity measures—direct evidence for skin‑repair effects.
- Randomized trial of 13-cis retinoic acid compared with retinyl palmitate with or without beta-carotene in oral premalignancy
PubMed ID: 19075276
β‑Carotene + retinyl palmitate improved short‑term lesion responses in OPL patients—epithelial repair evidence.
- Chemoprevention of oral leukoplakia with vitamin A and beta carotene: an assessment
PubMed ID: 9307711
Beta‑carotene increased regression of oral precancerous lesions vs placebo — direct evidence of epithelial/mucosal repair potential.
Similar by evidence
Supplements the same benefits carry qualifying findings for — a fact about the evidence graph, not a recommendation to swap.
Products with Beta-Carotene
Search all558 products whose verified label declares Beta-Carotene — not every bottle that mentions it in a title.
Being studied right now
Recruiting clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A trial in progress has no result yet — this is what the field is asking, not what it found.