Beta-Carotene and Carotenoids

Beta-carotene in food sources vs. supplements and cardiovascular disease risk:

Intake of vegetables containing beta carotene was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and with a lower risk for all causes of death but no benefit was seen with taking beta-carotene supplements. Greenberg ER et al tested beta carotene levels in subjects prior to being randomized for a study. Subjects with an initial beta carotene level of 0.34 to 0.52 micromol/L had a 43% less risk of death from cardiovascular disease when compared to subjects with the lowest intial beta carotene levels of under 0.21 umol/L. Those subjects with an intitial beta carotene level of over 0.52 micromol/L had a lower risk of death from all causes. There was no reduced risk of disease or mortality benefit in subjects who took beta carotene supplements in pill form. (1)