beta-carotene: friend or foe?

Fundam Appl Toxicol. 1997 Dec;40(2):163-74. doi: 10.1006/faat.1997.2387.

Abstract

This symposium focused on the research which documents benefit and toxicity in beta-carotene supplementation. Reflecting on past and current studies, the panel of experts discussed: (1) the potential harm of a high intake of beta-carotene on selected populations, (2) biochemical antioxidant/prooxidant mechanisms of beta-carotene at the cellular level, (3) potential benefits of other carotenoids and antioxidants, and (4) future directions for research in beta-carotene and other antioxidants.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / toxicity
  • Carotenoids / pharmacology*
  • Carotenoids / toxicity
  • Cell Line
  • Contraindications
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Forecasting
  • Free Radicals
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Neoplasms / etiology
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Smoking
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • beta Carotene / pharmacology*
  • beta Carotene / toxicity

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Free Radicals
  • beta Carotene
  • Carotenoids
  • parinaric acid