beta carotene + retinol

Beta carotene + retinol is a combination of two forms of vitamin A activity. Beta carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid found in plants, which the body can convert into active vitamin A (retinol). Retinol is the preformed, active form of vitamin A found in animal sources and supplements. Both compounds are essential for vision, immune function, reproduction, and cellular communication. As antioxidants, they help protect cells from oxidative damage. This combination has been used as a dietary supplement to prevent or treat vitamin A deficiency and has been studied for potential roles in preventing diseases such as lung cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, clinical trials have shown that supplementation with both beta carotene and retinol may increase the risk of lung cancer and all-cause mortality among smokers or those exposed to asbestos[1][7]. The mechanism involves antioxidant activity; however, at high doses or in certain populations (e.g., smokers), this effect may become pro-oxidant.

Other names

beta-carotene and vitamin Abeta-carotene and retinyl palmitate