What Supplement Has Beta-Carotene in It?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A is naturally present in many foods and is essential for vision, immune function, and reproduction. You can find beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, in several types of dietary supplements, including stand-alone formulas and various multivitamins.

Quick Summary

Several dietary supplements contain beta-carotene, including dedicated beta-carotene softgels, multivitamins, and specialized eye health or immune-boosting formulas. It's often sourced from natural algae or synthetic origins and works as a provitamin A carotenoid, which the body converts into vitamin A as needed.

Key Points

Single-Ingredient Supplements: Dedicated softgels and capsules exist for those who want to supplement with beta-carotene alone, often in higher doses.
Multivitamins: Most comprehensive multivitamins include beta-carotene as a form of Vitamin A to support general health.
Specialized Formulas: Beta-carotene is a common ingredient in eye health supplements, often alongside other carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Source Matters: Supplements can use natural beta-carotene from algae or a synthetic version, with the natural form often containing a broader carotenoid complex.
Caution for Smokers: High-dose beta-carotene supplements are linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers and should be avoided by this population.
Food First Approach: Healthcare professionals often recommend getting beta-carotene from food sources rather than supplements, which is safer and provides additional nutrients.

Understanding Beta-Carotene and Supplement Types

Beta-carotene is a powerful carotenoid and antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This conversion is regulated, meaning the body only produces as much vitamin A as it needs, making beta-carotene a safe way to increase vitamin A intake. While many colorful fruits and vegetables are excellent natural sources of this nutrient, supplements can be useful for those with dietary restrictions or specific health goals. When looking for a supplement that has beta-carotene in it, you will typically encounter three main categories.

1. Dedicated Beta-Carotene Supplements

As the name suggests, these products contain beta-carotene as their primary ingredient. They are ideal for individuals who want to target this specific nutrient without the addition of other vitamins or minerals. These supplements are often available in softgel or capsule form and can contain natural beta-carotene derived from sources like the Dunaliella salina algae. Dosage can vary significantly, so it's important to read the label carefully and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

2. Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements

Most comprehensive multivitamin and mineral formulas include a range of vitamins, and beta-carotene is a common inclusion. In these supplements, beta-carotene is typically listed as a form of Vitamin A or as a 'provitamin A carotenoid.' The dose in a multivitamin is usually lower than in a dedicated supplement, designed to meet general daily nutritional needs rather than providing a high therapeutic dose.

3. Specialized Health Formulas

Beta-carotene's potent antioxidant properties make it a key ingredient in many specialized health supplements, particularly those focused on eye and skin health.

Eye Health Supplements: Often combined with other carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-carotene helps protect the eyes from oxidative stress. The AREDS 2 formula for age-related macular degeneration is a well-known example of a supplement that originally included beta-carotene, though newer versions may use alternative carotenoids for better outcomes in specific populations like smokers.
Skin Health and Tanning Supplements: Some supplements marketed for skin health include beta-carotene to aid in promoting a natural glow or to protect against UV exposure. High doses may cause a temporary orange tint to the skin, a harmless condition known as carotenemia.

Comparing Different Beta-Carotene Supplement Options


Feature	Dedicated Beta-Carotene Supplement	Multivitamin	Specialized Eye Health Formula (e.g., AREDS)
Primary Goal	High-dose beta-carotene supplementation.	General daily nutritional coverage.	Targeted support for vision and eye health.
Dosage	Typically higher (e.g., 25,000 IU).	Lower, part of a balanced vitamin mix.	Often includes a specific, clinically studied dose.
Other Ingredients	Minimal; may include other carotenoids.	A wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals.	Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, zinc, copper.
Ideal For	Individuals needing specific, high-potency intake.	Everyday health maintenance.	People with specific eye health concerns, like AMD.
Considerations	Not recommended for smokers due to lung cancer risk.	May contain synthetic rather than natural beta-carotene.	Certain populations may need to avoid beta-carotene due to health risks.

Natural vs. Synthetic Beta-Carotene in Supplements

When selecting a beta-carotene supplement, one of the key distinctions is whether it contains a natural or synthetic form of the nutrient. Natural beta-carotene is often sourced from algae like Dunaliella salina and contains a mixture of different carotenoids, including alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, alongside beta-carotene. Synthetic beta-carotene is produced in a lab and typically contains only beta-carotene. Both forms are converted to vitamin A by the body, but the natural, mixed-carotenoid profile can offer additional benefits and is considered by some to be a more complete nutrient source. High-dose synthetic beta-carotene supplements, in particular, have been associated with increased lung cancer risk in smokers and former smokers, making natural, food-derived options a safer choice for this population.

Important Considerations and Who Should Avoid Beta-Carotene Supplements

While generally safe for most people, high-dose beta-carotene supplementation carries a significant risk for certain groups. Several studies have linked high-dose beta-carotene supplements to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers, former smokers, and individuals with asbestos exposure. For these populations, it is crucial to avoid supplemental beta-carotene and to prioritize getting the nutrient from dietary sources instead. For the general population, getting beta-carotene from food is the most recommended approach, as food contains a complex array of beneficial phytonutrients. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs. Information on nutritional recommendations can be found on authoritative sources like the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements website.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Beta-carotene is a valuable nutrient available in multiple supplement forms, including single-ingredient formulas, multivitamins, and specialty eye and skin products. For those seeking targeted support, a dedicated softgel might be appropriate, while a multivitamin is sufficient for general maintenance. However, it is essential to consider the source (natural vs. synthetic) and to be aware of potential risks, especially if you are a current or former smoker. Prioritizing dietary sources of beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, remains the safest and most recommended approach for most people. Consulting a healthcare provider will help you navigate these options to find the best solution for your health. Remember, while supplements can fill gaps, a balanced diet is always the foundation of good nutrition. The best supplement for beta-carotene ultimately depends on your individual health profile, goals, and any potential risk factors you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dedicated beta-carotene supplements from brands like Puritan's Pride, Swanson, and NOW Foods typically contain a higher dose, often around 25,000 IU per serving.

Yes, most complete multivitamin supplements include beta-carotene as a component of their Vitamin A content. Check the label for 'provitamin A carotenoids' or look for beta-carotene listed under Vitamin A.

Yes, many eye health supplements combine beta-carotene with other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. Specialized immune support and skin health formulas also often contain beta-carotene.

Natural beta-carotene is sourced from algae (Dunaliella salina) and is a mixture of carotenoids. Synthetic beta-carotene is produced in a lab. For most, either is fine, but some studies link high-dose synthetic beta-carotene to risks in smokers.

Smokers, former smokers, and individuals with a history of asbestos exposure should avoid high-dose beta-carotene supplements, as studies have shown an increased risk of lung cancer in these groups.

Yes, consuming high amounts of beta-carotene from supplements can lead to a harmless condition called carotenemia, where the skin takes on a yellowish-orange tint. This effect is temporary and resolves when intake is reduced.

For most people, obtaining beta-carotene from a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the best approach. Supplements should only be used to fill specific nutritional gaps and are not recommended in high doses for certain populations.