Outcome
    Moderate Evidence

    Beta-Carotene for UV Protection

    Beta-carotene offers minimal photoprotection and increased lung cancer risk in smokers.

    Overview

    Beta-carotene offers minimal photoprotection and increased lung cancer risk in smokers.

    Verdict

    Not supported

    How It Works

    Carotenoid accumulation in skin quenches singlet oxygen from UV exposure.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Not recommended as a supplement
    Expected timeframe
    n/a

    Protocol

    studied dose
    Typically 15-30 mg/day of supplemental beta-carotene for 10+ weeks
    evidence note
    Verdict is no - the small benefit is outweighed by a serious harm signal
    what happened
    Meta-analysis shows a small increase in sunburn threshold after 10 weeks - equivalent to a fraction of an SPF point and of no practical protective value. Meanwhile the ATBC and CARET trials, both large randomised trials, found increased lung cancer incidence and mortality in smokers and asbestos-exposed workers taking supplemental beta-carotene, and CARET was stopped early because of it
    recommendation
    Do not take supplemental beta-carotene for sun protection
    what to do instead
    Broad-spectrum SPF 30+, reapplied; shade and clothing; dietary carotenoids from food, which carry no such signal

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Meta-analysis shows a small increase in sunburn threshold after 10 weeks, but the ATBC and CARET trials found increased lung cancer incidence and mortality with high-dose supplementation in smokers.

    Beta-carotene, vitamins and skin photoprotection: meta-analysis of erythema studies

    Score: 6/10
    2008
    meta_analysis

    Kopcke W, Krutmann J

    Beta-carotene protected against sunburn only after at least 10 weeks of supplementation

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Contraindicated in smokers and asbestos-exposed individuals. Eat carotenoid-rich food instead.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone for practical sun protection - and smokers must avoid it entirely.

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