Suports vision, skin and mucous membranes
- Pure beta-carotene in a readily digestible and stable form - the natural precursor of vitamin A
- 1 Provitamin A for the maintenance of normal skin, vision, and mucous membranes
- 2 With natural vitamin E that contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Manufactured under Danish pharmaceutical control
1 capsule contains: | % RDA* | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 Beta-carotene | 6 mg | ** | |
2 Vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol | 10 mg | 83% |
* RDA = Recommended Daily Allowance.
** RDA not established.
Product Facts
Directions
1 capsule daily unless advised otherwise. Do not chew the capsule but swallow it whole, preferably during/after a meal. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
Taken at a dose of three capsules per day or more, a yellowish tanning of the skin may occur. It is completely harmless.
Long-term use of high doses (5 capsules per day) is not recommended for heavy smokers
Dietary supplements should not replace a varied diet.
A healthy lifestyle and a varied diet are important for maintaining good health.
Ingredients
Bulking agent: Soybean oil,
Capsule shell: Bovine gelatin,
Partially hydrogenated soybean oil,
Humectant: Glycerol,
Purified water,
Betacarotene (vitamin A),
D-a-tocopherol (vitamin E),
Coloring agent: Iron oxide
Storage
Dark, dry, and at room temperature.
Keep out of reach of young children.
What is Bio-Carotene?
Bio-Carotene are small capsules with pure betacarotene equivalent to 1500 µg vitamin A. This dose is about 188% of the RDA level (Recommended Daily Allowance) for betacarotene. Bio-Carotene is manufactured in a way where betacarotene is mixed into an oil matrix that keeps it stable and increases bio-availability. In fact, studies document that betacarotene in supplement form has better bio-availability than when you get it from vegetables.
Bio-Carotene also contains natural vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol. For optimal absorption in the body Bio-Carotene should be taken with a meal.
What is beta-carotene?
Beta-carotene belongs to a group of yellow and red plant compounds with a coloring effect. Beta-carotene is what gives carrots (and other fruits and vegetables) an orange color. Beta-carotene is also a precursor of retinol (vitamin A) and is converted into vitamin A by the body in the amount it needs. In some parts of the world, beta-carotene is the major source of vitamin A. Vitamin A also contributes to normal cell division and is necessary for normal functioning of the immune system
Beta-carotene and vitamin A
Beta-carotene is a good vegetable source of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is lipid-soluble and is therefore absorbed more readily when ingested with some kind of fat. When beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A it contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes. It is of importance to normal cell division and immune function. Moreover, it helps maintain normal vision.
Ingestion of food and dietary supplements with large quantities (30 mg or more) of beta-carotene may provide the skin with a harmless yellowish color that some people find attractive. The color is a result of beta-carotene accumulating in the subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis). This color vanishes as soon as the intake of betacarotene is reduced.
Betacarotene and smokers
In some countries, dietary supplements containing betacarotene must carry a warning for smokers, telling them not to use the product. This warning is based on research showing that large doses of beta-carotene taken by heavy smokers may increase their risk of lung cancer.
There is no evidence to suggest that beta-carotene supplements are harmful for non-smokers.
In addition, there is no reason to worry about getting too much vitamin A from beta-carotene, as the body stops converting it once its stores are saturated.
Good beta-carotene sources
Beta-carotene occurs naturally in several different foods, some of the best sources being:
- green vegetables
- broccoli
- carrots
- bell pepper
- squash
- apricots
The beta-carotene content in vegetables may vary quite a lot, depending on factors like the soil in which they have been cultivated, fertilizer use, wind, weather conditions, and the subsequent treatment of the crop.
What is Vitamin E?
Bio-Carotene contains natural vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol. Alpha tocopherol is the preferred and most active type of vitamin E in the body. Like betacarotene, vitamin E is a lipid-soluble substance. The main effect of vitamin E is its role as an antioxidant that inhibits the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin E supports the protection of the body's cells against oxidative stress. The need for vitamin E is proportionally related to the intake of poly-unsaturated fatty acids.
Good dietary sources of vitamin E are:
- Wheat germ oil
- Almonds
- Nuts
- High-fat dairy products
- Eggs
- Green vegetables
Variations in gelatin hardness
The hardness of our soft gelatin capsules can vary. The difference depends solely on the water content of the capsule shell. We dry all our soft capsules before packaging, which makes the capsules firmer and facilitates the packaging process itself. Over time, the capsules can absorb water from the air, and this will soften the capsule shell.
The variations in the hardness of the capsule have no effect on the product quality, but if a hard capsule is a problem, a solution may be to leave the capsule outside the blister sheet for a day, whereby the capsule can absorb a little water from the air. This is generally not something we recommend, as the product will no longer be protected as when it is in the blister sheet. Another method of quickly softening the gelatin capsule is to place it in lukewarm water for one minute. However, it should be seen as an emergency solution.
Official claims
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the evidence behind beta-carotene and vitamin E and has acknowledged the following claims:
Beta-carotene (vitamin A)
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
- Contributes to normal functioning of the immune system
- Contributes to normal iron metabolism
- Has a role in the process of cell specialization
Vitamin E
- Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress