Untitled Document
Beta-carotene supplements are available in both capsule and gel forms. Beta-carotene is fat-soluble, so you should take it with meals containing at least 3 g of fat to ensure absorption.
Pediatric
- Children should eat a healthy diet to make sure they get enough beta-carotene.
- For children younger than 14 with erythropoietic protoporphyria (see Treatment section for brief description of this condition), your doctor can measure blood levels of beta-carotene and tell you the right dose.
Adult
- There is no Recommended Daily Allowance of beta-carotene. Some doctors may prescribe between 10,000 IU per day up to 83,000 IU. Try to get most of your daily dose from the foods you eat. Eating more fruits and vegetables will ensure you get enough beta-carotene, and will also give you the added benefits of other nutrients and antioxidants.
- Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day to get about 3 to 6 mg of beta-carotene.
- For adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a doctor can measure blood levels of beta-carotene and tell you the right dose. *
