What is the daily dosage of Beta-Carotene that will result in carotenemia?

Answer 1

Several years ago the "safe" amount stated was under 50,000 IUs.

I don't know what they are recommending today. The FDA gets involved and then, according to them, because one person goes crazy and takes a humongous amount of a supplement, they say that supplement is dangerous. (Yes, and if I mis-use a knife, it is dangerous too.)

That being said, I've taken vitamin A all of my adult life--usually 10,000 to 25,000 IU. If I don't, I can't see well at night and I start getting aches and pains. When I was sick with upper respiratory infections I would take up to 50,000 IU 3 times a day. It helps the body fight infection.

Both of my Grandmothers lived their lives taking at least a tablespoon of cod liver oil (vitamin A) a day. They bought the big bottles of it and spooned it out. They both lived healthy long lives.

The link below states that cartenemia is not dangerous--it just looks funny. This is what I've always understood. That being said, I think everyone synthesizes vitamin A (beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in our bodies) at a different rate, therefore what is "too much" for one person doesn't bother another person. So what you can do is start off with a little amount (10,000 IU) and work up slowly, very slowly--knowing that it will take your body a little while to respond.

Answer 2

Fairly high. It takes a combination of dosage and duration of intake. Generally, it may require 100,000 IU per day for weeks to months to produce excessive levels that are visible as skin color changes.

Note: smokers should not take high doses of beta-carotene. Two large medical studies suggest high doses (25 mg/day) can increase cancer risks. This caution may only apply to synthetic forms of beta-carotene.

Answer 3

ask a doctor.