Get Notified when there's something new from Health in FocusHow To Best Take And Absorb Beta-Carotene.
By Jacobus Hollewijn
May 24, 2025
Your Daily Health Pearl Minute # 20
Beta Carotene, as a supplement, when taken by itself on an empty stomach, is not very well absorbed. But when co-ingested with a moderate amount of quality dietary fat, such as butter, ghee, olive oil, flax oil, or fish oil, it offers up to 25 times the beta-carotene absorption value of raw carrots.
Back in July of 1996, when I wrote the original text for this Health Pearl, there already were over 70 studies showing people who don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables rich in carotenes generally have a higher risk of cancer.
The deeper and brighter the orange, yellow, red, and green colors, the more carotene they contain. For example: carrots, tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin, green beans, apricots, and sweet potatoes.
The question arises: How much Beta Carotene is too much?
The easiest way to find out is when the palms of your hands, or the soles of your feet, become orang-y looking. That means your body is saturated. It knows what to do with it (which is convert into Vitamin A); and it’s okay to take it easy on the carotenes. This orang-y coloration is not harmful and will go away when intake is decreased.
Mother Nature provides us with many nutrients for building and supporting good health, as well as overcoming disease.
Naturally, eating organic is best. But you do the best you can; and you will see results!
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The purpose of this website is to inform, educate, and entertain, not to diagnose, treat, or cure. Jacobus is not a licensed physician. If you intend to utilize any of the information contained in the articles and/or podcasts, it is recommend you see a licensed, competent medical provider of your choice, or find additional information from other reputable sources. I cannot control the opinions of my guests. I will double-check my facts in good faith, but may not be able to fully verify every statement made by any third party. If you utilize any information from this Website, you do so at your own risk.
