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Carotenemia Carotenemia or hypercarotenemia is excess carotene, and unlike excess Vitamin A is non-toxic. Although hypercarotenemia is not particularly dangerous, it can lead to a yellowing of the skin (carotenodermia). It is most commonly associated with consumption of an abundance of carrots, but it also can be a medical sign of more dangerous conditions. A randomised trial into the use of β-carotene and Vitamin A for prevention of lung cancer had to be stopped early due to the apparent increase in the incidence of lung cancer in those with lung irritation from smoking or asbestos exposure.. The two forms
Carotenoids Carotenes are un-oxidized carotenoids. Carotenoids in which some of the double bonds have been oxidized are known as xanthophylls. Beta Carotene and Cancer It has been shown in trials that the use of synthetically-produced beta carotene (that is, beta carotene in supplement form such as the pills typically sold in stores) increases the rate of lung cancer and prostate cancer, and increases mortality in smokers. These results have been observed in beta carotene supplements and not in foods with naturally occurring beta carotene. * An article on the American Cancer Society says that The Cancer Research Campaign has called for warning labels on beta carotene supplements to caution smokers that such supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer. * The New England Journal of Medicine published an article (Vol. 330, No. 15) in 1994 about a trial which examines the relationship between daily supplementation of beta carotene and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and the incidence of lung cancer. The study was done using supplements and researchers were aware of the relationship between carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables and lower lung cancer rates. The research concludes that no reduction in lung cancer was found in the participants using these supplements (beta carotene), and furthermore, these supplements may, in fact, have harmful effects. * The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published an article (Vol. 88, No. 21) in 1996 about a trial that was conducted to determine if vitamin E ( -tocopherol) and beta carotene had any beneficial effects to prevent cancer. The results indicate an increased risk of lung cancer for the participants who consumed the beta carotene supplement.* The home page of The Journal of the National Cancer Institute is http://www.jncicancerspectrum.oupjournals.org Production Most of the world's synthetic supply comes from a manufacturing complex located in Freeport, Texas and owned by DSM. This site uses Blakeslea trispora in a fermentation process for the production of beta-carotene. In Australia, organic beta carotene is farmed by Aquacarotene Limited from dried marine algae Dunaliella salina grown in harvesting ponds situated in Karratha, Western Australia. Nomenclature The two ends of the β-carotene molecule are structurally identical, and are called β-rings. Specifically, the group of nine carbon atoms at each end form a β-ring. The α-carotene molecule has a β-ring at one end; the other end is called an ε-ring. There are no "α-rings". These and similar names for the ends of the carotenoid molecules form the basis of a systematic naming scheme, according to which: | ||||||||||||
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