Beta carotene is said to be used with caution in those with some form of liver / renal impairment, but when I checked the metabolism of beta carotene, there is a portion which is converted into retinol (Vitamin A) which is contraindicated for any one with liver disease. So, is there something missing? Reference of the image attached "
Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions"
As the Dutch Pharmacists Association interpret it: retinol is safe in people with liver impairment. Betacarotene could be safe, but there is not enough data to support that, so caution is neccesary.
retinol is safe to use in moderate doses for a short period of tiem and in healthy people. In patuents with chronic liver disease may be dangerous
So Dr Luis, is the same applicable to beta carotene? Because we know the metabolism of Beta carotene, is as follows:conversion into retinol, so beta carotene is also contraindicated for someone with liver disease? and if yes, may you share any reference/study that said so? Because according to Livertox, retinol can be ingested
https://livertox.nih.gov/VitaminARetinoids.htm
dr. Elsersy, it is the other way around: retinol is safe up to 50.000 IE/day (according both to Livertox and Dutch pharmacists information). So beta carotene could also be safe, but it lacks safety data.
So Joris, what is your take on 15 mg beta carotene twice per day for someone with NAFLD? Safe?
Mostafa, dr. Luis points out the right CI: cirrhosis. Be careful when using betacarotene in these patients.
(other liver disfunctions are now regarded as not relevant in The Netherlands, either because not seriously interfering or because of lack of data)
Vitamin A deficiency is widespread in many societies and it is associated with night blindness and infectious morbidity. Although beta-carotene or vitamin A supplementation did not appear to affect risk of maternal or infant mortality, weekly supplementation or food fortification is still an important public health goal
Beta-carotene is an important source of vitamin A for humans and it is recommended that people should consume 6mg per day when the intake of preformed vitamin A is low. Beta-carotene levels aresignificantly lower in individuals with increased obesity and body mass index, including children.
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