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Nutritional supplements with beta-carotene instead of sunscreen?
More and more manufacturers of dietary supplements advertise that beta-carotene protects against UV rays. Now the question arises whether this is sufficient protection against the sun’s rays. Especially now in the hot summer months and in direct sunlight, applying sunscreen is a must. But even if beta-carotene is contained in the dietary supplements, this substance cannot provide sufficient protection.
What is beta carotene?
Beta-carotene is one of the secondary plant substances. It is contained in all plants that are exposed to light and protects them from photo-oxidative processes. Thus, beta-carotene is also contained in various fruits and vegetables. The substance is found in high concentrations in carrots, spinach and apricots in particular. To prevent the body from processing the beta-carotene better, it should be crushed, heated or associated with fat. Beta-carotene can also be found in various finished products, such as confectionery or vitamin juices, as a vitamin enrichment and coloring agent.
Can beta-carotene capsules really protect against UV rays?
Some suppliers even advertise beta-carotene as a tanning capsule that protects the body and skin from the inside against UV rays. However , the consumer center in Bremen warns against using the dietary supplement capsules with beta-carotene as a substitute for sunscreen: ” But the products that are sold in stationary stores and on the Internet as dietary supplements under names such as “sun vitamins”, “skin protection capsules” or “Sonnen-Brause” offered do not offer comprehensive protection against harmful UV rays. They cannot replace sunscreen with a suitable sun protection factor, but at best supplement it. ”
The beta-carotene capsules can at most be seen as a supplement to sunscreen. So far, there are no large scientific studies that prove otherwise. The European Food Safety Authority EFSA also announced that, according to their findings, beta-carotene does not offer any protection against UV rays.
Important for the use of beta-carotene
- Beta-carotene supply already high: According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the need for beta-carotene is already covered for most people. This is mainly due to the fact that various foods are already enriched with the plant substance.
- Enough natural beta-carotene: Anyone who regularly eats carrots, spinach and apricots is already consuming a high dose of beta-carotene.
- Harmful to smokers: In several studies, researchers found that taking beta-carotene capsules in smokers could be linked to an increasing rate of lung cancer.
