01.03.11
The intake of preformed vitamin A from animal products is not sufficient in portions of the population in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The vitamin A precursor beta-carotene therefore has an important function in providing for an adequate supply of total vitamin A, international carotenoid experts state in a recently published consensus answer. An appropriate intake of beta-carotene from diet, fortified foods and/or dietary supplements could safely compensate for the lack of vitamin A. However, based on recent data from national nutrition surveys, the dietary intake of beta-carotene from food sources is insufficient in a substantial part of the population. Moreover, many people may suffer from a reduced ability to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A from beta-carotene due to genetic variations. Consequently, experts are calling for guarantees that recommended intakes of beta-carotene are met, or if the current recommended dietary amounts for vitamin A are not met, that beta-carotene intake should be increased. Leading experts in the fields of medical and nutritional science from the U.S., Europe and Asia met at a Consensus Conference to elucidate the current knowledge with respect to physiological function, supply situation and intake recommendations of beta-carotene. The experts reached an agreement formulated in a consensus answer published recently in The Journal of Nutrition.