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Expert Q&A

	By Allison Gamble Nutritionist/Diet Technician Highland Park Hospital, Illinois

Is beta-carotene in pill form safe in any amounts during pregnancy? I hear conflicting information on this one. Vitamin A has been suspicious in causing birth defects and new vitamin companies claim their doses of beta-carotene are safe.

Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant, a compound that lowers or prevents free-radical tissue damage which may result in cancer, heart disease or premature aging. There is no RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for beta-carotene. There is an Optimal Daily Intake which is 10 mg during pregnancy. Beta-carotene is the precursor to vitamin A, found in food sources. The food sources are dark, leafy green vegetables and fruits, such as peaches. Carrots are probably the best known source. I would venture to say that it is nearly impossible to take in toxic amounts with foods, since you would probably never be able to eat the amount needed to reach toxic amounts. However, with a supplement you would have to be wary of the dosage. I think that as long as it is not a mega-dose, then taking the supplement would not be harmful. I still think fruits and vegetables are the way to go, but if you need to fill in the blanks, then a supplement is not a bad idea."

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