•Plasma beta-carotene levels are higher in women than
men
•
•Plasma levels are higher in infants and some young adult
women
•
•Plasma beta-carotene levels are lower in male alcohol
consumers but slightly higher in
female moderate alcohol consumers
•
•High intake from diet or supplements can lead to:
- carotenoderma (harmless - may be
associated with amenorrhoea)
- corneal deposition (harmless)
- mild liver damage in alcoholics
(supplements)
- increased risks of cancer and
possibly vascular disease
(in trials of high-dose supplements)
•
•Hypercarotenaemia/ carotenoderma can also be caused by:
- hypothyroidism
- coeliac disease
- protein
deficiency/malnutrition
- zinc deficiency