Beta-Carotene likely won't do much for most people

[metagross]

I've seen some people getting mixed results with Beta Carotene. While some actually do get better skin, others don't notice anything and call it cope.

I think I know why.
Your body needs to actually absorb and convert it with the BCMO1 (beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase 1) gene.

The problem is that multiple studies estimate that about ~45% of the Western population exhibits reduced BCMO1 activity, resulting in lower conversion rates.

e.g.:

Variability in conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A in men as measured by using a double-tracer study design - PubMed

The vitamin A activity of beta-carotene, even when measured under controlled conditions, can be surprisingly low and variable.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

So whether Beta-Carotene actually does anything for you or not, is basically just a coin flip.

 

[molecule8]

beta carotene is not the only carotenoid for skin colouring and non-responders are common in just about everything, even a quarter of creatine users. just gotta find what works for you. if the studies say it's just reduced conversion activity, higher dosages could work just fine as a workaround

no cope for carrotcels today. maybe just cancer in a few years JFL

 

[Evergreen]

High IQ thread, did read

But the thing about Beta carotine is that if it works on you it works really well, so just pray to Gandy that you have higher BCMO1 activity

In my opinion the skin colour you get from natural tanning + Beta Carotene is superior to the tan you get from melanotan 1 and 2