Possible Interactions with: Beta-Carotene
Also listed as: b-carotene; Beta-Carotene; Betacarotenum; Provitamin A; Trans-Beta-Carotene
InteractionsDepletions
People taking the following medications should avoid beta-carotene supplements:
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Probucol
Cholestyramine and probucol, medications used to lower cholesterol, can lower blood concentrations of dietary beta carotene by 30% to 40%, according to a 3-year trial in Sweden. Colestipol, a cholesterol-lowering medication similar to cholestyramin, may also reduce beta-carotene levels.
Orlistat
Beta-carotene and orlistat, a weight loss medication, should not be taken together because orlistat can reduce the absorption of beta-carotene by as much as 30%, thereby reducing the amount of this nutrient in the body. Those who must take both orlistat and beta-carotene supplements should separate the time between taking the medication and the supplements by at least 2 hours.
Other
In addition to these medications, mineral oil (used to treat constipation) may lower blood concentrations of beta-carotene and ongoing use of alcohol may interact with beta-carotene, increasing the likelihood of liver damage.
Drug Interactions
Cholesterol-lowering Medications
Orlistat
