Beta-Carotene and Smoking Confusion!

Hello there. :)

I'm in the process of quitting smoking, as well as an overall lifestyle change (healthier eating, etc.)

My question is about vitamin supplements and smokers. I have recently read that beta-carotene is not safe for smokers to take in supplement form, as it has be indicated to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers and ex-smokers. This sort of frustrated me because i finally found a vitamin I was happy about taking (I really didn't want a "megadose" vitamin.

It's called "Only One" made by "NewChapter Organics." Here's a link:

http://www.newchapter.com/product/product.lasso?-Search=Action&-Table=P_Web&-Database=NewChapter&-KeyValue=126

It contains 12,500 IU of Vitamin A (100% as beta-carotene).

Is this safe for a smoker? And does it matter that these are supposedly "whole food" vitamins?

I'm really hoping an MD will be able to answer! Thanks!

[Renee Radenberg]

You really should not be taking that high dose of Vitamin A, regardless if you are smoking or not. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which stays in the tissues of our bodies so we do not need as much as water-soluble vitamins (need daily intake). The recommended daily does is 700UL and maximum intake of 3000UL. I recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin if your daily intake of food does not give you the needed vitamins and minerals.

[rexarex]

Oops, I should have said MD or RD! :)