NutriStack
Beta-Carotene and Esomeprazole, a caution.
Gastric acid contributes to the dispersion and absorption of beta-carotene from food. In a crossover study, raising gastric pH above 4.5 with omeprazole significantly reduced the plasma beta-carotene response to an oral dose. Patients relying on beta-carotene for vitamin A status may convert it less efficiently while on esomeprazole.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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At a glance
- Substances
- Beta-Carotene and Esomeprazole
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Emerging evidence
Caution
What is happening. Gastric acid contributes to the dispersion and absorption of beta-carotene from food. In a crossover study, raising gastric pH above 4.5 with omeprazole significantly reduced the plasma beta-carotene response to an oral dose. Patients relying on beta-carotene for vitamin A status may convert it less efficiently while on esomeprazole.
Mechanism. Beta-carotene must be released from the food matrix and incorporated into mixed micelles for intestinal absorption. Gastric acid aids matrix breakdown and emulsification; PPI-induced hypochlorhydria reduces micelle formation efficiency.
Recommendation. If you use beta-carotene as a vitamin A source while on esomeprazole, take it with a fat-containing meal to maximize what acid-independent absorption you can get. People with vitamin A insufficiency may do better with preformed vitamin A (retinol) instead.
Sources (2)
- Tang G, Serfaty-Lacrosniere C, Camilo ME, Russell RM. Gastric acidity influences the blood response to a beta-carotene dose in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;64(4):622-6. PMID 8839509
- Freedberg DE, Kim LS, Yang YX. The Risks and Benefits of Long-term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors: Expert Review and Best Practice Advice From the American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology. 2017;152(4):706-15. PMID 28257716
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Beta-Carotene and Esomeprazole are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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