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Supplement × Supplement·Evidence index

Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E: what the research found

PubMed indexes 8 records that name Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E together, either in the title or in an interaction, co-administration, or pharmacokinetic context. The key findings come first, in the authors’ own words, followed by every study with its design and PubMed link.

A summary of published research, not medical advice. A pharmacist can check any combination against your full list of medicines and supplements.

Key findings

What the studies concluded.

Reviews and human studies first. Each quote is the authors’ own conclusion about their study, not a NutriStack assessment, and a single study is not a consensus.

“A role for beta-carotene in the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer has yet to be demonstrated despite clinical research activity in this area. The role for alpha-tocopherol as a photoprotective agent is less clear-cut and it has yet to be established as treatment either for conditions characterized by photosensitivity or as an agent for preventing chronic photodamage or cutaneous malignancy.”

Anstey · 2002 · Human study · details

“Currently, there are no data to support the use of these vitamins to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Trials are in progress to determine whether a longer duration of administration of vitamin E or the association of vitamin E with cofactors may reduce cardiovascular events.”

Dagenais et al. · 2000 · Human study · details

“We found no reduction in the incidence of lung cancer among male smokers after five to eight years of dietary supplementation with alpha-tocopherol or beta carotene. In fact, this trial raises the possibility that these supplements may actually have harmful as well as beneficial effects.”

The research

8 studies naming Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E.

Strongest relevance first: papers naming both substances in the title, then human trials and systematic reviews.

The effect of vitamin E and beta carotene on the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers in male smokers.

The New England journal of medicine · 1994 · PMID 8127329

Clinical TrialRandomized Controlled Trial

“We found no reduction in the incidence of lung cancer among male smokers after five to eight years of dietary supplementation with alpha-tocopherol or beta carotene. In fact, this trial raises the possibility that these supplements may actually have harmful as well as beneficial effects.”

Authors' conclusion

Names both Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E in its title.

Serum levels of retinol, beta-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol in older adults.

American journal of epidemiology · 1988 · PMID 3276153

Comparative StudyReviewHuman subjects415 participants

“Vitamin supplementation was associated with higher serum levels. Persons taking medication for high blood pressure had higher levels of retinol and alpha-tocopherol, but lower levels of beta-carotene.”

Comstock et al. · From the abstract

Names both Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E in its title.

Systemic photoprotection with alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and beta-carotene.

Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2002 · PMID 12072001

ReviewHuman subjects

“A role for beta-carotene in the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer has yet to be demonstrated despite clinical research activity in this area. The role for alpha-tocopherol as a photoprotective agent is less clear-cut and it has yet to be established as treatment either for conditions characterized by photosensitivity or as an agent for preventing chronic photodamage or cutaneous malignancy.”

Anstey · From the abstract

Names both Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E in its title.

Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E and cardiovascular diseases.

Current cardiology reports · 2000 · PMID 10953262

ReviewHuman subjects

“Currently, there are no data to support the use of these vitamins to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Trials are in progress to determine whether a longer duration of administration of vitamin E or the association of vitamin E with cofactors may reduce cardiovascular events.”

Dagenais et al. · From the abstract

Names both Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E in its title.

Chemoprevention of oral cancer: beta-carotene and vitamin E in leukoplakia.

European journal of cancer prevention : the official journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP) · 1994 · PMID 8019381

ReviewHuman subjects

“These include laboratory in vitro and animal model findings, but the strongest evidence comes from epidemiologic studies which uniformly suggest protection by beta-carotene against head and neck cancer. Much like the retinoids, but without toxicity, beta-carotene and vitamin E can produce regression of oral leukoplakia, a premalignant lesion for oral cancer, as has now been shown in eight clinical trials, five with beta-carotene alone, one with vitamin E alone and two that…”

Garewal · From the abstract

Names both Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E in its title.

Limitations

What this evidence cannot tell you.

Search-based evidence indexes have real limits, and it is worth being explicit about them:

How to read this page

A literature summary, not guidance.

NutriStack

Track what you actually take.

NutriStack is a free iPhone app for organising a supplement routine: what you take, when, and what the published record says about it. Its exploratory interaction checker covers Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, and several hundred other substances.

Log your routine, get reminders at the times you choose, and scan a label to add a product. The checker is a research and organisation tool, not a clinical decision aid.

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.