Can You Take Alpha-Carotene and Beta-Carotene Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Alpha-Carotene and Beta-Carotene are both provitamin A carotenoids that share the same intestinal absorption pathways via SR-BI and CD36 transporters. High doses of one carotenoid can competitively inhibit the absorption of the other.

How to arrange timing

Separate Alpha-Carotene and Beta-Carotene supplements by at least 2 hours to optimize absorption of both carotenoids.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Reboul E. Absorption of vitamin A and carotenoids by the enterocyte: focus on transport proteins. Nutrients. 2013;5(9):3563-3581.

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.