Summary:
The objective of the article is to provide a concise overview of the conclusions of most important studies assessing
the role of beta-carotene in the prevention of civilisation diseases. Beta-carotene seemed to be a very promising agent
in the prevention of civilisation diseases in the early 1980s. However, several large-scale studies concluded that the
preventive effects of beta-carotene may have been overestimated or that beta-carotene may even have harmful effects
previously not anticipated. Current nutritional recommendations promote increased consumption of vegetables and
fruits, but beta-carotene supplementation is not recommended.
Key words:
civilisation diseases, antioxidants, beta-carotene.
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