About Beta-Cryptoxanthin
A provitamin-A xanthophyll carotenoid concentrated in citrus and orange peppers. As with alpha-carotene, the human data are epidemiological: higher serum beta-cryptoxanthin is associated with lower lung-cancer death (NHANES III HR ~0.21) and, in some cohorts, better bone and joint outcomes. These are dietary-pattern associations; there are no RCTs of isolated beta-cryptoxanthin supplementation showing clinical benefit. Grade low.
What Beta-Cryptoxanthin supports
- Higher intake/levels associated with better lung and bone health in observational studies
- One of the few carotenoids that converts to vitamin A
How much Beta-Cryptoxanthin to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
0–0
mcg
No established therapeutic dose. A minor provitamin-A xanthophyll, usually a trace natural companion in mixed-carotenoid, citrus or paprika blends. Nominal placeholder range.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence. Provitamin-A carotenoid; epidemiological associations only, no supplementation RCTs.
NIH Fact Sheet