Evidence supporting the use of: Mixed carotenoids
For the health condition: Night Blindness

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Night blindness, or nyctalopia, is commonly caused by a deficiency in vitamin A, which is essential for the synthesis of rhodopsin—a photopigment in the retina required for vision in low-light conditions. Mixed carotenoids, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are dietary precursors to vitamin A (provitamin A carotenoids). Of these, beta-carotene is the most significant in terms of conversion efficiency to retinol (active vitamin A) in the human body. Numerous clinical studies and reviews support the use of beta-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids for the prevention and treatment of vitamin A deficiency-related night blindness, especially in populations with limited access to preformed vitamin A from animal sources. The World Health Organization and other health agencies recommend vitamin A supplementation—including through dietary carotenoids—as a strategy to combat night blindness in at-risk populations. However, not all carotenoids support vision; for example, lutein and zeaxanthin are important for macular health but do not convert to vitamin A. Therefore, the evidence is strongest for beta-carotene and alpha-carotene among mixed carotenoids. In summary, there is robust scientific validation for the use of provitamin A carotenoids in supporting and treating night blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency, with clear mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and global health recommendations backing their use.

More about mixed carotenoids
More about Night Blindness