Intakes of beta-carotene from its use as a food additive, fortificant and dietary supplement in France, Germany and the UK

Beta-carotene producers and food manufacturers have collated information about the usage of beta-carotene as a colourant and in fortified foods and food supplements. These data have been combined with food consumption data from some European countries consuming higher amounts of processed foods, to generate estimates of high-level intake to compare with official advice. Intake estimates of beta-carotene from food colour uses for German, French and British adults ranged from 0.4 to 1.9 mg/day. Pack dosage directions and beta-carotene content were used to estimate intakes from supplements, which could range from less than 1 mg/day to 100 mg/day. However, for the majority of products recommended daily doses were less than 10 mg/day. Theoretical intakes from fortified drinks could exceed 5 mg/day, but this level of intake is unlikely to be maintained in the longer term. The most important sources of intake appeared to be from food supplements and fortified foods. Intakes of isolated beta-carotene were comparable to intakes of natural beta-carotene from the diet.