Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Carotenoid Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Country Life

Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Carotenoid Complex is a dietary supplement by Country Life with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and vision health, skin health and acne, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 1,123 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin Extract, Vitamin A, Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Carotenoid Complex by Country Life

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 6 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Vegetable Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (85 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains nine active ingredients: vitamin A, alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, broccoli flower extract, astaxanthin extract, carrot seed oil, and pumpkin seed extract. These are carotenoids and plant compounds that work as antioxidants and support eye, skin, and general cellular health.

The capsule itself contains several inactive ingredients—soybean oil, bovine gelatin, glycerin, beeswax, purified water, carob, annatto, and safflower oil—which are fillers and capsule materials with no therapeutic role.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Antioxidant support from natural carotenoids.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Vision health, Eye health — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Vitamin A is rated "Possibly Effective" for Aging skin.

Evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Vitamin A is effective for vitamin A deficiency and possibly effective for oral leukoplakia, aging skin, measles, ulcerative colitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are both possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve pain, high cholesterol, and weight management.

Lycopene is possibly effective for prostate cancer. Broccoli is possibly effective for colorectal cancer, and pumpkin seed extract is possibly effective for benign prostate enlargement.

For many other conditions listed in the data—like astaxanthin for athletic performance or cognitive decline—the evidence isn't established well enough to rate.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin A Alpha-lipoic Acid Lycopene Lutein Broccoli Carrot Pumpkin Zeaxanthin

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 8 of the 9 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 9 of 9.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 9 of 9.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin A is generally well tolerated at recommended amounts, but high doses build up in the body and can cause serious toxicity including liver damage, headaches, and in rare cases pseudotumor cerebri or coma. Alpha-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated and commonly causes minor side effects like headache, heartburn, nausea, or dizziness; rare cases of insulin autoimmune syndrome have been reported.

Lycopene may cause GI side effects including diarrhea, gas, nausea, or vomiting. Lutein and zeaxanthin are generally well tolerated at typical doses.

Broccoli extract may cause loose stools, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping, especially at higher doses. Astaxanthin can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools.

Pumpkin seed extract typically causes mild GI effects but rarely can trigger anaphylaxis; it may also cause hair loss at high doses due to cucurbitacin content in bitter-tasting varieties.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin A Alpha-lipoic Acid Lycopene Lutein Broccoli Carrot Pumpkin Zeaxanthin

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 9 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lycopene, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Pumpkin, Vitamin A, Astaxanthin, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,124 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check whether you use retinoid drugs (Major severity interaction with vitamin A), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate with vitamin A, alpha-lipoic acid, and lycopene), tetracycline antibiotics, hepatotoxic drugs, chemotherapy (alkylating agents or antitumor antibiotics), thyroid hormone drugs, diabetes medications, drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP3A4, or CYP2B6 liver enzymes, or lithium. The search tool below will help you verify your exact medications against all documented interactions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This carotenoid blend is worth considering if you're looking to support eye and skin health, but it's not a product you can simply add to your routine without checking. If you take a prescription—especially retinoids, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, tetracycline antibiotics, thyroid medication, or chemotherapy—run it through our checker first.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 9 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Carotenoid Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Country Life
Barcode (UPC) 015794056010
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 333172
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Carotenoid Complex by Country Life, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
015794056010
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin A7500 mcg833%
Alpha-Lipoic Acid1000 mcg--
Lycopene3000 mcg--
Lutein5000 mcg--
Vegetable Blend85 mg--
Zeaxanthin305 mcg--
Broccoli flower extract0 NP--
Astaxanthin Extract1000 mcg--
Carrot Seed Oil0 NP--
Pumpkin Seed Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, Water, Purified, Carob, Annatto, Safflower Oil

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

This complex contains a vegetable medley of broccoli, pumpkin, and carrot seed, which makes this a naturally, rich source of beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Along with lutein and lycopene, this complex also provides antioxidant support.

Includes 5 mg lutein Includes 3 mg lycopene

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Yes Certified gluten free by GFCO.org No yeast or wheat No milk, salt or sugar No preservatives No artificial flavors or sweeteners No magnesium stearate

Yes manufacturing supports wind power

Certified Gluten Free GFCO.org

Certified gluten-free

Provides antioxidant support Our Pledge of Integrity Authenticity Cleanliness Freshness Consistency Accuracy

100% bovine gelatin, BSE-free.

Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

General Statements

Yes recyclable packaging

Precautions

Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, have medical condition or planning surgery, consult a doctor before using this product.

Stop using and consult a doctor if any adverse reactions occur. Do not accept if seal is broken.

Keep out of the reach of children.

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications that you take with your health care providers.

Contains soy.

Storage

Store between 59 degrees - 86 degrees F.

Seals/Symbols

Certified B Corporation Certified Gluten Free GFCO.org

Brand IP Statement(s)

Country Life Established 1971

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take one (1) softgel daily with food.

See for yourself

Carotenoid Complex by Country Life label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Carotenoid Complex by Country Life

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Vitamin A

Interacts with
387 drugs
7500 mcg per serving Form: Beta-Carotene

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplemen...

Vitamin A monograph & interactions

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
1000 mcg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

Alpha-Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

Lycopene

Interacts with
122 drugs
3000 mcg per serving

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible hear...

Lycopene monograph & interactions

Lutein

No known
interactions
5000 mcg per serving Form: Marigold Flower Extract

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

Lutein monograph & interactions

Vegetable Blend

85 mg per serving

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
305 mcg per serving Form: Marigold Flower Extract

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Astaxanthin Extract

Interacts with
671 drugs
1000 mcg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis Extract

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Astaxanthin Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, Water, Purified, Carob, Annatto, Safflower Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Carotenoid Complex by Country Life Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Carotenoid Complex?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,123Drugs
9 Major 1,114 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin A 387
Lycopene 122

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Carotenoid Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Astaxanthin Extract2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Vitamin A4 drug types · 387 drugs

Retinoids

Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, could have additive toxic effects when taken with vitamin A supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is the highest level of intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Doses of vitamin A above the UL can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking tetracycline antibiotics with high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) can occur with tetracyclines and with acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity. Case reports suggest that taking tetracyclines and vitamin A concurrently can increase the risk of this condition. Avoid high doses of vitamin A in people taking tetracyclines chronically.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, high doses of vitamin A could increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Vitamin A toxicity is associated with hemorrhage and hypoprothrombinemia, possibly due to vitamin K antagonism. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid doses of vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level of 10,000 IU/day for adults.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Alpha-Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Broccoli flower extract2 drug types · 187 drugs

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, broccoli might reduce the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that eating 500 grams of fresh broccoli daily for 6-12 days can increase CYP1A2 activity by 10% to 200%. Induction of CYP1A2 activity by broccoli is attributed to its glucosinolate constituents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2A6 (Cyp2A6) Substrates

Theoretically, broccoli might reduce the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2A6.
Pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that eating 500 grams of broccoli daily for 6 days increases CYP2A6 activity by 135% to 550%. Induction of CYP2A6 activity is attributed to its glucosinolate constituents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Lycopene1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that lycopene has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Zeaxanthin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In an animal diabetic model, zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects. However, population research has found that increasing intake of dietary zeaxanthin plus lutein does not decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Pumpkin Seed Extract1 drug type · 1 drug

Lithium

Pumpkin might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Pumpkin is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Carotenoid Complex, from the product label.

Country Life

See all Country Life products
Name
Country Life, LLC
Street Address
180 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788
Web Address
CountryLifeVitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Carotenoid Complex by Country Life: Common Questions

Does Carotenoid Complex by Country Life interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Carotenoid Complex has a known interaction with 1,123 medications, including 9 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Carotenoid Complex contains 9 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe to take during pregnancy?
The ingredients have mixed pregnancy data. Vitamin A at high doses should be avoided because it can cause birth defects—stick to normal dietary amounts. Lutein and carrot seed oil are likely safe. Zeaxanthin and broccoli are likely safe in food amounts. Alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, astaxanthin, and pumpkin seed extract don't have enough safety data in pregnancy, so it's best to avoid them or talk with your doctor. Since this is a combination product, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and broccoli are likely safe during breastfeeding. Alpha-lipoic acid and lycopene should be avoided because there isn't enough safety data on supplements while nursing. Astaxanthin and pumpkin seed extract also lack adequate breastfeeding data. Vitamin A in normal dietary amounts is fine, but high-dose supplements should be avoided. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
The most likely side effects are GI—diarrhea, gas, nausea, heartburn, or abdominal discomfort. Alpha-lipoic acid may cause headache or dizziness. Astaxanthin can cause red-colored stools. Most people tolerate this product well at recommended doses, but GI sensitivity varies.
Does this product actually work for vision and skin health?
Lutein and zeaxanthin have good evidence for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts—both are possibly effective. Vitamin A is possibly effective for aging skin. For other uses listed in the facts, like astaxanthin for skin aging or broccoli for general health, the evidence isn't strong enough to establish effectiveness.
Why is this a complex instead of a single carotenoid?
Different carotenoids support different tissues—lutein and zeaxanthin target the macula in your eye, lycopene supports the prostate, vitamin A supports skin and overall immunity. By combining them, the product aims to cover more ground. Whether that combination works better than single ingredients isn't something our data addresses.
What's the vegetable blend in this, and does it interact with anything?
The product facts list a vegetable blend as an ingredient, but they don't break down what's in it—just note that any component ingredients are listed separately elsewhere. The broccoli flower extract, carrot seed oil, and pumpkin seed extract in this product are the vegetable-derived active ingredients, and those are the ones with documented interactions.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Carotenoid Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Carotenoid Complex’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin A

Interacts with 387 drugs

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplements are mainly useful for correcting a tr...

Read the full Vitamin A monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Lycopene

Interacts with 122 drugs

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible heart and prostate benefits, but evidence fr...

Read the full Lycopene monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help slow progression of age-related macular...

Read the full Lutein monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Broccoli

Interacts with 187 drugs

Broccoli is a nutritious cruciferous vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds like sulforaphane that have drawn scientific interest for health benefits. Eating broccoli as food...

Read the full Broccoli monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Carrot

Carrot is a common food vegetable that is a rich source of beta-carotene (which the body turns into vitamin A) and other nutrients. Eating carrots is safe and nutritious for most people, but...

Read the full Carrot monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Pumpkin

Interacts with 1 drug

Pumpkin is a nutritious squash, and its seeds and seed oil are the parts most often used as supplements, mainly for urinary and prostate symptoms. The evidence for these uses is limited and...

Read the full Pumpkin monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with 86 drugs

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The strongest evidence relates to slowing progres...

Read the full Zeaxanthin monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Carotenoid Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 122 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin A 31 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Griffiths JK. The vitamin A paradox. J Pediatr 2000;137:604-7.. PubMed
  3. Hardman JG, Limbird LL, Molinoff PB, eds. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
  4. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  5. FDA Talk Paper. Vitamin A and birth defects (T95-56). Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD. October 6, 1995.
  6. Russell RM. The vitamin A spectrum: from deficiency to toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:878-84. PubMed
  7. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  8. Feskanich D, Singh V, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Vitamin A intake and hip fractures among postmenopausal women. JAMA 2002;287:47-54. PubMed
  9. Melhus H, Michaelsson K, Kindmark A, et al. Excessive dietary intake of vitamin A is associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased risk for hip fracture. Ann Intern Med 1998;129:770-8. PubMed
  10. Michaelsson K, Lithell H, Vessby B, Melhus H. Serum retinol levels and the risk of fracture. N Engl J Med 2003;348:287-94.. PubMed
  11. Botterweck AA, van den Brandt PA, Goldbohm RA. Vitamins, carotenoids, dietary fiber, and the risk of gastric carcinoma: results from a prospective study after 6.3 years of follow-up. Cancer 2000;88:737-48.. DOI
  12. Meyskens FL Jr, Graham V, Chvapil M, et al. A phase I trial of beta-all-trans-retinoic acid delivered via a collagen sponge and a cervical cap for mild or moderate intraepithelial cervical neoplasia. J Natl Cancer Inst 1983;71:921-5..
  13. Hathcock JN, Hattan DG, Jenkins MY, et al. Evaluation of vitamin A toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;52:183-202.. PubMed
  14. Walters BN, Gubbay SS. Tetracycline and benign intracranial hypertension: report of five cases. Br Med J 1981;282:19-20.. PubMed
  15. Pearson MG, Littlewood SM, Bowden AN. Tetracycline and benign intracranial hypertension (letter). Br Med J 1981;282:568-9.. PubMed
  16. Azais-Braesco V, Pascal G. Vitamin A in pregnancy: requirements and safety limits. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1325S-33S. PubMed
  17. Smedts HP, de Vries JH, Rakhshandehroo M, et al. High maternal vitamin E intake by diet or supplements is associated with congenital heart defects in the offspring. BJOG 2009;116:416-23. PubMed
  18. Grotto, I., Mimouni, M., Gdalevich, M., and Mimouni, D. Vitamin A supplementation and childhood morbidity from diarrhea and respiratory infections: a meta-analysis. J Pediatr 2003;142(3):297-304. PubMed
  19. Mahalanabis, D., Lahiri, M., Paul, D., Gupta, S., Gupta, A., Wahed, M. A., and Khaled, M. A. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the efficacy of treatment with zinc or vitamin A in infants and young children with severe acute l
  20. Long, K. Z., Montoya, Y., Hertzmark, E., Santos, J. I., and Rosado, J. L. A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial of the effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on diarrheal disease and respiratory tract infections in children in Mexico City, Mex
  21. Fritz, H., Kennedy, D., Fergusson, D., Fernandes, R., Doucette, S., Cooley, K., Seely, A., Sagar, S., Wong, R., and Seely, D. Vitamin A and retinoid derivatives for lung cancer: a systematic review and meta analysis. PLoS.One. 2011;6(6):e21107. PubMed
  22. Mayo-Wilson, E., Imdad, A., Herzer, K., Yakoob, M. Y., and Bhutta, Z. A. Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2011;343:d5094. PubMed
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Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
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Lycopene 10 references
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Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

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Zeaxanthin 4 references
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Broccoli 5 references
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Astaxanthin 3 references
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Carrot 14 references
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Pumpkin 5 references
  1. Marks L, Partin AW, Epstein JI, et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol 2000;163:1451-6. DOI
  2. Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:549721. PubMed
  3. Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U. Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study. Urol Int 2015;94(3):286-95 PubMed
  4. Assouly P. Hair loss associated with cucurbit poisoning. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 May 1;154(5):617-618. PubMed
  5. Gawryjolek J, Ludwig H, Zbikowska-Götz M, Bartuzi Z, Krogulska A. Anaphylaxis after consumption of pumpkin seeds in a 2-y-old child tolerant to its pulp: A case study. Nutrition 2021;89:111272. PubMed

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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