Carrot juice is made by juicing or blending fresh carrots, often with apple, orange or ginger; 100 ml provides about 40 kcal and around 950 µg of vitamin A as beta-carotene — more than a full day’s requirement. It supports normal vision and skin, but “detox” and weight-loss claims are not supported. Very large daily amounts can turn the skin temporarily orange.
Key facts at a glance
- Beta-carotene is the star nutrient; the body converts it to vitamin A as needed.
- Low calorie for a juice, but still about 4 g of sugar per 100 ml.
- A little fat in the same meal improves beta-carotene absorption.
- Carotenaemia — harmless yellow-orange skin — can follow several glasses a day for weeks.
- No juice detoxifies the body; the liver and kidneys do.
Simple carrot juice recipe
Makes about 300 ml.
- 4 medium carrots (about 400 g)
- 1 apple or 1 orange, for sweetness
- 1 cm fresh ginger (optional)
- Squeeze of lemon
- Wash and trim the carrots; peeling is optional.
- Juice with the apple or orange and ginger. Without a juicer, blend with 150 ml water and strain.
- Add lemon juice, which slows browning and brightens the flavour.
- Drink fresh, or refrigerate and use within 24 hours.
Carrot juice nutrition
| Nutrient | Per 100 ml |
|---|---|
| Energy | 40 kcal |
| Sugars | 3.9 g |
| Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) | about 950 µg RAE |
| Potassium | 292 mg |
| Vitamin K | 15 µg |
| Fibre | 0.8 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, canned carrot juice. Adult vitamin A requirement is 700–900 µg RAE a day.
What the evidence supports
- Vitamin A status and vision — supported; beta-carotene is an efficient source.
- Skin appearance — small studies link higher carotenoid intake to a warmer skin tone; this is not the same as treating skin conditions.
- Weight loss — not supported. Whole carrots, with their fibre, are more filling.
- Detox — not supported.
Who should be careful
- People on potassium-restricted diets.
- People on warfarin, who should keep vitamin K intake consistent.
- Smokers taking high-dose beta-carotene supplements — supplements, not food, raised lung cancer risk in trials; juice is not a supplement, but avoid heavy daily excess.
Frequently asked questions
How much carrot juice is healthy per day?
One small glass of 150–250 ml is plenty. It already supplies more than a day’s vitamin A.
Can carrot juice help you lose weight?
Not on its own. It is lower in calories than many fruit juices, but whole vegetables are more filling.
Why does carrot juice turn skin orange?
Excess beta-carotene deposits in the skin, a harmless condition called carotenaemia. It fades when intake drops.
Is carrot juice good for the eyes?
It supports normal vision by supplying vitamin A. It will not correct eyesight in people who are not deficient.
How long does fresh carrot juice keep?
Up to 24 hours refrigerated. Pasteurised packaged juice keeps much longer unopened.
Carrot juice from ACM Beverage
ACM Beverage produces carrot and vegetable juices in Vietnam for OEM and private label customers. See the 250 ml carrot juice or the vegetable drinks range. Related reading: how to make celery juice.
This article is general nutrition information, not medical advice.
