Beta Carotene From Natural Source for Patients With Non-Active Crohn's Disease

Patients with documented Crohn's disease who are at least 2 months in remission (CDAI\<150) will be randomized to receive 60 mg beta carotene/day vs. placebo for 1 year. The study medication will be taken in addition to regular treatment for Crohn's disease. The protocol includes 5 visits (months 0, 3, 6, 9, 12). Each visit lasts 30-60 minutes and includes a brief interview, standard questionnaires, physical examination, and blood tests. Exacerbation of Crohn's disease is defined as CDAI\>150. The study hypothesis is that less patients treated with beta carotene will suffer an exacerbation than patients treated with placebo.