10 Benefits of Vitamin A
Article Sources
- 1. 'Poll Finds 86 percent of Americans Take Vitamins or Supplements Yet Only 21 percent Have a Confirmed Nutritional Deficiency.' American Osteopathic Association, 19 July 2019, https://osteopathic.org/2019/01/16/poll-finds-86-of-americans-take-vitamins-or-supplements-yet-only-21-have-a-confirmed-nutritional-deficiency
- 2. Vitamin A Deficiency (Retinol Deficiency) By Larry E. Johnson, et al. 'Vitamin A Deficiency - Nutritional Disorders.' Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity/vitamin-a-deficiency.
- 3. Clifford, Luke J., et al. 'Reversible Night Blindness – A Reminder of the Increasing Importance of Vitamin A Deficiency in the Developed World.' Journal of Optometry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880510/.
- 4. 'Keratosis Pilaris.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keratosis-pilaris/symptoms-causes/syc-20351149.
- 5. Hoffman, Kristine. 'When Vitamin And Nutritional Deficiencies Cause Skin And Nail Changes.' Podiatry Today, 30 Dec. 2014, www.podiatrytoday.com/when-vitamin-and-nutritional-deficiencies-cause-skin-and-nail-changes.
- 6. Team, Wellness. '8 Vitamins & Minerals You Need for a Healthy Immune System.'Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 4 Dec. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/eat-these-foods-to-boost-your-immune-system/.
- 7. HB;, Everts. 'Endogenous Retinoids in the Hair Follicle and Sebaceous Gland.' Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/.
- 8. 'Measles Signs and Symptoms.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Nov. 2020, www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html.
- 9. R;, D'Souza RM;D'Souza. 'Vitamin A for Treating Measles in Children.' The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869601
- 10. 'Night Blindness (Nyctalopia): Definition, Causes & Symptoms.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10118-night-blindness-nyctalopia.
- 11. Bastos Maia, Sabina, et al. 'Vitamin A and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.' Nutrients, MDPI, 22 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470929/.
- 12. 'Immune System vs. Gut Bacteria: How Vitamin A 'Keeps the Peace'.' Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324066.
A poll by the American Osteopathic Association found that 86 percent of American adults take vitamins. These supplements, such as vitamin A, have benefits for people with a vitamin A deficiency. Research shows adding vitamin A comes with other wellness advantages that make it beneficial for many individuals, including men, women (notably pregnant women) and children.1‘Poll Finds 86 percent of Americans Take Vitamins or Supplements Yet Only 21 percent Have a Confirmed Nutritional Deficiency.’ American Osteopathic Association, 19 July 2019, https://osteopathic.org/2019/01/16/poll-finds-86-of-americans-take-vitamins-or-supplements-yet-only-21-have-a-confirmed-nutritional-deficiency
Vitamin A supplements help correct a deficiency in this nutrient which plays a key role in eye health, encourages a healthy immune response, promotes shiny hair and naturally glowing skin and lessens birth complications for mothers and newborns.
1. Treats Vitamin A Deficiency
The people that benefit the most from vitamin A supplements are those who have a deficiency. Symptoms include impaired nighttime vision, dry eyes and reduced immunity. Many potential situations lead to the deficiency.
Prolonged dietary deprivation is the most common cause of a primary deficiency. Secondary causes are a little more complex. These can occur from a decrease in how well the body absorbs the vitamin. This is typically caused by several diseases and conditions, including celiac, cystic fibrosis, duodenal bypass, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic diarrhea and bile duct obstruction. Patients with restrictive diets can also experience vitamin A deficiency and may benefit from taking supplements.2Vitamin A Deficiency (Retinol Deficiency) By Larry E. Johnson, et al. ‘Vitamin A Deficiency - Nutritional Disorders.’ Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity/vitamin-a-deficiency.
2. Preserve Eyesight Naturally
Vision, like all senses, decline as people age. A common eyesight problem that increases as people age is night blindness. While vitamin A isn’t the fountain of youth, there are several indicators that the supplement may slow down the effects of aging and help keep the eyes healthy longer.
Older individuals are more likely to have vitamin A deficiency. Research shows supplementing the loss may improve night blindness and help prevent age-related macular degeneration.3Clifford, Luke J., et al. ‘Reversible Night Blindness – A Reminder of the Increasing Importance of Vitamin A Deficiency in the Developed World.’ Journal of Optometry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880510/.
3. Treat Follicular Hyperkeratosis
Follicular hyperkeratosis is a skin condition that causes dry, rough patches of skin with tiny bumps on the upper arms, cheeks, and buttocks. They don’t itch or hurt, and can go away as quickly as it appears.4‘Keratosis Pilaris.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keratosis-pilaris/symptoms-causes/syc-20351149.
A buildup in keratin causes this skin condition by blocking the hair follicles. Follicular hyperkeratosis can be caused by nutrient deficiency, specifically vitamin A. Increasing the nutrient may help patients achieve clearer skin.5Hoffman, Kristine. ‘When Vitamin And Nutritional Deficiencies Cause Skin And Nail Changes.’ Podiatry Today, 30 Dec. 2014, www.podiatrytoday.com/when-vitamin-and-nutritional-deficiencies-cause-skin-and-nail-changes.
4. Encourage Healthy Immune Function
Supplementing with essential nutrients like vitamin A helps support a healthy immune function and may help the body fight viral and bacterial infections. Most people get enough vitamin A through their diet. However, in some cases this vitamin is not well absorbed due to impaired digestion.
Animal sources like organ meats are rich in vitamin A in retinol form. It’s possible to supplement through sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, butternut squash and dark green leafy vegetables.6Team, Wellness. ‘8 Vitamins & Minerals You Need for a Healthy Immune System.’Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 4 Dec. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/eat-these-foods-to-boost-your-immune-system/.
5. Reduce Cancer Risk
Healthy levels of vitamin A may reduce the risk of developing cancer. Studies show that people with a higher intake of the vitamin had a 17 percent reduction in their skin cancer risk. The research specifically involved the increase in foods rich in vitamin A.
The participants consumed the equivalent of one medium baked sweet potato daily. It’s important to correct a vitamin A deficiency with vitamin A rich foods and supplements, however it should be noted that ingesting too much vitamin A via supplements can cause liver damage.7HB;, Everts. ‘Endogenous Retinoids in the Hair Follicle and Sebaceous Gland.’ Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/.
6. Promote Skin and Hair Wellness
Most people want skin and hair that looks and feels healthy. One way to achieve that goal naturally is with adequate vitamin A consumption. Many beauty products contain additional nutrients, including vitamin A to protect the skin from damaging UV rays and increase sebum production to moisturize the scalp.8‘Measles Signs and Symptoms.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Nov. 2020, www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html.
Additionally, nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A deficiency, can cause hair loss and slow down growth. Supplementing this nutrient may prevent hair loss and boost hair and skin appearance.9R;, D’Souza RM;D’Souza. ‘Vitamin A for Treating Measles in Children.’ The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869601
7. Shorten the Duration of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious condition that can be very dangerous for infants and young children. Patients experience a high fever, rash, cough, and conjunctivitis or red watery eyes.10‘Night Blindness (Nyctalopia): Definition, Causes & Symptoms.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10118-night-blindness-nyctalopia.
Vitamin A deficiency has a long reach. Researchers recognize the nutrient insufficiency is a risk factor for severe cases of measles. Children with the viral infection should take oral supplements daily for one or two days to shorten the duration of the virus.11Bastos Maia, Sabina, et al. ‘Vitamin A and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.’ Nutrients, MDPI, 22 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470929/.
8. Decrease Night Blindness
Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, occurs due to age-related conditions like cataracts and diabetes and may develop due to nutrient deficiencies. Night blindness can be experienced as blurry night vision, squinting in the dark to improve sight, seeing halos and experiencing severe glare around lights at night.
These symptoms can be dangerous and even deadly when driving at night. Vitamin A supplements can help reduce the severity of these symptoms. Vitamin A should be combined with other medical treatments under a doctor’s care.12‘Immune System vs. Gut Bacteria: How Vitamin A ‘Keeps the Peace’.’ Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324066.
9. Lower Chances of Birth Complications
Vitamin deficiencies are common in pregnancy, which is why expecting mothers take prenatal vitamins. Specifically, vitamin A plays a large role in fetal development. Deficiency for vitamin A is most prominent in the third trimester.
Research shows vitamin A shortages in the body can lead to birth complications for both the mother and child. However, women must follow their doctor’s guidelines regarding supplementing vitamins as even too much vitamin A can increase the risks of complications to mother and child.
10. Promote Intestinal Health
Gut health is vital to an individual’s overall wellness. Research shows that healthy levels of vitamin A may prevent immune system overactivity and, in return, keep the gut healthy. Proteins in the intestinal region convert vitamin A to its active form, retinoic acid.
Researchers hope the new data on vitamin A’s role can help develop new natural and effective therapies for autoimmune diseases that result from an overactive immune system.
