The Multiple Roles of Vitamin A in the Body
Vitamin A is directly related to skin keratinization. Excessive keratinization can lead to dry skin, and both deficiency and excess can cause similar problems. Vitamin A is involved in maintaining both the outer layer of skin and the inner "inner membrane skin," including areas such as the nasal cavity, esophagus, and intestines, which are important defense barriers for the body.
This nutrient is also associated with regulatory cells of the immune system, affecting the body's susceptibility to autoimmune problems such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto 's thyroiditis . It also aids in iodine absorption, thus being linked to thyroid health.
A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness, dry eyes, weakened immunity, skin problems, and abnormal bone development.
Check out the most popular Vitamin A products!
👉🏻 : https://iherb.prf.hn/l/mVkGPod/
High quality doesn't have to be expensive! Over a hundred iHerb products are up to 25% off compared to other stores, and with lightning-fast 8-hour delivery!
Excessive intake can also cause problems.
Excessive vitamin A can cause conditions similar to those of deficiency, such as:
- Abnormal bone formation
- Dry, cracked, peeling skin, and imbalanced oil production
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Hairless scalp (such as hair loss)
- High blood calcium
- Heart valve calcification
- Increased intracranial pressure can cause headaches.
Extreme excesses often come from unnatural sources, such as synthetic vitamin A , rather than from regular food.
Differences between natural and synthetic versions
Most commercially available vitamin A , including its active form (retinol) and precursor form ( beta - carotene), is produced synthetically. Some studies suggest that synthetic beta - carotene may increase the risk of lung tumors and cancer in smokers and drinkers, making its source particularly important.
Natural food sources are generally safer, including:
- Cod liver oil
- yolk
- Grass-fed butter
- Grass-fed cheese
- animal liver
Natural sources of beta - carotene, such as kale, dark green vegetables, and carrots, are less efficient at converting into active vitamin A , but they do not pose a toxic risk.
The relationship between absorption and liver condition
A long-term lack of vitamin A -rich foods, coupled with reliance on beta - carotene as the primary source, can lead to deficiency. Liver condition also affects storage capacity; for example, fatty liver, hepatitis, or poor bile secretion can all reduce absorption and utilization.
An extreme example of synthetic vitamin A
Some medications for treating skin problems are classified as synthetic vitamin A , including products with a "black box warning" that have been linked to serious risks such as mood problems, mental health issues, and birth defects. This reflects the potential problems associated with synthetic forms.
In some studies, vitamin E , vitamin K1 , and red yeast rice have been used to help reduce the toxic effects of excessive vitamin A , but these studies are mostly at the animal level and are not clinical recommendations.
Check out the most popular Vitamin A products!
👉🏻 : https://iherb.prf.hn/l/mVkGPod/
High quality doesn't have to be expensive! Over a hundred iHerb products are up to 25% off compared to other stores, and with lightning-fast 8-hour delivery!
Conclusion: Focus on natural sources and avoid unnecessary risks.
Vitamin A has a profound impact on skin, immunity, vision, and overall health; both deficiency and excess can cause problems. Obtaining it primarily from natural foods is safer and more reliable than synthetic supplements. Maintaining a balanced intake and monitoring liver function and absorption are the core strategies for managing vitamin A.
YouTube source: https://youtu.be/d5eLyb7P9k8
YouTube Column: Dr. Berg's Chinese Health Knowledge
