By Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in animal-derived foods. In addition to its role in maintaining health and the immune system, vitamin A also helps protect cells from free radical damage. In fact, this antioxidant is a key component of human fetal tissue. Here are some of the other vitamin A benefits:
Vitamin A is a generic term for a group of fat-soluble compounds you’ll find within all kinds of everyday foods. They’re important for many processes in your body, including maintaining healthy vision, ensuring the normal function of your immune system, aiding the proper growth and development of babies in the womb and supporting your reproductive health by keeping your skin, hair, teeth and nails healthy.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin
The chemical properties of fat-soluble vitamins determine their biological activities, functions, metabolism, and excretion. While fat -soluble vitamins have many similar chemical properties, there are some differences. Depending on the species, each vitamin has its own unique characteristics. Some vitamins are better absorbed when they are accompanied by fat. Here are some examples of fat-soluble vitamins and their activities:
It is found in animal-derived foods
Foods derived from animals are rich sources of vitamin A. These foods contribute to more than 17% of global energy and almost half of dietary protein. In developing countries, children’s diets are crop-based and lack essential vitamins and minerals, mainly vitamin A. Animal- derived foods contain more bioavailable vitamins and minerals, and are richer in energy and fat. Animal proteins are more easily digested than plant-based protein and are higher in bioavailable vitamins and minerals.
It regulates the immune system
Among the many roles played by retinoid acid is its role in regulating the immune system. In the innate immune system, retinoid acid activates natural killer T cells and plays a critical role in initiating immediate responses to pathogen invasion. In the digestive tract, retinoid acid supports the proper development of M1 and M2 macrophages, which secrete proinflammatory cytokines and suppress anti-inflammatory factors.
It protects cells from free radical damage during fetal development
Free radicals are vital for several biological processes, and several are necessary for life. Free radicals play a major role in cellular signaling processes, referred to as redox signaling. Low to moderate-level ROS are beneficial for maintaining homeostasis and a wide variety of cellular functions. However, the benefits of Vitamin A for human development are not as apparent as for animals.
It promotes healthy skin
One of the most common forms of Vitamin A in skincare is retinol. This powerful derivative of Vitamin A is applied topically to the skin. The substance is believed to promote healthy skin by encouraging cell turnover, producing new layers of skin cells. Retinol promotes healthy skin and is an excellent acne fighter. A more potent form of retinol is tretinoin, a prescription topic treatment. Retinol can also solve problems with hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
It can increase your risk of lung cancer
A recent study found that high intakes of b-carotene and vitamin A may increase the risk of lung cancer. The two substances play a role in DNA methylation and DNA damage. In 2007, the World Cancer Research Fund reported that dietary intakes of vitamin A and b-carotene were linked to a higher risk of lung cancer. However, the results were mixed. Although the effects of vitamin A on lung cancer are still controversial, other studies have shown that it is important to get plenty of these nutrients in your diet.
Vitamin A is certainly a beneficial vitamin for your body, providing you with a wealth of benefits that can improve the overall health of your immune system and eyesight. However, it’s more important to get the recommended amount from natural sources rather than from synthetic sources, since these vitamins have been shown to have different effects on the body, compared to their natural counterparts.
