Vitamin A consists of several elements including Retinal and Retinol.Retinal belonging to the aldehyde, while Retinol is an alcohol compound.
Studies show that retinal plays an important role in gene transcription.
Benefits of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the human immune system. Skin, gastrointestinal tissue, and bladder containing Retinol.
Retinol layer into a sort of shield to prevent the entry of microbes and other harmful materials.
Retinoic acid and vitamin A is also essential for the formation of white blood cells. White blood plays an important role in fighting infection and strengthen the immune system.
Various studies have shown that Vitamin A helps reduce the growth of cancer in various parts of the body such as the breast, colon and skin.
Retinoic acid, a special form of vitamin A, plays an important role in the structure of the human gene.
Retinoic acid can affect the level of transcription of genes that influence the formation of proteins in the human body.
Retinoic acid is also very important for cellular differentiation. Therefore, vitamin A plays an important role in the growth of the human body.
No less important, vitamin A is essential for vision. Once the complex chemical reactions, Retinol binds to a protein called opsin to form Rhodopsin.
Stem cells (rod cells) in the human eye contains Rhodopsin who helped see in low light conditions.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency can weaken the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infection. Lack of vitamin A can also cause respiratory problems.
Acute vitamin A deficiency in children can lead to night blindness. Moderate deficiency of vitamin A in the moderate phase may cause dryness of the skin and eyes.
Vitamin A Interactions with Medicines
Some studies suggest that the combination of vitamin A along with certain drugs can cause serious consequences.
Medicines should not be used in conjunction with vitamin A is a weight loss medication, cholesterol-lowering drugs, as well as birth control medication.
Antacids and alcohol should also be avoided due to the use of vitamin A.
Therefore, before using supplements of vitamin A are advised to consult with your doctor first.
Source of Vitamin A
Vitamin A can be found naturally in vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach etc..
Egg yolks, fish oils, milk, cheese and butter are also a good natural source of vitamin A.
However, excess vitamin A can actually cause harm such as headaches and skin rashes.
