Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated organic compounds which are nutritional and it includes retinal, retinoic acid, retinol, and several pro vitamin A carotenoids, and beta-carotene. Vitamin A is found in Cod liver oil, livers of chicken, pork, fish and beef, and it is also available in papaya, mango, sweet potato, tomatoes, broccoli, etc., Vitamin A does not refer to one particular nutrient but it refers to a broad group of related nutrients. The two basic forms of Vitamin A include retinoids that are found in animal foods and carotenoids that are found in plant foods.
Role of Vitamin A in Mucous Membranes
Vitamin A keeps skin and mucous membranes lining the nose, mouth and sinuses healthy. Human body cannot synthesize Vitamin A. It is absorbed by the intestines. The mucosal surfaces in the body is in constant touch with foods, toxins and microbes. Therefore, mucosal tolerance is essential for survival and Vitamin A is regarded the best one for mucosal tolerance.
Vitamin A and Macrophages
Macrophages are the big eaters of the immune system. They are white blood cells which digests the cellular debris, foreign substances, and anything which do not have the types of proteins specific to the surface of the healthy body cells on its surface. Deficiency of Vitamin A impairs the immunity by impeding the normal rebirth of mucosal barriers damaged by infection and by lowering the curving function of neutrophils, macrophages and the natural killers.
Retinyl Palmitate, the preferred supplement to Beta-Carotene
Retinol is important for immune defense. Studies have shown that Vitamin A supplements to malnourished children protects them from measles and reduces the death rate due to viral infection. Vitamin A enhances white blood cell function, increases resistance to infections and carcinogens and helps skin and mucous membranes act defensive to infections. Beta Carotene is a red-orange pigment found in carrots and colourful vegetables. Beta Carotene is considered safe in the natural form but shows risk of heart disease, lung cancer in its supplemental form. Further, beta carotene has to convert to active form of Vit A. where retinyl palmitate is already active and can go right to work. Retinyl palmitate is a synthetic form of vit A which contains the ester of retinol combined with palmitic acid, which is a saturated fatty acid. Since Retinyl palmitate does not show the risk factors as beta-carotene, and is a more easily absorbed form of vitamin A, the retinyl palmitate is the preferred form of supplemental vitamin A though it is not the natural form of the vitamin.
Vitamin A is needed to keep immune system functioning optimally
Vitamin A acts as an immunosuppressive agent. The Vitamin integrates into both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin A has a vital role in infection; maintains mucosal surfaces. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired immunity and increased risk of infectious disease. Vitamin A stimulates the immune system by promoting the growth of the thymus gland, increases the function of the white blood cells, and by the anti-viral activity. It also supports the function of the epithelial and mucosal tissues found in the lungs and GI tract – your immune systems first line of defense. Therefore, adequate amount of Vit A is essential to to stop germs and bacteria from getting into your system. You can get Vitamin A from a variety of food sources, but taking immune system vitamins that include Vit A is a good way to make sure you’re protected.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_A
https://sampson.ces.ncsu.edu/2015/09/boost-your-immune-system-with-vitamin-a/
http://drhoffman.com/article/nutrients-that-boost-immunity-2/
http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
http://smartypantsvitamins.com/natural-vitamins-vs-synthetic-vitamins-part-1-vitamin-a/
Leave a Reply