Vitamin A Today: What You Need to Know – Știrinoi.com

Vitamin A remains under the spotlight of health experts due to its vital role in vision, immunity, skin health, and potential cancer protection. On Știrinoi.com, we explore the latest studies and controversies—from overdose risks to measles adjunct use and the "eat your retinol" trend.

1. Current Benefits and Uses

Vitamin A is essential for:

• Vision – key component of rhodopsin; deficiency leads to night blindness .

• Immune function – fights respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

• Skin and hair – regulates sebum, supports skin integrity .

• Organs overall – supports organ growth and structure .

2. Global Deficiency – Severity & Prevention

In vulnerable regions:

• 250k–500k children go blind yearly due to vitamin A deficiency, with up to 50% mortality within a year .

• It's the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness and increases infection death risk .

• Periodic supplementation (6–59 months) reduces child mortality by up to 24% .

3. Eat Your Retinol Trend

The "Eating Your Retinol" focus encourages:

• Animal sources: milk, liver, fish, eggs; plant sources: carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin .

• Influencers claim skin benefits; dermatologists stress it can't replace topical retinoids .

4. Measles Treatment Controversy

In the US measles outbreak:

• RFK Jr. promoted vitamin A as treatment, but experts clarify it doesn't prevent measles and only benefits malnourished children .

• Toxicity from overdose causes headaches, liver damage, birth defects.

• Authorities reaffirm: vaccination is the only prevention .

5. Overdose Risks

• Excess retinol (>1,500 μg/day) increases fracture risk and harms the liver, especially in older adults.

• In pregnancy, overdoses cause birth defects .

• Smokers taking high-dose beta-carotene have increased lung cancer risk .

Interesting Facts

1. Over 20 years of research confirm beta-carotene conversion to retinol via BCMO1/BCO2 enzymes—foundational for "golden rice" .

2. Topical retinoid medications are widely used for acne, psoriasis, aging .

3. β-Carotene acts as an antioxidant and offers UV protection .

4. Over 80 countries implement vitamin A supplementation programs .

Opinions

• Pediatricians & WHO: periodic supplementation saves lives and is safe .

• Nutritionists: advocate natural vitamin intake through balanced diet over supplements .

• Dermatologists: dietary retinol supports skin health, but topical retinoids needed for anti-aging .

• Health authorities: emphasize vaccination alone prevents measles—vitamin A is supportive .

Conclusion

Vitamin A is essential for vision, immunity, development, and skin health. While deficiency remains a critical global issue—addressed via supplementation programs—developed countries focus on safe intake from diet, not pills.