How Vitamin A Changes Your Body

Vitamin A, especially the retinoic acid form, is a biological key to the management of key systems: eye health, the immune system, skin health and cell renewal.

Vitamin A (Retinoic Acid) Definition

Vitamin A belongs to a class of chemical compounds called retinoids and supports many physiological functions important for human health. Retinoic acid is the biologically active form of vitamin A and plays a critical role, especially in areas such as cell growth, the immune system, vision and skin health. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin available in synthetic and natural forms. Which form it is in is the main factor determining the biological activity of retinoids.

Retinoic acid is known as the active metabolite of vitamin A and regulates the differentiation of epithelial (superficial) cells in the body. Retinol is taken in through the diet and stored in the liver. Carotenoids found in plant sources (e.g. beta-carotene) can be converted to retinol when favorable conditions occur in the body.

The Health Effects of Vitamin A

Vitamin A has a wide range of health effects, which are summarized under the following headings:

• Visual Functions:
  The retinal form of vitamin A is involved in the production of a light-sensitive pigment called rhodopsin. This pigment supports vision, especially in low light conditions. Deficiency can cause night blindness.
• Immune System:
  Retinoic acid plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system. It stimulates the differentiation of T cells and increases antibody production. In case of deficiency, susceptibility to infections increases.
• Cell Regeneration and Skin Health:
  Retinoic acid accelerates the regeneration of skin cells and reduces the signs of aging by increasing collagen production. It is also used as an effective ingredient in the treatment of acne.
• Bone Health:
  It plays an important role in bone growth and development. In case of deficiency, bone deformations can be seen.
• Cancer Prevention:
  Some studies have shown that retinoic acid reduces the risk of cancer-causing transformation by reducing cell proliferation.

Uses of Vitamin A (Retinoic Acid)

Vitamin A is used in the following medical and cosmetic applications:

• Dermatology
  Retinol and retinoic acid are commonly used to treat skin problems such as acne treatment, wrinkle reduction and even skin tone. Products containing retinol are usually used at night because they can cause sensitivity to sunlight.
• Ophthalmology
  Topical use of retinoic acid has been found effective in the treatment of dry eye disease. It has been shown to increase tear production.
• Immune Supportive Therapy:
  Elimination of vitamin A deficiency may reduce the complications of infections such as measles. High-dose vitamin A treatment has reduced childhood mortality.
• Oncology
  Retinoic acid derivatives are being investigated as an adjunctive agent in the treatment of some types of cancer.

  Things to Consider During Use:
  Important points to consider when using vitamin A derivatives are the following:

• Dosage Control:
  Overdose can lead to toxicity (hypervitaminosis A). Symptoms include headache, bone pain and liver damage.
• Pregnancy
  Since retinoic acid has not yet been proven to have negative effects on fetal development, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy without the advice of a healthcare professional.
• Sun Sensitivity:
  Retinol-containing products may make the skin more sensitive to the sun; if it is planned to be used for skin health, it should be used together with sunscreen products.
• Side Effects:
  Prolonged use in high doses or the use of synthetic Vitamin A derivatives may cause side effects such as dry skin, irritation and redness. People with sensitive skin should start with low-concentration products.

Scientific Statistics on Vitamin A

1. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the health benefits and uses of vitamin A (retinoic acid):
2. Retinoic acid plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system. It stimulates the differentiation of T cells and increases antibody production. In case of deficiency, susceptibility to infections increases.
3. Retinoic acid accelerates the regeneration of skin cells and reduces the signs of aging by increasing collagen production. It is also used as an effective ingredient in the treatment of acne.
4. It plays an important role in bone growth and development. In case of deficiency, bone deformations can be seen.
5. Some studies have shown that retinoic acid reduces the risk of carcinogenic transformation by reducing cell proliferation.

Some statistics on vitamin A are as follows:

1. Kızamıklı çocuklarda yüksek doz A vitamini tedavisi ülümü oranını %23 oranında azaltmıştır.
2. Significant improvement in symptoms was seen in patients with dry eye after 2 months of topical retinoic acid treatment.
3. Retinolün düzenli kullanımı cilt kırışıklıklarını %30 oranında azaltabilir; bu etki kolajen üretiminin artmasıyla ilişkilidir.

Bibliography:

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