Vitamin A and Health

In the absence of vitamin A, people go blind. Vitamin A deficiency is a worldwide problem in developing countries. I am writing this Blog essay because vitamin D3 and vitamin A synergize with one another on many levels. It is important to have vitamin A in ones diet.

The following articles are basic reviews on vitamin A and its metabolism.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9129249&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=3303134&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10637381&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=3530430&itool=pubmed_docsum

Vitamin A or retinoid compounds are known to both prevent cancer and in some cases to be effective in the treatment of cancer.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=8923019&itool=pubmed_docsum

While vitamin A and vitamin D3 have their own receptors and can operate independently of each other, these receptors can also physically interact to form what is called a heterodimer. This means one vitamin D3 receptor binds to one retinoid receptor and the two bind DNA sequences, e.g. genes, that neither hormone would bind on its own. In summary, when vitamin D3 and vitamin A interact in the body, they activate unique biochemical pathways.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15375571&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9627699&itool=pubmed_docsum

In addition to the synergy demonstrated by these two vitamins, retinoids inhibit the enzyme that degrades the active vitamin D3 molecule, 1,25 vitD3, thereby enhancing the biological effects of vitamin D3 in the body.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16289102&itool=pubmed_docsum

In a future Blog, we will discuss the biological synergy of vitamin A and vitamin D3 in further detail, especially as it applies to cancer prevention and treatment.

Adults need 3000 IU of vitamin A daily in their diet. Take the vitamin A in lipid capsule form. Beta-carotene from carrots is called a pro-vitamin A, but its conversion to active vitamin A is inefficient.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest
(http://www.grouppekurosawa.com)