Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It contains many compounds called retinoids, the most important of which are retinol and retinal. Retinyl esters. Vitamin A is involved in many functions of the human body, as it helps in cell growth and differentiation, as well as immune functions. It is important for the vision process, in addition to many other functions of the human body, as they help in cell growth and differentiation, as well as in immune functions. It is important for the vision process, in addition to many other functions.
Benefits of Vitamin A for the skin
Vitamin A is necessary to maintain and renew the skin, and therefore, its deficiency may lead to the emergence of some symptoms related to the skin, including dryness and peeling of the skin. In spite of this, increasing the intake of vitamin A above the natural quantities found in food will not be beneficial for the skin. Vitamin A can be used for the skin by applying it to the skin. Here are some of the benefits of using preparations containing vitamin A for the skin.
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- protection from damage caused by UV rays when applied to the skin before exposure to the sun.
- Improving skin problems caused by ageing that occur due to the effect of light, such as fine wrinkles and hyperpigmentation caused by sunburn.
- wound treatment; As vitamin A deficiency is associated with delayed wound healing because it is involved in immune functions, One study demonstrated that the use of cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamin A, helps to speed up the healing of wounds.
- Acne Treatment: Tretinoin, which is used topically, is considered safe and effective in treating mild or moderate acne.
Vitamin A’s Vision Advantages
Vitamin A is important for eyesight because it keeps the cornea, or the outer coating of the eye, clean. This vitamin is also a component of rhodopsin, a protein found in your eyes that helps you see in low light. Vitamin A deficiency is uncommon in affluent nations, but if left untreated, it can lead to a dangerous illness known as xerophthalmia.
Vitamin A side effects on the skin
The use of vitamin A on the skin may cause some side effects, because the use of preparations that contain retinoids causes changes in the epidermis layer, which leads to the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of skin cells and may cause a condition called retinoid dermatitis, which is irritation of the skin caused by the use of preparations that contain retinoids, and the symptoms that appear in this case are: erythema, skin dryness, and pruritis.
Symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A is involved in many functions in the human body, and therefore its deficiency may cause many different symptoms, including:
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- Night blindness
- increased chances of infection, especially in the abdomen, chest, or throat.
- Follicular hyperkeratosis, which leads to dry and scaly skin.
- Fertility problems.
- Delayed growth in children
Vitamin A sources
There are many types of food that provide the body with vitamin A, and it can be said that its sources are divided into two main parts, namely:
- Animal sources They contain retinol, and these sources are: liver, fish, Butter, eggs, Cheese.
- Plant sources: Vegetables and fruits contain carotenoids, which the body converts into vitamin A after eating. Among the sources of carotenoids: sweet potatoes. carrots. Sweet red pepper. spinach; Mango, apricot.
Read also : Factors influencing Vitamin D production
