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Vitamin A as an anti-inflammatory agent

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2008

Ram Reifen
Ram Reifen*
Affiliation:
The School of Nutritional Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
*
Corresponding author: Ram Reifen, fax +972 8 9363208, email Reifen@agri.huji.ac.il
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Abstract

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Vitamin A is necessary for normal differentiation of epithelial tissues, the visual process and reproduction, and is vital for the optimal maintenance and functioning of the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most profuse nutritional deficiencies worldwide. It is associated with increased susceptibility to infectious diseases in both man and animal models. Vitamin A also has a role as an anti-inflammatory agent. Supplementation with vitamin A has been found to be beneficial in a number of inflammatory conditions, including skin disorders such as acne vulgaris, broncho-pulmonary dysplasia and some forms of precancerous and cancer states. The present review suggests that vitamin A deficiency induces inflammation and aggravates existing inflammatory states. Supplementation with vitamin A in selected cases could ameliorate inflammation. The two main mechanisms which appear to be involved in the prevention of disease are the effects of vitamin A on the immune system and the effect on epithelial integrity.

Keywords

Vitamin AInflammation
Type
Joint National Nurses Nutritional Group and Parenteral and Enteral Group of the British Dietetic Association Symposium on ‘Working in Partnership’
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 61 , Issue 3 , August 2002 , pp. 397 - 400
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2002

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