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Vitamin A |
| Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that participates in numerous biological functions. Numerous studies point to the value of Vitamin A in boosting immunity. Research suggests that retinyl acetate, a form of vitamin A found naturally in food, primes the immune system. Coutsoudis et al studied the effect of vitamin A supplementation on selected factors of immunity in children measles, and results showed that children receiving the vitamin were significantly less likely to die and had markedly higher numbers of lymphocytes and Immunoglobulin G antibodies (proteins used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses) to measles. Vitamin A has also been shown to enhance T-helper cell (a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off certain infections) type 2 mediated immune responses, a finding that suggests that it may be useful in treating bacterial and parasitic infections, and mucosal infections. Vitamin A is found only in animal tissues; although its precursor beta-carotene (provitamin A) can be found in certain fruits and vegetables. Fish liver oils (as in cod liver oil), liver, milk, cream, cheese, butter, and eggs are good natural sources of vitamin A.*
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Side Effects:
Women who are planning to become pregnant or those who are in the first three months of pregnancy should not eat liver, or take vitamin A supplements, unless told to do so by a physician, as too much vitamin A can cause birth defects. Results of a clinical trial by Cartmel et al showed that people taking 25,000 IU of vitamin A each day for approximately four years experienced an 11% increase in triglycerides, a 3% increase in total cholesterol and a 1% decrease in “good” HDL cholesterol, suggesting that people at high risk of developing heart disease should be cautious when thinking about taking supplementary vitamin-A. Melhus et al found that a daily intake of just 5,000 IU of vitamin-A (the US RDA) was associated with a significant reduction in bone mineral density. The decrease in bone mineral density was so great that it approximately doubled the risk of hip fracture. While Michaelsson et al found that men in their 40s and 50s who have the highest blood levels of vitamin A are 2.5-times more likely than men with lower levels to break their hip when they are older. Based on these findings, people at high risk of developing osteoporosis – in particular menopausal and postmenopausal women – may benefit from taking beta-carotene supplements instead of vitamin A. Vitamin A should not be taken by people using the acne medications isotretinoin, resorcinol, topical sulfur, and tazarotene.
| Recommended Dosage:
Take one softgel per day.
| Scientific Opinion:
 "Vitamin A is a powerful immune stimulator that helps to protect the body from the onset of viral infections. In over 15 years of using a single high dose of Vitamin A, 400,000 units, my patients have been able to avoid not only the flu(hence avoid getting the flu shot) but viral infections of all kinds for the entire winter/flu season. As a single dose it is a safe and effective means to avoid illness during the winter months. It is to be avoided in women who are pregnant or could become pregnant, in those with active hepatitis, and in those who are already highly supplemented with vitamin A(including drinking 8 or more ounces of carot juice a day)." -- Binyamin Rothstein, D.O.
| Supplement Facts:
View Ingredients
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| Serving Size: 1 Softgel (435.4 mg) |  | | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value | | | Vitamin A | 25000 | IU | 500% | | (from Fish Liver Oil) | | | *Daily Value not established |
Other Ingredients:
Soybean oil, glycerin and gelatin.
Contains no added starch, salt, wheat, gluten, corn, coloring, or dairy products.
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out of reach of children. |
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| Related Articles:
Colds and Flu - Nutritional Support for Winter Illnesses |
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| These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The entries appearing on LexMD.com website are for consideration in optimizing an individual’s overall immune function. Always consult your physician prior to beginning any new program or therapy. |
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