Vitamin A

Vitamin A, differently the called Retinolum, is the fat-soluble vitamin which is antioxidant. It was opened for one of the first in 1913 and according to it received designation of the first letter of the Latin alphabet. For the first time vitamin A was received from carrots – therefore all vitamins of group A are called carotinoids (from the English carrot). Carotinoids contain in mushrooms, meat, plants and at hit in an organism turn into vitamin A.

Vitamin A in products

The best sources of vitamin A – a liver and fish oil. Further on decrease egg yolks, butter, the whole (not removed) milk and cream follow. Products suppliers of this vitamin of a plant origin are yellow and green vegetables (carrots, sweet pepper, pumpkin, spinach, green onions, parsley), apricots, peaches, apples, water-melons, melons, grapes, sweet cherry, a dogrose, bean (peas and soy). Besides, some officinal herbs contain vitamin A: fennel, horsetail, hop, magnolia vine, nettle, mint, raspberry leaves, sage, sorrel.

Vitamin A in animal products is presented by fish oil, caviar, beef liver, butter, margarine, whole milk, sour cream, cottage cheese, an egg yolk, cheese.

Effect of vitamin A

Influence of vitamin A on a human body is huge. He actively participates in oxidation-reduction processes, promotes protein synthesis regulation, normal functioning of a metabolism, performance of functions of subcellular and cellular membranes, an odontosis and bones, and fatty deposits including. Vitamin A is necessary for the full-fledged growth of new cells in an organism and slows down aging processes. Besides, vitamin is the integral element allowing to provide normal functioning of immune system of the person.

The use of Retinolum in enough allows to increase protective function of mucous membranes, to increase activity of leukocytes and other elements of nonspecific immunity. This substance preserves our organism against infections, colds, flu, diseases of an urinary system and GIT. Existence in enough vitamin A in blood of children from the developed countries explains the fact that they have such infectious diseases as chicken pox easier, measles whereas in the countries with the low standard of living these harmless at first sight children's diseases mortality is eurysynusic.

Vitamin A or its synthetic analogs – retinoids – are the integral element of all cosmetics directed to recovery of fabrics of which mucous covers and skin consist. Vitamin is applied as medicine to elimination of skin diseases of various etiologies (psoriasis, an acne, spots). At sunblisters vitamin A stimulates production of collagen, accelerating processes of regeneration and reducing risks of infection with an infection.

Being powerful antioxidant, vitamin A is fine prophylactic against cancer diseases, protects membranes of cells of an organism from destructive influence of free radicals of oxygen and polyunsaturated acids. Besides, effect of Retinolum extends also to cardiovascular system, preventing emergence of heart troubles and increasing the level of "useful" cholesterol in blood.

The main carotinoids – zeaxanthin and Luteinum – play an important role in protection of our eyes, reducing risks of developing of a cataract and a degeneration of a macula lutea.

Need for vitamin A

According to researches, any product will not be able to fill a lack of vitamin A of an organism if that exists therefore for the purpose of elimination of deficit its additional reception is necessary. The recommended daily dosage of vitamin A is:

• 3000 ME (900 mkg) for men;
• 2300 ME (700 mkg) for women.

At the diseases connected with shortage of Retinolum in an organism a daily dosage of vitamin it can be increased to 10000 ME. It is not recommended to accept more than 6000 ME of vitamin B day to pregnant women as in large numbers Retinolum is capable to render teratogenic effect on pre-natal fetation.

With care reception of vitamin A has to be carried out by patients with asthmatic displays of allergic diseases. Also the people suffering from a hypothyroidism should avoid Retinolum use.

Indications to vitamin A use

Use of Retinolum is reasonable at:

• Diseases of mucous membranes and injuries of skin (burns, seborrheal eczema, candidiasis, allergodermatoza);
• Diseases of eyes (keratitis, conjunctivitis);
• Need of activation of processes of regeneration and healing of fabrics after surgeries, fractures, burns, wounds.

Besides, vitamin A is a compound component of complex therapy at treatment:

• Acute and chronic diseases of biliary tract and liver;
• Acute and chronic pneumonia;
• Iron deficiency anemia.

Signs of a lack of vitamin A (hypovitaminosis)

Deficit of Retinolum is characterized by the content of vitamin A in blood serum lower than the level in 0,35 µmol/l. Clinically significant symptoms of deficit of vitamin A in an organism are:

• Dandruff;
• Skin senilism;
• The increased temperature and painful sensitivity;
• Sensitivity (hyperesthesia) of an adamantine substance of tooth;
• Accumulation of slime or the stiffened crusts in corners of eyes, the increased lachrymation on a frost;
• The accelerated ejaculation, weak erection at men;
• Weakness of a sphincter of a bladder;
• Hemeralopia ("night blindness");
• Frequent colds, respiratory infections, chronic pneumonia;
• Anemia, exhaustion, sleeplessness.

Are origins of a lack of vitamin A of an organism:

• Unbalanced food;
• Insufficient consumption of Retinolum with food;
• Restriction of consumption of fats;
• Diseases of bodies of a GIT;
• Sprue;
• Enterectomies;
• Insufficient intake of vitamin of the E-antioxidant interfering Retinolum oxidation.

Signs of excess of vitamin A (hypervitaminosis)

Overdose signs Retinolum are similar to symptoms of a lack of vitamin A. Treat them:

• Pigmentation and xeroderma, fragility of nails, hair loss;
• Delays of periods, abdominal pains, dispepsichesky frustration;
• Joint pains, diffusion thickening of bones;
• Increase in a spleen and liver.

Special instructions

According to medical researches, interaction of vitamin A with alcohol leads to injury of a liver more than at reception of one alcoholic drink. This fact should be meant at the use of alcohol-containing drugs.