Now Vitamin A - 10,000 IU 100 softgels

Vitamin A is essential for the maintenance of healthy epithelial tissue which is found in the skin, eyes, respiratory system, GI and urinary tracts. Vitamin A is very important for maintaining good vision. In fact, the first sign of a vitamin A deficiency is often night blindness. Vitamin A also contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes that line the nose, sinuses, and mouth. Research has shown that this nutrient is necessary for proper immune system function, growth, bone formation, reproduction, and wound healing. Animal studies also suggest that it provides some protection from toxic chemicals such as dioxins. (Dioxins are released into the air from combustion processes such as commercial waste incineration and burning fuels like wood, coal or oil. These chemicals can also be found in cigarette smoke.) The liver can store up to a year's supply of vitamin A. However, these stores become depleted when a person is sick or has an infection. Research suggests that parasitic infections such as intestinal worms may deplete the body's vitamin A stores and interfere with its absorption. Acne, Psoriasis, and other Skin disorders Topical and oral preparations containing retinoids (synthetic form of vitamin A) are helpful in clearing up acne and psoriasis and have shown promise for treating other skin disorders such as rosacea, premature aging from the sun, and warts. These are given by prescription. Eye Disorders A number of vision disorders involving the retina and cornea are associated with vitamin A deficiencies. Night blindness, for example, and xerophthalmia (characterized by dry eyes) improve with vitamin A supplementation. A large, population-based study conducted in Australia showed that vitamin A had a protective effect against cataracts. Wounds and Burns The body needs vitamin A, along with several other nutrients, in order to form new tissue and skin. The body's levels of vitamin A are low immediately after burn injuries, for example. Supplementation with beta-carotene helps the body replenish vitamin A stores, strengthen the immune system, relieve oxidative stress caused by the injury, and aid the body in forming new tissue. Immune System Research has shown that vitamin A boosts the immune system by stimulating white blood cell function and increasing the activity of antibodies (proteins that attach to foreign proteins, microorganisms, or toxins in order to neutralize them). Vitamin A deficiency may be associated with increased risk of infection and infections tend to deplete the body's stores of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency, for example, is common among children in many developing countries who are prone to infections, which often results in life-threatening diarrhea. Low levels of vitamin A are also particularly severe among children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some studies suggest that vitamin A supplements may reduce the risk of death in children infected with HIV. Your doctor will determine whether vitamin A (in addition to standard treatment) is necessary and appropriate. Measles People, particularly children, who are deficient in vitamin A are more likely to develop infections (including measles). Vitamin A deficiencies also cause such infections to be more severe, even fatal. Vitamin A supplements reduce the severity and complications of measles in children. Vitamin A also reduces the risk of death in infants with this disease (especially in those who have low levels of the vitamin). In areas of the world where vitamin A deficiency is widespread or where at least 1% of those with measles die, the World Health Organization recommends giving high doses of vitamin A supplements to children with the infection. Intestinal Parasites There is evidence that roundworms such as Ascaris deplete vitamin A stores in people, particularly children, leaving them less able to fight off infections. At the same time, it appears that low vitamin A levels can make a person more susceptible to intestinal parasites. There is not enough scientific evidence at this point, however, to suggest that taking vitamin A supplements helps prevent or treat intestinal parasites. More research is underway. Osteoporosis An appropriate balance of vitamin A -- not too much and not too little -- is necessary for normal bone development. Low levels of vitamin A may contribute to the development of bone loss or osteoporosis. On the other hand moderately high doses of vitamin A (exceeding 1,500 mcg or 5,000 IU per day) may lead to bone loss. Therefore, for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis, it is best to obtain vitamin A from food sources and not to eat more than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Many people with IBD (both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including vitamin A. Further research is needed to determine whether supplementation with vitamin A or other individual vitamins or minerals may help treat the symptoms of IBD. In the meantime, healthcare practitioners often recommend a multivitamin to people with this condition. Bone Marrow Disorders Results from a carefully conducted 7-year clinical study suggest that a modest dose of vitamin A (together with chemotherapy) may help improve survival time in patients with certain bone marrow disorders such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML; considered a myeloproliferative disorder). Research suggests that retinoids such as vitamin A have antitumor effects against juvenile CML (which accounts for 3% to 5% of cases of leukemia in children), as well as certain cancer cells grown in the laboratory. Cancer Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids from foods may be associated with decreased risk of certain cancers (such as breast, colon, esophageal, and cervical). In addition, some laboratory studies suggest that vitamin A and carotenoids may help fight against certain types of cancer in test tubes. However, there is no proof that these supplements can help prevent or treat cancer in people. In fact, some evidence suggests that beta-carotene and, possibly, vitamin A may put people at increased risk of lung cancer, particularly smokers. Preliminary evidence suggests that a topical form of vitamin A, applied to the cervix (the opening to the uterus) with sponges or cervical caps shows promise for the treatment of cervical cancer. Also, women with HIV who are deficient in vitamin A may be at greater risk for cervical cancer (a common occurrence in women with HIV) than those with normal levels of this vitamin. More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about use of vitamin A to treat or prevent cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia (a precancerous change to the cervix). Similarly, use of retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A) for skin cancer is currently under scientific investigation. Vitamin A and beta-carotene levels in the blood tend to be lower in people with certain types of skin cancer. However, results of studies evaluating higher amounts of natural forms of vitamin A or beta-carotene for skin cancer have been mixed. Tuberculosis Although early studies showed no improvement in children who took vitamin A with standard treatment for tuberculosis (TB), a very recent study found that this vitamin (together with zinc) may enhance the effects of certain TB drugs. These changes were demonstrated just two months after starting the vitamin A. More research is warranted. Until then, your doctor will determine if the addition of vitamin A is appropriate and safe. Peritonitis Although the effects of vitamin A on peritonitis have not been studied in people, animal studies suggest that this vitamin may prove to be useful in combination with antibiotic therapy for the treatment of this condition. Osteoarthritis Vitamin A plays an important role in bone formation and also acts as an antioxidant, so some researchers believe that it may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. No studies have investigated this possibility, however. Food Poisoning Animal studies suggest that rats who are deficient in vitamin A are more likely to become infected with Salmonella (one type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning). Also, rats infected with Salmonella tend to eliminate the bacteria from their bodies faster when treated with vitamin Athan with placebo. They also gain more weight and have a better immune response than placebo-treated rats. How this ultimately relates to people is not known at this time, however. Alzheimer's Disease Preliminary studies suggest that levels of vitamin A and its precursor, beta-carotene, may be significantly lower in people with Alzheimer's compared to healthy individuals, but the effects of supplementation have not been studied. Miscarriage Vitamin A and beta-carotene levels tend to be lower in women who have miscarried. These nutrients are generally found in prenatal vitamins. Your doctor or nutritionist can advise you about the appropriate amount to look for in a vitamin. The amount of vitamin A taken should not exceed the recommendation of your healthcare provider because too much vitamin A can lead to birth defects. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Vitamin A deficiency is fairly common in those with HIV. In addition, pregnant women who have HIV are more likely to transmit the virus to their unborn child if their zinc levels are low compared to HIV-positive women with normal zinc levels. Although more research is needed, vitamin A supplements may delay the progression of HIV to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), diminish symptoms of HIV and AIDS such as diarrhea, and help to prevent the transmission of the virus from mother to child. Other Additional conditions for which vitamin A may prove useful include ulcers (crater like lesion of the skin or mucosal membranes) of the cornea, stomach or small intestines (called peptic ulcer), and legs (often due to poor circulation or collection of fluid, called stasis ulcer). Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is another condition for which vitamin A may prove useful. Much more research is needed in each of these areas. Benefits and Uses • supports eye and skin health • antioxidant properties • vital to eyes, skin and mucous membranes • helps fight infection • helps boost the power of white blood cells • supports the skeletal system and reproductive system