 |
|
Women at risk from vitamin A deficiency
November 18, 2009Almost half of UK women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A due to a previously undiscovered genetic variation, scientists at Newcastle University have found.
The team, led by Dr Georg Lietz, has shown that almost 50 per cent of women have a genetic variation which reduces their ability to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A from beta-carotene.
Vitamin A - also known as retinol - plays a vital role in strengthening our immune system, protecting us against common infections such as flu and winter vomiting.
Vitamin A also helps to maintain healthy skin and mucus linings such as inside the nose and the lungs.
In 1987, an American study found that excessive use of vitamin A during pregnancy was associated with certain birth defects. Beta-carotene, however, was deemed to be safe and this led to the general advice that we should eat more of this nutrient, allowing the body to convert what it needs into vitamin A.
However, Dr Lietz' latest research - published in the FASEB Journal and presented this month at the 2nd Hohenheim Nutrition Conference in Stuttgart - shows that for many women, beta-carotene is not an effective substitute for vitamin A.
Dr Lietz explained: "Vitamin A is incredibly important - particularly at this time of year when we are all trying to fight off the winter colds and flu.
"It boosts our immune system and reduces the risk of inflammation such as that associated with chest infections.
"What our research shows is that many women are simply not getting enough of this vital nutrient because their bodies are not able to convert the beta-carotene."
From a volunteer group of 62 women, the team found that 29 of them - 47 per cent - carried the genetic variation which prevented them from being able to effectively convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.
The study also showed that all volunteers consumed only about a third of their recommended intake from 'preformed' vitamin A - the form found in dairy products such as eggs and milk - indicating that those volunteers carrying the genetic variation were not eating enough vitamin A-rich foods to reach the optimum level their body required to function.
"Worryingly, younger women are at particular risk," explained Dr Lietz, who is based in the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at Newcastle University.
"The older generations tend to eat more eggs, milk and liver which are naturally rich in vitamin A whereas the health-conscious youngsters on low-fat diets are relying heavily on the beta-carotene form of the nutrient."
The next step in the study is to assess whether the effect of the genetic variation can also be observed in men and whether our body composition will influence our ability to absorb and convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Newcastle University
Vitamin A also helps to maintain healthy skin and mucus linings such as inside the nose and the lungs.
In 1987, an American study found that excessive use of vitamin A during pregnancy was associated with certain birth defects. Beta-carotene, however, was deemed to be safe and this led to the general advice that we should eat more of this nutrient, allowing the body to convert what it needs into vitamin A.
However, Dr Lietz' latest research - published in the FASEB Journal and presented this month at the 2nd Hohenheim Nutrition Conference in Stuttgart - shows that for many women, beta-carotene is not an effective substitute for vitamin A.
Dr Lietz explained: "Vitamin A is incredibly important - particularly at this time of year when we are all trying to fight off the winter colds and flu.
"It boosts our immune system and reduces the risk of inflammation such as that associated with chest infections.
"What our research shows is that many women are simply not getting enough of this vital nutrient because their bodies are not able to convert the beta-carotene."
From a volunteer group of 62 women, the team found that 29 of them - 47 per cent - carried the genetic variation which prevented them from being able to effectively convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.
The study also showed that all volunteers consumed only about a third of their recommended intake from 'preformed' vitamin A - the form found in dairy products such as eggs and milk - indicating that those volunteers carrying the genetic variation were not eating enough vitamin A-rich foods to reach the optimum level their body required to function.
"Worryingly, younger women are at particular risk," explained Dr Lietz, who is based in the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at Newcastle University.
"The older generations tend to eat more eggs, milk and liver which are naturally rich in vitamin A whereas the health-conscious youngsters on low-fat diets are relying heavily on the beta-carotene form of the nutrient."
The next step in the study is to assess whether the effect of the genetic variation can also be observed in men and whether our body composition will influence our ability to absorb and convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Newcastle University
Beta-carotene Current Events and Beta-carotene News RSSURMC Study Links Vitamin D, Race, and Cardiac Deaths
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to a higher number of heart and stroke-related deaths among black Americans compared to whites, according to a University of Rochester Medical Center study.
Assessing lead time of selected ovarian cancer biomarkers
Concentrations of the biomarkers CA125, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and mesothelin began to rise 3 years before clinical diagnosis of ovarian cancer, according to a new study published online December 30 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Powerful pumpkins, super squash
Carotenoids, the family of yellow to red pigments responsible for the striking orange hues of pumpkins and the familiar red color of vine-ripe tomatoes, play an important role in human health by acting as sources of provitamin A or as protective antioxidants.
Breeding better broccoli
Carotenoids-fat-soluble plant compounds found in some vegetables-are essential to the human diet and reportedly offer important health benefits to consumers.
Daily dose of color may boost immunity this flu season
Hoping to keep the flu at bay? A strong immune system helps. Enjoying the bounty of colorful fruits and vegetables available right now can be an important step toward supporting your family's immune system this cold/flu season.
Cataract surgery helps AMD patients; steroid improves DME; online eye health forum
This month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) reports on a national study that finds cataract surgery is likely to benefit patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at all stages of the disease, on a clinical trial showing that the steroid triamcinolone may be effective in advanced diabetic macular edema (DME) patients when standard treatment fails, and on the public's use of two Academy-sponsored online eye health forums.
Brown and beige dominate the plate: Daily dose of color needed to fill America's 'phytonutrient gap'
While it is a well-known fact that most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, a new report shows the color of fruits and veggies eaten can be as important as the quantity.
Many breast cancer patients take high doses of antioxidants despite possible consequences
A new study finds that many women with breast cancer take antioxidant supplements while undergoing cancer treatment, even though the consequences of doing so are unknown.
Many breast cancer patients take high doses of antioxidants despite possible consequences
A new study finds that many women with breast cancer take antioxidant supplements while undergoing cancer treatment, even though the consequences of doing so are unknown.
Golden rice an effective source of vitamin A
The beta-carotene in so-called "Golden Rice" converts to vitamin A in humans, according to researchers at Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) and Tufts University in an article that appears in the current issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
More Beta-carotene Current Events and Beta-carotene News Articles
 |
Nature Made Beta Carotene Softgels, Equivalent to 25000 I.U. Vitamin A, 100-Count Bottles (Pack of 3) by Nature Made Beta Carotene Supplement. Equivalent to 25,000 IU Vitamin A. Recommended by pharmacists. Assists Nerve and Eye Functions - Beta Carotene, stored in the body and converted to Vitamin A as needed, also participates in tooth and bone functions. No artificial |
 |
Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A) 25,000 IU 300 Sgels by Swanson Premium Brand Get vitamin A for healthy vision and antioxidant protection for your whole body with beta- carotene! A natural plant pigment that can be converted into vitamin A by the body as needed, beta-carotene also acts as a powerful antioxidant in its own right. |
 |
Spring Valley - Beta Carotene 25000 IU, 100 Softgels by Pharmavite LLC Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) is required for night vision, and for a healthy skin. It assists the immune system, and because of its antioxidant properties is great to protect against pollution and cancer formation and other diseases. It also assists your sense of taste as well as helping the digestive and urinary tract and many believe that it helps slow aging. It is required for development and maintenance of the epithelial cells, in the mucus membranes, and your skin, and is important in the formation of bone and teeth, storage of fat and the synthesis of protein and glycogen. |
 |
Source Naturals Beta Carotene, 25000 IU, Softgels, 250 softgels (Pack of 2) by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. Antioxidant protection. Beta-carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A as needed, preventing a toxic build-up of this nutrient. Vitamin A is essential for vision, growth, cellular differentiation and proliferation, and the integrity of the immune system. Beta-carotene is also a major component of the body's natural antioxidant defenses against free radicals. (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). Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten or wheat. Contains no salt or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. |
 |
Sundown Highest Potency, Beta Carotene 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels (Pack of 3) by Sundown Sundown's Beta-carotene promotes healthy cardiovascular and immune system function. This form of Vitamin A works effectively as an antioxidant to protect cells against free-radical damage. Beta-carotene is essential for normal cell growth and repair, and |
 |
Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) 25,000 Iu 100 Sgels by Swanson Premium Brand Get vitamin A for healthy vision and antioxidant protection for your whole body with beta- carotene! A natural plant pigment that can be converted into vitamin A by the body as needed, beta-carotene also acts as a powerful antioxidant in its own right. |
 |
Nature's Bounty Natural Beta Carotene, 100 Softgels (Pack of 3) by Nature's Bounty |
 |
Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) 10,000 IU 100 Sgels by Swanson Premium Brand Get vitamin A for healthy vision and antioxidant protection for your whole body with beta- carotene! A natural plant pigment that can be converted into vitamin A by the body as needed, beta-carotene also acts as a powerful antioxidant in its own right. |
 |
Beta Carotene 25,000 IU 250 Softgels by NOW Foods Beta Carotene is converted into Vitamin A in the body. It performs antioxidant functions which regular Vitamin A does not. Beta Carotene and Vitamin A are essential for the maintenance of healthy epithelial tissue, which is found in the eyes, skin, respiratory system,GI and urinary tracts. |
 |
Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) 10,000 IU 250 Sgels by Swanson Premium Brand Get vitamin A for healthy vision and antioxidant protection for your whole body with beta- carotene! A natural plant pigment that can be converted into vitamin A by the body as needed, beta-carotene also acts as a powerful antioxidant in its own right. |
| © 2010 BrightSurf.com |