Vitamin A and Skin Health
The human skin is the body ’ s largest organ , made of water , protein , fats and minerals . Your skin protects your body from germs and regulates body temperature . Studies have shown the that vitamin A contains retinoids that helps keep the skin in the best condition . Some of the benefits of vitamin A include :
• Boosting the production of skin-firming collagen and elastin which helps minimize wrinkles .
• Vitamin A antioxidants has antioxidant properties . The antioxidants help protect body cells against the effects of free radicals that are known to break down collagen and contribute to fine lines and saggy skin .
• Vitamin A contains retinal , retinol and retinoic acid that are important to cell production and growth . It also helps stimulate the fibroblasts the cells responsible for developing tissue that is known to keep the skin firm and healthy .
• Vitamin A helps promote cell production , further protecting your complexion from harmful irritants .
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Micronutrients are dietary components , often referred to as vitamins and minerals , which although only required by the body in small amounts , are vital to development , disease prevention , and wellbeing .
• Vitamin A helps to normalize oil production , this makes the skin less oily and prevents breakouts .
Vitamin A and Immunity
The immune system protects the body against infection and disease . It is a complex and integrated system of cells , tissues , and organs that have specialized roles in defending against foreign substances and pathogenic microorganisms , including bacteria , viruses , and fungi .
Studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency leads to immunodeficiency and increases the risk of infectious diseases . Vitamin A and its metabolites play critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity .
As part of innate immunity , the skin and mucosal cells of the eye and respiratory , gastrointestinal , and genitourinary tracts function as a barrier against infections . Vitamin A helps to maintain the structural and functional integrity of these mucosal cells .
Thus , vitamin A deficiency compromises the integrity of this first line of defense , thereby increasing susceptibility to eye , respiratory , gastrointestinal , and genitourinary infections . Vitamin A is also important for normal functioning of several types of immune cells important in the innate response and for proper function of cells that mediate adaptive immunity .
Kepha Nyanumba is a Consultant Nutritionist at Crystal Health Consultants Limited . You can engage him via mail at : KNyanumba @ chc . co . ke , or follow him on twitter : @ knyanumba or Blog : kephanyanumba . blogspot . com .