Vitamin A is essential for a strong immune system. A lack of it leads to a person being more susceptible to infections.

 

 

Like Vitamin C and E – It is a strong anti-oxidant.

 

 

It reduces the damage caused by free radicals on the cells of the body.

 

Its main role in boosting immunity is that it protects the skin's surface cells and mucus membranes. Mucous membranes are the body's inner skin (e.g., inside of the mouth, nose, lungs, gut, etc.). By maintaining the outer surface of the body, infection organisms are blocked from entering the body. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.

 

 

It also strengthens the immune system by increasing the production of mucus by these mucous membranes. It both strengthens the membranes and makes them produce more mucus. This mucus production is essential in the lungs. It sticks to the virus or bacteria and acts as a double barrier against them.

 

 

 

 

 

It is also needed to produce the following white blood cells:

 

  • Lymphocytes cells - it is needed to produce B cells, T cells, and NK cells. These cells are needed to produce antibodies and to kill both cancer and virus cells.
  • Neutrophil cells – it is needed to make these white blood cells. These are the first immune cells to arrive and produce the body when a virus or bacteria attacks the body.

 

Finally, it is needed for Apoptosis. This is the process where dead cells and debris are packed into small packages and excreted by the body.

 

 

 

 

Sources 

 

Active or Preformed Vitamin A is found in meat, fish, chicken, and dairy. Active Vit- A can be either retinol, retinal or retinoic acid. Retinol from these sources is converted in the body into either retinal (which is important for eyesight) or retinoic acid (which is needed to create new cells for growth and repair).

 

Inactive or Provitamin A (also called carotenoids — alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin) are the type of this nutrient that comes from plants. Once eaten, they are changed to the active form (retinol). 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

 

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on medicines or health foods please reach out to us by email, text or phone.

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