ScienceDaily: Vitamin A News

Fish oil doesn't seem to help age-related macular degeneration

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:24:24 EDT

A large-scale study of age-related macular degeneration suggests fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids do not alter the progression of age-related macular degeneration, and that lutein and zeaxanthin may be safer than beta-carotene in reducing risk of disease progression.

Retinoic acid gradient visualized for the first time in an embryo

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:31:31 EDT

In a ground-breaking study, researchers report a new technique that allows them to visualize the distribution of retinoic acid in a live zebrafish embryo, in real-time. This technique enabled them to observe two concentration gradients going in opposing directions along the head-to-tail axis of the embryo, thus providing long-awaited evidence that retinoic acid is a morphogen.

Eating bright-colored fruits and vegetables may prevent or delay amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:05:05 EST

New research suggests that increased consumption of foods containing colorful carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene and lutein, may prevent or delay the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Vitamin C and beta-carotene might protect against dementia

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:30:30 EDT

Researchers in Germany have discovered that the serum-concentration of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene are significantly lower in patients with mild dementia than in control persons. It might thus be possible to influence the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by a person's diet or dietary antioxidants.

Eating fish, chicken, nuts may lower risk of Alzheimer's disease

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT

A new study suggests that eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, chicken, salad dressing and nuts, may be associated with lower blood levels of a protein related to Alzheimer's disease and memory problems.

Potential 'dark side' to diets high in beta-carotene

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:44:44 EDT

New research suggests that there could be health hazards associated with consuming excessive amounts of beta-carotene.

Vitamin A supplements for children could save 600,000 lives a year, experts predict

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:30:30 EDT

Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, a new study concludes.

Advances in research into Alzheimer's disease

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:36:36 EDT

Advancing age is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and is associated with build- up of the peptide amyloid beta in the brain. New research shows that removal of amyloid beta from the brain depends on vitamin D and also on an age-related alteration in the production of transporter proteins which move amyloid beta in and out of the brain.

Vitamin A, beta carotene pregnancy supplements do not appear to reduce maternal, infant death risk

Tue, 17 May 2011 16:20:20 EDT

Although some evidence suggests that prevention of vitamin A deficiency among women in developing countries may improve maternal and infant survival, pregnant women in rural Bangladesh who received vitamin A or beta carotene supplementation in a randomized trial did not have a lower rate of all-cause maternal, fetal, or infant death, compared to women who received placebo, according to a new study.

Vitamin D deficiency in pneumonia patients associated with increased mortality

Tue, 10 May 2011 10:16:16 EDT

A new study reveals that adult patients admitted to the hospital with pneumonia are more likely to die if they have vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin A derivative can inhibit early forms of breast cancer, researchers show

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:17:17 EDT

A nutrient found in carrots and sweet potatoes may prove key to fighting breast cancer at early stages, according to a new study.

Vitamin D deficiency in cirrhosis

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:35:35 EDT

A research team from Denmark examined the vitamin D status in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared to those with primary biliary cirrhosis. They found that vitamin D deficiency in cirrhosis relates to liver dysfunction rather than etiology, with lower levels of vitamin D in alcoholic cirrhosis than in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Vitamin E may increase or decrease the risk of pneumonia, depending on smoking and exercise

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:49:49 EST

Depending on the level of smoking and leisure time exercise, vitamin E supplementation may decrease or increase, or may have no effect, on the risk of pneumonia, according to a study by researchers in Finland.

Vitamin E may increase the life expectancy of males who have high dietary vitamin C intake and smoke less than a pack per day

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:36:36 EST

Depending on the level of smoking and dietary vitamin C intake, vitamin E supplementation may extend the life-span of restricted groups of men, according to a new study. Several large randomized trials of humans found that vitamin E supplementation does not reduce mortality. However, depending on the level of smoking and dietary vitamin C intake, vitamin E supplementation may extend the life-span of restricted groups of men.

Trio of drugs may combat 'triple negative' breast cancer

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:09:09 EST

Working with cell cultures and mouse models, researchers have tested a cocktail of three drugs that holds promise for treating so-called triple negative breast cancers.

Vitamin A increases the presence of HIV in breast milk, studies suggest

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:25:25 EDT

Vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements are unsafe for HIV-positive women who breastfeed because they may boost the excretion of HIV in breast milk -- thereby increasing the chances of transmitting the infection to the child, a pair of new studies suggest.

Vitamin deficiency after weight loss surgery can cause vision loss in newborns, case study shows

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:54:54 EDT

Biliopancreatic diversion surgery for morbid obesity is known to cause multiple vitamin deficiencies that may worsen during pregnancy. Clinicians now report a child who was born blind as a result of Vitamin A deficiency caused by his mother's obesity surgery.

Eating foods rich in vitamin E associated with lower dementia risk

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:25:25 EDT

Consuming more vitamin E through the diet appears to be associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.

Gene network associated with vitamin A deficiency and lung birth defects

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:19:19 EDT

Researchers have discovered the mechanism responsible for the failure of the lungs to form as a result of vitamin A/retinoic acid (RA) deficiency. The study also shows that corrections to this network make it possible to prevent the lung defect in retinoic acid-deficient animals.

Researchers discover additional benefit of vitamin A

Wed, 12 May 2010 17:23:23 EDT

Vitamin A is critical to maternal health and child survival, yet in most developing countries Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness and increased child mortality. Scientists recently discovered a link between offspring lung function and maternal vitamin A supplementation.

Orange corn holds promise for reducing blindness, child death

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:29:29 EDT

Decreasing or increasing the function of a newly discovered gene in corn may increase vitamin A content and have significant implications for reducing childhood blindness and mortality rates, according to a new study.

UK women at risk from vitamin A deficiency

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:20:20 EST

Almost half of UK women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A due to a previously undiscovered genetic variation, scientists have found.

Antioxidants Not Associated With Increased Melanoma Risk

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:45:45 EDT

Antioxidant supplements do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of melanoma, according to a new report.

Embryology Study Offers Clues To Birth Defects

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:07:07 EDT

Embryologists have clarified the role that retinoic acid plays in limb development. A new study showed that retinoic acid controls the development (or budding) of forelimbs, but not hindlimbs, and that retinoic acid is not responsible for patterning (or differentiation of the parts) of limbs. This research corrects longstanding misconceptions about limb development and provides new insights into congenital limb defects.

Golden Rice An Effective Source Of Vitamin A

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:11:11 EDT

The beta-carotene in so-called "golden rice" converts to vitamin A in humans, according to a new article.

Red Fungus Turned Orange May Help Tackle Vitamin Deficiency

Sun, 10 May 2009 10:17:17 EDT

The edible fungus Monascus purpureus imparts a distinct flavor and red color when added to fermented rice dishes such as those served in Asia. Now, with "a helping hand" from science, the fungus could offer a way to address a major public health concern: vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin E May Decrease Mortality Of Elderly Male Smokers, Yet Increase Mortality Of Middle-aged Smokers

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:48:48 EST

Six-year vitamin E supplementation decreased mortality by 41% in elderly male smokers who had high dietary vitamin C intake, but increased mortality by 19% in middle-aged smokers who had high vitamin C intake.

Vitamins C And E And Beta Carotene Again Fail To Reduce Cancer Risk In Randomized Controlled Trial

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:53:53 EST

Women who took beta carotene or vitamin C or E or a combination of the supplements had a similar risk of cancer as women who did not take the supplements, according to data from a randomized controlled trial.

Unlocking The Mysteries Of Vitamin A Metabolism During Embryonic Development

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:44:44 EST

Researchers have unlocked some of the mysteries of how the developing embryo reacts to fluctuations in the amount of vitamin A present in the maternal blood stream. The developing mammalian embryo is entirely dependent on the maternal circulation for its supply of retinoids, the vitamin A metabolites produced in the body. These are essential nutrients and they control the formation of the embryo’s heart, central nervous system, eyes and other important organs and tissues. Malformations of the developing embryo can occur when too little, or too much, vitamin A is consumed by the mother.

Vitamin E May Increase Tuberculosis Risk In Male Smokers With High Vitamin C Intake

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:14:14 EST

Six-year vitamin E supplementation increased tuberculosis risk by in male smokers who had high dietary vitamin C intake, according to a new study. Previous studies had suggested that vitamin E might improve the immune system.

Refuted Claims From Observational Studies Often Persist Despite Strong Evidence Against Them

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:32:32 EST

Prominent claims from observational studies of the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin E often continue to be supported in medical literature despite strong contradictory evidence from randomized trials, according to a study. Similar findings were found for claims regarding the protective effects of beta-carotene on cancer and estrogen on Alzheimer disease.

How Embryos Regulate Vitamin A Derivatives: Too Much Or Too Little Linked To Birth Defects

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:40:40 EST

Human embryos that get too much or too little retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, can develop into babies with birth defects. New research shows for the first time how embryonic cells may regulate levels of retinoic acid, giving scientists insight into how it acts as a signal between cells to control development of the brain, limbs and many other tissues in embryos.

Vitamin A Derivative Associated With Reduced Growth In Some Lung Cells

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:09:09 EDT

Treatment with a derivative of vitamin A called retinoic acid was associated with reduced lung cell growth in a group of former heavy smokers, according to a new study. Former smokers remain at elevated risk for lung cancer.

Antioxidants Show No Clear Benefit Against Cardiovascular Events, Death In High-risk Women

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:25:25 EDT

Vitamins C and E and beta carotene, either individually or in combination, do not appear to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events or death among women at high risk for heart disease, according to a new article.

Potential Role For Retinoic Acid In Autoimmune And Inflammatory Diseases Identified

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:18:18 EDT

An important finding, which could eventually lead to a new therapeutic approach for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, psoriasis and others, was recently announced. The studies, conducted in laboratory mice, demonstrated the role of retinoic acid, a substance derived when vitamin A is broken down in the body, in regulating inflammation.

Some Vitamin Supplements Don't Protect Against Lung Cancer

Mon, 21 May 2007 11:36:36 EDT

A study of more than 75,000 adults found that taking supplemental multivitamins, vitamin C and E and folate do not decrease the risk of lung cancer. The study, which also did not find any increased lung cancer risk from the supplements, is one of the most detailed, prospective observational studies to look at the effect of vitamin supplements instead of vitamins from foods on lung cancer risk.

Use Of Some Antioxidant Supplements May Increase Mortality Risk

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:10:10 EST

Contradicting claims of disease prevention, an analysis of previous studies indicates that the antioxidant supplements beta carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E may increase the risk of death, according to a meta-analysis and review article in the Feb. 28 issue of JAMA.

Vitamin A Deficiency Linked To Major Intestinal Surgery

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:54:54 EDT

Major intestinal surgery, including stomach reduction for obesity, may boost the chances of subsequent vitamin A deficiency, suggests a small study published ahead of print in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Antioxidant Supplementation Not Associated With Decreased Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 23:05:05 EST

Intakes of dietary or supplemental antioxidants were not associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer among men in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, according to a study in the February 15 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study did find that vitamin E and beta-carotene supplementation may be associated with reduced prostate cancer risk in certain population subgroups.

Dietary Intake Of Antioxidants Associated With Reduced Risk Of Age-related Macular Degeneration

Wed, 28 Dec 2005 10:37:37 EST

A diet with a high intake of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc is associated with a substantially reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in elderly persons, according to a study in the December 28 issue of JAMA.

Combination Treatment Enhances Tetanus Vaccination

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 00:21:21 EDT

In studies with mice, Penn State researchers have shown that a combination of retinoic acid -- a product the body makes naturally from vitamin A -- and PIC, a synthetic immunity booster, significantly elevates the immune system response to a tetanus shot.

Antioxidant Supplementation May Reduce Incidence Of Cancer In Men

Tue, 23 Nov 2004 11:33:33 EST

Low-dose antioxidant supplementation may reduce the risk of cancer among men, but not in women, according to an article in the November 22 issue of The Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

High Doses Of Vitamin E Supplements Do More Harm Than Good

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 23:33:33 EST

Daily vitamin E doses of 400 international units (IU) or more can increase the risk of death and should be avoided, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2004.

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Participates In Largest-Ever Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial

Tue, 24 Jul 2001 08:17:17 EDT

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has begun enrolling healthy men age 55 and older in the largest-ever prostate cancer prevention study, to determine if selenium and vitamin E prevent prostate cancer.

Single Enzyme Necessary For Normal Brain, Vertebrae, Urogenital Tract And Lower Body Development In Mammals

Tue, 16 Jan 2001 08:01:01 EST

Two independent research teams have discovered that a single enzyme is necessary for normal brain, vertebrae, urogenital tract and lower body embryological development in mammals. Dr. Hiroshi Hamada of Japan, Dr. Martin Petkovich of Canada, and their colleagues report in jointly published papers that the enzyme CPY26 metabolizes retinoic acid, an essential derivative of vitamin A. Retinoic acid (RA) regulates development by activating the expression of specific target genes throughout the embryo. The formation of an uneven distribution of RA along the central body axis of the developing embryo is essential for normal development.

UV Radiation Induces Vitamin A Deficiency In Skin

Wed, 31 Mar 1999 06:33:33 EST

That golden tan may look terrific, but its cost to your skin---premature aging, wrinkles, sags, blotches, and an increased risk of skin cancer---may be more than you want to pay. While it is well known that ultraviolet radiation from the sun has many effects on skin, scientists still don't fully understand how UV causes so much damage.

Studies Rebut Concept That Body Stores Vitamin A-Making Substances

Fri, 14 Aug 1998 06:48:48 EDT

Efforts to battle vitamin A deficiency have been thrown a curve: Carotenoids that promote vitamin A production -- and are often consumed in mass quantities when available -- are not sufficiently stored and converted to vitamin A, according to new research.

'Eat Your Vegetables,' Says Researcher -- Cancer Cell Division Is Blocked By Chemical In Carrots, Cornell Biologists Show

Tue, 14 Apr 1998 08:16:16 EDT

A common chemical derivative of vegetables has been used by Cornell University researchers studying leukemia to block the uncontrolled cell division that leads to cancer.

Hormone Control Of Rare Leukemia Sheds Light On Molecular Basis Of Cancer

Tue, 24 Feb 1998 07:47:47 EST

Often in science it's the exception that illuminates the rule. Thus, when researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center clarified the biochemical mechanism behind acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), they simultaneously elucidated a process implicated in many other cancers.