title: Vitamin A as an anti-inflammatory agent.
abstract: Vitamin A is necessary for normal differentiation of epithelial tissues, the visual process and reproduction, and is vital for the optimal maintenance and functioning of the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most profuse nutritional deficiencies worldwide. It is associated with increased susceptibility to infectious diseases in both man and animal models. Vitamin A also has a role as an anti-inflammatory agent. Supplementation with vitamin A has been found to be beneficial in a number of inflammatory conditions, including skin disorders such as acne vulgaris, broncho-pulmonary dysplasia and some forms of precancerous and cancer states. The present review suggests that vitamin A deficiency induces inflammation and aggravates existing inflammatory states. Supplementation with vitamin A in selected cases could ameliorate inflammation. The two main mechanisms which appear to be involved in the prevention of disease are the effects of vitamin A on the immune system and the effect on epithelial integrity.
authors.affiliation: The School of Nutritional Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel. Reifen@agri.huji.ac.il
authors.forename: Ram
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reifen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology*; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014801:Vitamin A