title: The effect of vitamin a supplementation on biochemical parameters in multiple sclerosis patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vitamin A has different functions in the body and after being converted to acid form; it can play many roles in immune system regulation. Therefore, this vitamin can be used as a supplement in the treatment of diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound and its long-term consumption in high doses can have some adverse effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The current study aimed to investigate the possible complications and find solutions to minimize the adverse effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a double blind randomized clinical trial. In the main study, vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate) was given to 35 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in order to regulate their immune system with a dose of 25000 IU/day for a period of six months. To investigate the possible biochemical complications, lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar (FBS), liver enzymes, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were tested.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vitamin A did not have a significant difference in lipid profiles, FBS and liver enzymes between the two groups receiving vitamin A and the placebo, but CRP increased in patients who were taking vitamin A, 1.65±0.43 (mg/L) and 2.88±0.67, (Mean±SEM), before and after the intervention respectively (P=0.029), and statistical analysis showed significant differences with the group receiving placebo (P=0.011) and CRP level in vitamin A group was 1.3 mg/L more than those of the placebo group after intervention (P=0.011).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering that no significant difference was found in the proven vitamin A side effects, due to the increase in CRP, frequent clinical and biochemical controls are required along with vitamin A supplementation.
authors: Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Sima
authors: S
authors: Jafarirad
authors: Fereydoon
authors: F
authors: Siassi
authors: Mohammad-Hossein
authors: MH
authors: Harirchian
authors: Reza
authors: R
authors: Amani
authors: Sama
authors: S
authors: Bitarafan
authors: Aliakbar
authors: A
authors: Saboor-Yaraghi
keywords: C-reactive Protein; Multiple Sclerosis; Vitamin A
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