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Way back in 1928 it was discovered that vitamin A could enhance the immune response of organisms which led to it being nicknamed the ‘anti-infective vitamin’.1 Still today, the immunoregulatory mechanisms of vitamin A are not completely understood.

Delving a bit deeper into the research on vitamin A is both fascinating and mind-blowing. And it has so many different mechanisms of action, beyond immune regulation, which tells us for sure, just how crucial this nutrient is for optimal health overall.

Dietary changes in the last 50 years or so haven’t been so favourable to vitamin A; grass-fed full-fat dairy and meat (and in particular, organ meats such as liver), fresh fruits and vegetables and good quality fats are no longer staples of a typical Western diet. Hence why many processed foods are now fortified to try and compensate for this loss (and that’s another story!).

The topic of vitamin A is a complex one that deserves time and attention, especially in the current climate, and it’s one that we’ll be re-visiting in the coming weeks. For now, here’s a brief look at some research highlights on this fascinating nutrient.

• Vitamin A & Immune system
In a 2018 review article published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine on the role of vitamin A in the immune system, the authors concluded,

“Vitamin A has both promoting and regulatory roles in both the innate immune system and adaptive immunity; therefore, it can enhance the organism’s immune function and provide an enhanced defence against multiple infectious diseases.

Currently, Vitamin A’s effect on immune function has been studied at the molecular level, and more research is ongoing about the therapeutic effects of Vitamin A on preventing and curing various infectious diseases. As increasing evidence appears with time, Vitamin A will likely play more critical roles in modern therapeutics.”2

• Vitamin A & Adaptive immune function
Animal studies have demonstrated that immune organs rely on regular dietary intake of vitamin A to maintain adequate concentrations, and that vitamin A deficiency leads to alterations in both T cell-mediated and antibody-dependent immune responses.3-7

• Vitamin A & Barrier function
Skin and mucosal membranes, lining the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract function as a barrier and form the body's first line of defence against infection. Retinoic acid (RA) is produced by antigen-presenting cells found in these mucosal interfaces. In a 2009 animal study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry researchers found that vitamin A deficiency interferes with the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier.8

• Vitamin A & Thyroid health
Vitamin A is an important nutrient for thyroid health. Animal studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency interferes with the thyroid-pituitary axis. In a 2007 review article on ‘The interactions of vitamin A and iodine deficiencies: effects on the pituitary-thyroid axis’ and published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, the authors wrote,

“Vitamin A deficiency and the iodine deficiency disorders affect more than 30% of the global population and these deficiencies often coexist in vulnerable groups. Vitamin A deficiency has multiple effects on the pituitary-thyroid axis; vitamin A status modulates thyroid gland metabolism, peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormone, and production of thyrotropin (TSH) by the pituitary.” 9-12

• Vitamin A, COVID-19 & Loss of sense of smell
Loss of sense of smell and taste is a common symptom of COVID-19 and one that people may experience for weeks and months after the acute infection. This is incredibly frustrating and can also lead to depression, anxiety and isolation, and changes in weight due to reduced appetite. Researchers at the University of East Anglia and James Paget University Hospital are launching a new study at the end of 2021 to see whether Vitamin A could help people regain their sense of smell after viral infections including COVID-19. Previous research from Germany has shown that people treated with Vitamin A (10,000iu/daily for 8 weeks) applied topically to the nasal passage improved twice as much as those in the untreated group.13 The team at East Anglia University will explore how this treatment works to repair tissues in the nose damaged by viruses.

You can read more here on vitamin A & immune health, the different forms and how you can make sure you’re getting enough in your diet.

References:
1. Green HN, Mellanby E. Vitamin A as an anti-infective agent. Br Med J. 1928 Oct 20; 2(3537): 691-6
2. Huang Z, Liu Y, et al. Role of vitamin A in the immune system. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2018, 7(9), 258.
3. Riabroy, N.; Tanumihardjo, S.A. Oral doses of α-retinyl ester track chylomicron uptake and distribution of vitamin A in a male piglet model for newborn infants. J. Nutr. 2014, 144, 1188–1195.
4. Kiss, I.; Rühl, R. et al, Retinoid receptor-activating ligands are produced within the mouse thymus during postnatal development. Eur. J. Immunol. 2008, 38, 147–155
5. Kuwata, T.; Wang, I.M, et al. Vitamin A deficiency in mice causes a systemic expansion of myeloid cells. Blood 2000, 95, 3349.
6. van Bennekum, A.M.; Wong Yen Kong, L.R et al. Mitogen response of B cells, but not T cells, is impaired in adult vitamin A-deficient rats. J. Nutr. 1991, 121, 1960–1968.
7. Darwiche, N.; Celli, G.; Sly, L.; Lancillotti, F.; De Luca, L.M. Retinoid status controls the appearance of reserve cells and keratin expression in mouse cervical epithelium. Cancer Res. 1993, 53, 2287–2299.
8. Amit-Romach E, Uni Z, et al. Bacterial population and innate immunity-related genes in rat gastrointestinal tract are altered by vitamin-A deficient diet. J Nutr Biochem 2009 Jan; 20(1): 70-7
9. Zimmermann MB, Adou P, et al, Effect of oral iodized oil on thyroid size and thyroid hormone metabolism in children with concurrent selenium and iodine deficiency. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2000;54(3):209-213.
10. Zimmermann MB, Wegmuller R, et al, The effects of vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A supplementation on thyroid function in goitrous children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(11):5441-5447.
11. Zimmermann MB, Jooste PL, Mabapa NS, et al. Vitamin A supplementation in iodine-deficient African children decreases thyrotropin stimulation of the thyroid and reduces the goiter rate. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(4):1040-1044.
12. Zimmermann MB. Interactions of vitamin A and iodine deficiencies: effects on the pituitary-thyroid axis. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2007;77(3):236-240.
13. Hummel T, Whitcroft, KL, Rueter, G, et al. Intranasal vitamin A is beneficial in post-infectious olfactory loss. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017;247(7):2819-2825.

Nutri Advanced has a thorough research process and for any references included, each source is scrutinised beforehand. We aim to use the highest value source where possible, referencing peer-reviewed journals and official guidelines in the first instance before alternatives. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate at time of publication on our editorial policy.