Vitamin A

Mixed carotenoid supplementation and dysmetabolic obesity: gaps in knowledge.

Canas JA · International journal of food sciences and nutrition · 2021

Dysmetabolic obesity during childhood and adolescence currently represents one of the greatest therapeutic challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. The global rates of obesity have more than doubled in the last 30 years. Recent meta-analysis from national surveys and food composition studies suggest an inverse association between lower carotenoid levels and the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in the general population, independent of serum retinol (vitamin A) levels. In children, two double-blind randomised placebo-controlled studies describing the effects of diet vs. mixed carotenoid supplementation on insulin resistance, adipokines and the rate of accrual of subcutaneous abdominal fat, implicate supplementation of these compounds to achieve targetable levels may be useful in the management of obesity accrual in this population. We will discuss the role of carotenoids and their conversion products (retinoids) in adipogenesis, lipolysis, insulin resistance and the pathophysi

Daily iron supplementation for improving anaemia, iron status and health in menstruating women.

Low MS, Speedy J, Styles CE, De-Regil LM, Pasricha SR · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2016 · n=8506

Iron-deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent among non-pregnant women of reproductive age (menstruating women) worldwide, although the prevalence is highest in lower-income settings. Iron-deficiency anaemia has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, which restitution of iron stores using iron supplementation has been considered likely to resolve. Although there have been many trials reporting effects of iron in non-pregnant women, these trials have never been synthesised in a systematic review. To establish the evidence for effects of daily supplementation with iron on anaemia and iron status, as well as on physical, psychological and neurocognitive health, in menstruating women. In November 2015 we searched CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and nine other databases, as well as four digital thesis repositories. In addition, we searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) and reference lists of relevant reviews. We i

Acupuncture for melasma in women: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Chai Q, Fei Y, Cao H, Wang C, Tian J, Liu J · Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society · 2015 · n=587

Melasma is a common facial skin disorder seen in women. Manual acupuncture (MA) is widely used alone or in combination with conventional treatments for melasma in China. To assess the effectiveness and safety of MA for melasma, and explore the range of treatments applied. Six databases were searched systematically for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for melasma in women up to November 2014. RevMan software was used for data analysis. The Cochrane tool of Risk of Bias was used to assess the methodological quality of the RCTs. Eight RCTs involving 587 women were included. Seven studies used the encircling needling method, four studies used the quick needling method and four studies used intensive needle manipulations. Five studies provided individualised acupuncture treatments. Points used with highest frequency were SP6, ST36 and SP10. MA was compared with oral tranexamic acid, vitamin C and E, vitamin C and tamoxifen, topical 20% azelaic acid, hydroquinone, vitami

Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review.

Wang R, Lin J, Liu Q, Wu W, Wu J, Liu X · Molecular nutrition & food research · 2024

Hair loss is a common problem that can negatively impact individuals' psychological well-being. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most prevalent types of nonscarring hair loss. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the relationship between AGA and various micronutrients, including vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and copper. A literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 1993 and 2023. The search identified 49 relevant articles. The findings suggest that deficiencies or imbalances in these micronutrients may contribute to the pathogenesis of AGA and represent modifiable risk factors for hair loss prevention and treatment. Vitamin B, vitamin D, iron, and zinc appear to play critical roles in hair growth and maintenance. Deficiencies in these micronutrients have been associated with increased risk of AGA, while supplementation with these nutrients has shown potential benefits in improving h

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.

O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Ivlev I, Rushkin MC, Thomas RG, Martin A · JAMA · 2022 · n=739

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the 2 leading causes of death in the US, and vitamin and mineral supplementation has been proposed to help prevent these conditions. To review the benefits and harms of vitamin and mineral supplementation in healthy adults to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. MEDLINE, PubMed (publisher-supplied records only), Cochrane Library, and Embase (January 2013 to February 1, 2022); prior reviews. English-language randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of vitamin or mineral use among adults without cardiovascular disease or cancer and with no known vitamin or mineral deficiencies; observational cohort studies examining serious harms. Single extraction, verified by a second reviewer. Quantitative pooling methods appropriate for rare events were used for most analyses. Mortality, cardiovascular disease events, cancer incidence, serious harms. Eighty-four studies (N=739 803) were included. In pool

The use of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.

Wilson RD, Davies G, Désilets V, Reid GJ, Summers A, Wyatt P · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC · 2003

To provide information regarding the use of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) and other congenital anomalies, in order that physicians, midwives, nurses, and other health-care workers can assist in the education of women in the preconception phase of their health care. OPTION: Folic acid supplementation is problematic, since 50% of pregnancies are unplanned and the health status of women may not be optimal. Folic acid supplementation has been proven to decrease or minimize specific birth defects. A systematic review of the literature, including review and peer-reviewed articles, government publications, the previous Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Policy Statement of March 1993, and statements from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was used to develop a new clinical practice guideline for the SOGC. Peer-review process within the committee structure. The benefit is reduced lethal and severe morbidity birth defec

Randomized Study of the Effects of Zinc, Vitamin A, and Magnesium Co-supplementation on Thyroid Function, Oxidative Stress, and hs-CRP in Patients with Hypothyroidism.

Rabbani E, Golgiri F, Janani L, Moradi N, Fallah S, Abiri B · Biological trace element research · 2021

Hypothyroidism can occur due to deficiencies in micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin A. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with these micronutrients on thyroid function, oxidative stress, and hs-CRP levels in patients with hypothyroidism. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups, 86 hypothyroid patients aged 20-65 were allocated to receive daily supplementation with either: (intervention group, n = 43) one 30 mg zinc gluconate capsule per day, one 250 mg magnesium oxide tablet per day, and one 25,000 IU vitamin A capsule twice/week for 10 weeks or (placebo group, n = 43) placebo capsules and tablets as above for 10 weeks. Neither of the groups changed their diet or physical activity. Thyroid hormones (free and total thyroxine (FT4 and TT4), free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)), oxidative markers (malondialdehyde (M

Dietary intake and micronutrient deficiency in children with cancer.

Morrell MBG, Baker R, Johnson A, Santizo R, Liu D, Moody K · Pediatric blood & cancer · 2019 · n=23

Data regarding micronutrient deficiencies in children with cancer are lacking. We measured micronutrients in a subset of children with cancer (n = 23) participating in a randomized trial of the neutropenic diet. Ninety-six percent of children had ≥1 micronutrient deficiency and 39% had ≥3 micronutrient deficiencies. Eighty-six percent of children had vitamin C deficiency, 87% had 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency, 50% had zinc deficiency, and 13% had vitamin A deficiency. Dietary intake did not correlate with micronutrient deficiency status. More data are needed regarding the prevalence and etiology of micronutrient deficiencies in children with cancer to further understand their implications and treatment.

The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review.

Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A · Dermatology and therapy · 2019

People commonly inquire about vitamin and mineral supplementation and diet as a means to prevent or manage dermatological diseases and, in particular, hair loss. Answering these queries is frequently challenging, given the enormous and conflicting evidence that exists on this subject. There are several reasons to suspect a role for micronutrients in non-scarring alopecia. Micronutrients are major elements in the normal hair follicle cycle, playing a role in cellular turnover, a frequent occurrence in the matrix cells in the follicle bulb that are rapidly dividing. Management of alopecia is an essential aspect of clinical dermatology given the prevalence of hair loss and its significant impact on patients' quality of life. The role of nutrition and diet in treating hair loss represents a dynamic and growing area of inquiry. In this review we summarize the role of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, selenium, and zinc, in non-scarri

Clinical and biochemical spectrum of APOB-related hypobetalipoproteinemia: Insights from a retrospective cohort study.

Sürücü Kara İ, Köse E, Mutlu H, Sanrı A, Tarugi P, Eminoğlu FT · Journal of clinical lipidology · 2025 · n=15

APOB-related familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (APOB-FHBL), the most common form of primary hypobetalipoproteinemia, often leaves heterozygous patients asymptomatic. This study aims to provide updated insights into the complications observed in heterozygous and homozygous APOB-FHBL patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 patients (53.3% female) from 7 families diagnosed with FHBL and followed in a metabolic clinic. Demographic, laboratory, clinical, and genetic data were reviewed. Patients were followed for an average of 4.5 ± 4.1 years. The median levels were as follows: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; 25.7 ± 10.5 mg/dL), apolipoprotein B (ApoB; 0.3 ± 0.1 g/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 40.1 ± 22.5 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 43.0 ± 38.3 U/L), and alpha feto-protein (1.3 ± 0.7 ng/mL). Elevated AST and ALT levels were observed in 20.0% and 26.7% of cases, respectively. Vitamin E deficiency was identified in 26.7%

Vitamin and trace elements imbalance are very common in adult patients with newly diagnosed Celiac disease.

Nuermaimaiti K, Li T, Li N, Shi T, Liu W, Abulaiti P · Scientific reports · 2025

Patients with celiac disease are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to long-term inflammation of the small intestine. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the correlation between CeD and micronutrients. A cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 59 newly diagnosed celiac patients and 59 controls. Levels of 17 vitamins and 10 trace elements were measured. Symptoms, serum IgA anti-TG2 (tTG-IgA), BMI, albumin, hemoglobin, and Marsh classification were recorded. The levels of micronutrients were compared between cases and controls, and correlations between micronutrients and other factors were analyzed. Celiac patients had lower levels of BMI, albumin, hemoglobin, vitamins A, E, K2 (MK-7, MK-4), B6, and B7, as well as zinc, and higher levels of vitamin B3 and chromium than controls (p < 0.05). The deficiency rates of vitamins A, E, and K2 (MK-7) and the excess rate of vitamin B3 were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.05). Vitamin C, iro

Causal Relationship Between Dietary-Derived Antioxidants and Erectile Dysfunction: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Chen L, Chen Z, Zheng X, Wu J, Zhu Z · The world journal of men's health · 2025

Current research suggests a correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and dietary-derived antioxidants. However, the causal relationship between these factors remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between dietary-derived antioxidants and ED using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, based on genetic prediction. This study employed bidirectional two-sample MR analysis to investigate the causal relationship between dietary-derived antioxidants and ED. The primary results were based on inverse variance-weighted analysis with random effects. To assess the robustness and reliability of the findings, sensitivity analyses were conducted, including tests for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out analysis. Additionally, multivariate MR analysis was performed to further validate the robustness of the results. The inverse variance-weighted results revealed a significant causal relationship between plasma vitamin A levels and ED (odds rat

The Assessment of Sub-Regional Micronutrient Deficiencies in Ethiopia to Target Bio Fortification.

n=1200 · NCT03353662 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

To conduct a sub-regional micronutrient survey (SRMNS) assessing the prevalence of vitamin A, Zn, and Fe status in the country

An Efficacy Trial of Fe, Zn and Vitamin A Fortified Rice in Children in Satun, Thailand

n=203 · NCT01061307 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

Iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies are particularly common among children and young women in the developing countries of South and Southeast Asia resulting in important adverse health effects. Simultaneous fortification of rice with iron, zinc and vitamin A could be a novel and sustainable approach to control these deficiencies. Recently conducted extrusion trials have demonstrated that extruded rice grains containing iron, zinc and vitamin A show acceptable stability during production and storage and good sensory properties. The grains were produced using a twin-screw extruder equipped with a special cutter and a rice shaping die. The Fe, Zn and vitamin A content of the extruded product is 10 mg, 9 mg and 1050 μg per g of rice, respectively. In this study the investigators plan to test the efficacy of the extruded triple fortified rice in Satun, Thailand, an area where rice is the staple food. Preliminary data from this area show that zinc and vitamin A intakes are low. Biochemical indicators have confirmed zinc deficiency and suboptimal vitamin A status in 1/3 of school aged children. The efficacy of the fortified rice will be evaluated in a 9 months, controlled, double-blind intervention trial in 7-12 y-old children. Children will be selected from primary schools in Satun Province based on low serum zinc values as the primary goal is to investigate Zn efficacy. As secondary outcome the effect on iron and vitamin A status will be investigated. The children will be randomized into two groups: a control group will receive a daily non-fortified rice lunch meal at school, while the second group will receive a daily rice meal containing the triple fortified rice. The rice meals will be given 5 days a week. At baseline, weight and height will be measured and determination of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc protoporphyrin, serum zinc, serum retinol and C-reactive protein will be done. At mid-point and at 9 months, the baseline measurements will be repeated to judge the efficacy of the triple fortified rice.

Iron Bioavailability From Salt Fortified With Ferrous Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate and Ascorbic Acid Encapsulated in a Polymer Jacket

n=20 · NCT02353325 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

Salt is one of the very few regularly purchased food item in all socioeconomic classes including poor remote areas with subsistence farming. Therefore, it is a promising vehicle for fortification with micronutrients, such as iodine, iron, vitamin A, to alleviate the burden of micronutrient deficiencies. However, ensuring the bioavailability of iron and the sensory quality in fortified salt is difficult. Water-soluble iron compounds, such as ferrous sulphate FeSO4, are the most bioavailable, but they react with moisture and impurities in salt, and cause unacceptable changes in colour. Encapsulation can reduce iron-mediated colour change in fortified salt without significantly compromise bioavailability. In the present project we aim to investigate the iron bioavailability from salt fortified with FeSO4 using a new encapsulation type based on hyaluronic acid (HA) and a polymer from the eudragit family (EPO).