Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (vitamin A Palmitate)
For the health condition: Eye Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin A (including its form vitamin A palmitate) has scientifically validated roles in eye health, particularly in preventing and treating xerophthalmia and certain forms of keratitis associated with vitamin A deficiency. The ocular surface and corneal epithelium require adequate vitamin A for proper maintenance and repair; deficiency can lead to dryness, Bitot’s spots, and increased susceptibility to eye infections due to impaired epithelial barrier function and reduced mucin production.

Topical vitamin A preparations (such as vitamin A palmitate ointments) have been used in some clinical settings to support healing of the ocular surface, particularly in cases of dry eye or superficial keratopathy. Clinical studies show that topical vitamin A can improve symptoms and promote healing in non-infectious corneal conditions, and there is evidence for its use as adjunct therapy in trachoma (an infectious eye disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis) in populations with underlying deficiency.

However, while vitamin A is essential for immune function and mucosal health, there is limited direct evidence that vitamin A (especially topical forms) alone treats active infectious conjunctivitis or other acute eye infections in otherwise well-nourished individuals. Its role is primarily in prevention and adjunctive support, not as a primary antimicrobial treatment. Therefore, while scientific evidence supports vitamin A’s importance in preventing infection-related complications of deficiency, its effectiveness as a direct treatment for eye infections is moderate and context-dependent.

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