Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin A (mixed)
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Vitamin A has scientific validation for its role in supporting the immune system, particularly in the context of infections, including viral infections. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of epithelial tissues, which are the body's first line of defense against pathogens. It also plays a direct role in the regulation and differentiation of immune cells, such as lymphocytes. Deficiency in vitamin A has been strongly associated with increased susceptibility to infections, notably respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in children.

There is robust evidence that vitamin A supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality in children with measles, a viral infection, and the World Health Organization recommends high-dose vitamin A supplementation in children with measles in areas where deficiency is common. Some studies have also suggested beneficial effects of vitamin A in other viral infections, such as HIV, but the evidence is less consistent.

While vitamin A is not used as a direct antiviral treatment, its role in immune function is well-established, and supplementation is justified in populations at risk of deficiency. Excessive supplementation in individuals with adequate vitamin A status is not recommended and may be harmful. Overall, the use of vitamin A (mixed) for supporting the immune response to viral infections is scientifically grounded, mainly in the context of deficiency or specific conditions such as measles.

More about Vitamin A (mixed)
More about Infection (viral)

Products containing Vitamin A (mixed)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.