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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient with important roles in immune function, epithelial integrity, and cellular differentiation. Its use in supporting or treating viral infections is primarily supported by scientific evidence in specific contexts, particularly in the prevention and management of severe measles in children. Clinical studies and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend high-dose vitamin A supplementation for children with measles in regions where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent, as it has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality. The mechanism is thought to involve vitamin A's role in maintaining mucosal barriers and enhancing immune responses, which can be compromised during vitamin A deficiency, leading to increased susceptibility and severity of infections.

However, outside of measles and populations with known deficiency, the evidence for vitamin A supplementation as a general treatment or preventative measure against viral infections is limited and does not support widespread use. Randomized controlled trials have not consistently shown benefit for other viral infections, and excessive vitamin A intake can be toxic. Thus, the scientific support for vitamin A in treating viral infections is specific and context-dependent, rather than broadly applicable. Its use is justified in populations at risk for deficiency and in certain infections like measles, but routine supplementation for viral infection in well-nourished individuals is not supported by current evidence.

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

Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)

2'-Fucosyllactose
Ajoene
alpha-pinene
arabinogalactan
barberry
myrobalan
berberine
Beta-Glucan
betel
black cumin
burdock
cassia bark
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
iodine
honeysuckle
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus paracasei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
mangosteen
monolaurin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
T4D-myoviridae
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
xylitol
zinc
sarsaparilla
yellow root
boneset
pistacia integerrima gall
swertia
pau d'arco
yerba santa
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
Abies spectabilis
geranium
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Agave
Anamu
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Artepillin C
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Betulinic acid
Blepharis
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazilian peppertree
Bauhinia
Baicalin
Belamcanda
Coriolus mushroom
Carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
Casticin
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
European Elder
Echinacea
Fucoidan
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fernbush
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Graviola
Galangin
Gallesia
Golden Shower Tree
Hypericin
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Immunoglobulin G
Ivy
Java Brucea
Kachnar
Knotgrass
Lentinan
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lichen
Lapachol
Liverwort
Labdanum
Mountain horopito
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Mangostin
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Naphthoquinones
Phellodendron
Premna
Phragmites
Polysaccharides
Phlorotannins
Pelargonium
Piper retrofractum
Quebracho
Rhabdosia rubescens
Ravinsara
Shikonin
Sanguisorba
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Simaruba
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Smoketree
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Trametes
Thiosulfinate
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
Zingerone

Products containing Vitamin A (unspecified)

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