Vitamin A for children: for vision and skin

Vitamin A for children: for vision and skin

The role of vitamin A in the development of the child

Vitamin A is a fat -soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in the growth, development and maintenance of children’s health. It is not only necessary for normal vision and healthy skin, but also participates in the work of the immune system, the formation of bones and teeth, as well as in reproductive function (although the latter is more relevant for adults). The body cannot independently synthesize vitamin A, so it must be obtained from food or food additives.

Vitamin A and vision: from dusk to color perception

One of the most famous and important functions of vitamin A is its role in maintaining the health of the eyes. Vitamin A is the key component of the rhodopsin, a photosensitive pigment located in the retina of the eye. Rodopsin is responsible for vision in conditions of low illumination, allowing us to see at dusk and at night.

• The mechanism of action: When light enters the retina, rhodopsin is broken down, sending a signal to the brain, which is interpreted as an image. Vitamin A is necessary for the regeneration of rhodopsin, allowing the retina to continue to respond to light.
• Vitamin A deficiency and vision: The lack of vitamin A can lead to serious visual impairments, including:
  • Nicatalopia (chicken blindness): This is an early sign of vitamin A deficiency, characterized by difficulties with adaptation to darkness and a decrease in vision in conditions of low illumination.
  • Xerophthalmia: This is a more serious condition characterized by dry eyes, damage to the cornea and conjunctiva. If you do not treat, xerophthalmia can lead to irreversible blindness.
  • Bito spots: These are small, silver-gray spots appearing on the conjunctiva and consisting of a cluster of keratin. They are a sign of vitamin A deficiency and impaired functioning of conjunctiva.
  • The softening of the cornea (keratomulation): This is an extreme degree of vitamin A deficiency, leading to softening and destruction of the cornea, which can lead to blindness.
• Deficiency symptoms: In addition to vision problems, vitamin A deficiency can also manifest itself with other symptoms, such as:
  • Dry skin.
  • Increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Growth retardation.
  • Dry in the mouth and throat.

Vitamin A and skin health: protection and regeneration

Vitamin A is no less important for the health of the skin of the child. It plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues that lift the surface of the skin and mucous membranes.

• Vitamin A functions for the skin:

  • Regulation of growth and differentiation of skin cells: Vitamin A contributes to the normal growth and maturation of skin cells, preventing excessive keratin formation (protein that forms the upper layer of the skin).
  • Maintaining skin moisture: Vitamin A helps maintain the normal level of skin moisture, preventing dryness and peeling.
  • Infections protection: Vitamin A strengthens the barrier function of the skin, protecting it from the penetration of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
  • Slow down aging processes: Vitamin A has antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from damage by free radicals, which helps to slow down the aging process.
  • Improving the condition with acne: Some vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) are used to treat acne, since they help reduce inflammation, exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent the formation of comedones (black dots and white eels).

• Vitamin A and Skin Deficiency: The lack of vitamin A can lead to the following skin problems:

  • Dry skin (xerosis): The skin becomes dry, flaky and itchy.
  • Follicular hyperkeratosis: Small, hard tubercles around the hair follicles, especially on their hands, hips and buttocks, appear on the skin. This condition occurs due to excessive formation of keratin in hair follicles.
  • Increased susceptibility to skin infections: Violation of the barrier function of the skin increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Slow wound healing: Vitamin A deficiency can slow down the healing process of wounds and scratches.

Vitamin A forms and sources

Vitamin A exists in two main forms:

• Retinol (Vitamin A PREMENTED): This form of vitamin A is contained in animal products and is easily absorbed by the body.
• Carotinoids (Provitamin A): This form of vitamin A is contained in plant products, such as fruits and vegetables of orange, yellow and green. The body transforms carotenoids into retinol. Beta-carotene is the most famous and effective carotenoid.

Sources of vitamin A for children:

• Animal products (retinol):

  • Liver (especially beef and chicken)
  • Fish oil
  • Egg yolks
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)

• Plant products (carotenoids):

  • Carrot
  • Sweet potatoes (battting)
  • Pumpkin
  • Spinach
  • Cabbage of Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Mango
  • Apricots
  • Melon

Recommended vitamin A consumption for children

Recommended vitamin A consumption stands depend on the age of the child:

• Infants (0-6 months): 400 μg RAE (equivalent of retinol activity) per day
• Infants (7-12 months): 500 mcg rae per day
• Children (1-3 years old): 300 mcg rae per day
• Children (4-8 years old): 400 mcg rae per day
• Children (9-13 years old): 600 mcg rae per day
• Teenagers (14-18 years old): 900 μg RAE per day (for boys) and 700 mcg Rae per day (for girls)

The importance of a balanced diet

The best way to provide sufficient consumption of vitamin A for a child is a balanced diet, including a variety of products of the animal and plant origin. It is important to offer the child fruits and vegetables of different colors so that he receives various types of carotenoids.

Vitamin additives: when are they necessary?

In most cases, children who receive a variety and balanced nutrition do not need additional vitamin additives. However, in some situations, the doctor may recommend taking vitamin A in the form of an additive:

• Children with vitamin A deficiency: In this case, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose of vitamin A to replenish the deficit.
• Children with diseases that violate fat absorption: Some diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, can interfere with the normal absorption of fats, and hence fat -soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A.
• Children on a strict diet: Children on a strict diet may not receive a sufficient amount of vitamin A from food.

Cautions: hypervitaminosis a

Excessive consumption of vitamin A can be toxic and lead to hypervitaminosis A. This condition is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Hair loss
• Dry skin and mucous membranes
• Bone pain and joints
• Increase in the liver and spleen

In severe cases, hypervitaminosis A can lead to serious complications, such as liver damage and an increase in intracranial pressure.

Especially important:

• Do not exceed the recommended doses of vitamin A, especially when taking vitamin additives.
• Consult a doctor before taking vitamin A in the form of an additive, especially if the child has any chronic diseases.
• Pay attention to the signs of hypervitaminosis A and see a doctor immediately if they arise.
• Pregnant women should observe special caution with the consumption of vitamin A, since its excess can lead to congenital defects in the fetus.

Factors affecting the assimilation of vitamin A

Vitamin A can affect the assimilation of various factors:

• The amount of fat in the diet: Vitamin A is a fat -soluble vitamin, therefore, a sufficient amount of fat in the diet is necessary for its normal assimilation.
• The condition of the digestive system: Diseases of the digestive system, such as cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, can impede the normal absorption of vitamin A.
• Interaction with other nutrients: Some nutrients, such as vitamin E and zinc, can improve the absorption of vitamin A.
• Age: The assimilation of vitamin A can decrease with age.

Myths and facts about vitamin A

• Myth: Vitamin A improves vision in everyone.
  • Fact: Vitamin A is necessary for normal vision, but it improves vision only for those who experience its deficiency.
• Myth: Carrots are the only source of vitamin A.
  • Fact: Carrots are a good source of carotenoids that the body transforms into vitamin A, but vitamin A is also contained in other products, both animal and plant origin.
• Myth: More vitamin A is better for health.
  • Fact: Excessive consumption of vitamin A can be toxic and lead to hypervitaminosis A.
• Myth: Vitamin A treats acne.
  • Fact: Some vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) are used to treat acne, but they should be prescribed by a doctor and applied under his control.
• Myth: Vitamin A protects against all diseases.
  • Fact: Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the immune system, but it is not a panacea from all diseases.

Practical tips for parents

• Include a variety of products in the child’s diet rich in vitamin A.
• Offer your child fruits and vegetables of different colors.
• Do not get carried away with vitamin additives without consulting a doctor.
• Pay attention to the signs of vitamin A deficiency and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
• Follow the rules for storing products to maintain the content of vitamin A.
• Cook the products correctly to preserve the content of vitamin A (for example, cook vegetables for steam or bake them).
• Make sure that the child receives a sufficient amount of fats in the diet for normal absorption of vitamin A.

New studies about vitamin A

Studies continue to identify new aspects of the role of vitamin A in health. For example, the effect of vitamin A is studied on the intestinal microbia, on the prevention of certain types of cancer and on the slowdown of the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Studies are also conducted on various forms of vitamin A and their bioavailability.

Impact of vitamin A on immunity

Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. It is involved in the formation and functioning of immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, which are responsible for protecting the body from infections.

• Strengthening barrier function: Vitamin A strengthens the barrier functions of the skin and mucous membranes, preventing the penetration of pathogens into the body.
• Regulation of inflammatory processes: Vitamin A is involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes, preventing an excessive inflammatory reaction, which can lead to tissue damage.
• Improving the function of immune cells: Vitamin A contributes to the normal functioning of immune cells, increasing their ability to destroy pathogens.

Vitamin A deficiency can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections, especially respiratory infections and diarrhea.

Vitamin A and bone development

Vitamin A plays a role in the development and maintenance of bones. It is involved in the processes of the formation of bone tissue and the regulation of the activity of osteoblasts (cells that form the bone) and osteoclasts (cells that destroy the bone).

• Bone growth stimulation: Vitamin A stimulates the growth of bones in childhood.
• Maintaining bone density: Vitamin A helps maintain bone density in adulthood, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

However, it is important to remember that excessive vitamin consumption and can also negatively affect the bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Therefore, it is important to observe the recommended standards for consumption of vitamin A.

Vitamin A interaction with drugs

Vitamin A can interact with some drugs. For example, taking retinoids (vitamin A), along with other drugs, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, before taking vitamin A in the form of an additive, it is important to inform the doctor about all the drugs that the child takes.

Vitamin A and sleep problems

Some studies show that vitamin A deficiency can be associated with sleep disorders in children. Vitamin A is involved in the regulation of the production of melatonin, hormone, which is responsible for the regulation of the sleep and wakefulness cycle.

• Normalization of the sleep cycle: Enough consumption of vitamin A can help normalize the cycle of sleep and wakefulness in children.
• Improving the quality of sleep: Vitamin A can help improve sleep quality, reducing the frequency of night awakening.

However, additional studies are needed to confirm the relationship between vitamin A deficiency and sleep disturbances.

Vitamin A value for children with special needs

Children with some diseases or special needs may need increased consumption of vitamin A.

• Children with cystic fibrosis: In these children, the absorption of fats, and, therefore, are fat -soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A.
• Children with celiac disease: In these children, the mucous membrane of the small intestine is damaged, which can disrupt the absorption of nutrients, including vitamin A.
• Children with chronic infections: Chronic infections can increase the need for vitamin A.

In these cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to determine the optimal dose of vitamin A.

Cooking: keep vitamin A

The method of cooking can affect the content of vitamin A in products.

• Avoid prolonged heat treatment: Long -term heat treatment can destroy vitamin A.
• Prepare steam or bake: These preparation methods allow you to preserve more vitamins than cooking in a large amount of water.
• Use a small amount of water: If you cook vegetables, use a small amount of water to minimize vitamin losses.
• Keep the products correctly: Keep products in a dark, cool place to protect vitamin A from destruction.

Vitamin A and acne in adolescents: retinoids

Retinoids derivatives of vitamin A are widely used to treat acne in adolescents. They have the following properties:

• Reducing inflammation: Retinoids reduce inflammation in the skin, which is one of the key factors in the development of acne.
• Excessing dead cells: Retinoids contribute to exfoliating dead skin cells, preventing pore blockage and the formation of comedones.
• Reducing the production of skin fat: Retinoids reduce the production of skin fat, which also helps to prevent acne formation.

Retinoids can be represented in the form of creams, gels or tablets. They should be prescribed by a doctor and applied under his control, as they can cause side effects, such as dry skin, irritation and increased sensitivity to the sun.

Vitamin A and Cancer: Prevention

Some studies show that vitamin A and carotenoids can play a role in the prevention of certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

• Antioxidant properties: Vitamin A and carotenoids have antioxidant properties, protecting the cells from damage to free radicals, which can contribute to the development of cancer.
• Cellular regulation: Vitamin A is involved in the regulation of cellular growth and differentiation, preventing uncontrolled cell growth, which is a characteristic sign of cancer.
• Strengthening the immune system: Vitamin A strengthens the immune system, increasing its ability to destroy cancer cells.

However, it must be remembered that vitamin A is not a panacea for cancer, and for cancer prevention, it is necessary to observe a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and refusal of smoking.

Vitamin A and pregnancy

Vitamin A plays an important role in the development of the fetus during pregnancy. It is necessary for the normal formation of organs and tissues of the fetus, especially for the development of the eyes, bones and nervous system.

• Ensuring the normal development of the fetus: Enough consumption of vitamin A during pregnancy ensures the normal development of the fetus.
• Prevention of congenital defects: During pregnancy, the deficiency of vitamin A can increase the risk of congenital defects in the fetus.

However, it is important to remember that excessive consumption of vitamin A during pregnancy can also be dangerous and lead to congenital defects in the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to receive vitamin A from food and avoid taking high doses of vitamin additives without consulting a doctor. The recommended vitamin A consumption rate for pregnant women is 770 mcg RAE per day.

Vitamin A and breastfeeding

Vitamin A plays an important role in breast milk. It is necessary for the normal development and growth of the child, as well as to maintain his immune system.

• Providing a sufficient amount of vitamin A for the child: Breast milk is the main source of vitamin A for infants.
• Strengthening the child’s immune system: Vitamin A in breast milk helps to strengthen the child’s immune system and protect it from infections.

The recommended vitamin A consumption rate for nursing women is 1300 mcg RAE per day.

The importance of consulting a doctor

The information presented in this article is intended only for educational purposes and should not be considered as a medical consultation. If you have any questions or concerns about the consumption of vitamin A your child, please consult your doctor. The doctor will be able to assess the state of health of your child, determine his need for vitamin A and give individual recommendations. Self -medication can be dangerous to health.

Vitamin A in the nutrition of children: final thoughts

Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for children, necessary for healthy vision, skin, immunity and bone development. A balanced diet, including a variety of products of animal and plant origin, usually provides sufficient consumption of vitamin A. However, in some cases, vitamin additives under the supervision of a doctor may be required. It is important to remember the possibility of hypervitaminosis A and not exceed the recommended doses of vitamin A. Regular consultations with a doctor will help to ensure the optimal health and development of your child.