Role of retinol in treating human disorders

Added: 01/04/2006

Retinol is known to be a dietary form of vitamin A. This is a fat-soluble and antioxidant vitamin which has a great influence on the human?s bone growth and vision. Retinol belongs to the well-known family of chemical compounds ?retinoids?. It is ingested in a precursor form and can be found in milk, eggs, and plants (such as spinach or carrots). Retinol can also be found its true form in various animal foods (liver and oils). This form is readily used by the human body.

Retinol is an anti-oxidant which is able to protect the human body from various diseases. The protection can be provided thanks to neutralizing oxygen molecules (free radicals) within the body.

Retinol is a rather important component for maintaining good vision of people. As a matter of fact very often one of first signs of vitamin A overdose and deficiency is night blindness. At the same time retinol plays an important role in contributing to the healthy skin maintenance; it also makes a significant contribution into the maintenance of the mucous membranes lining the nose with sinuses and mouth.

According to the recent scientific researches retinol is considered to be the nutrient necessary for the proper immune system function, bone formation and growth, wound healing and human reproduction. Some modern animal studies indicate that retinol can provide certain protection from various toxic chemicals (for example, dioxins). Speaking about dioxins it?s impossible not to mention that they are released into the air from such combustion processes as commercial wastes incineration or burning fuels (like wood), oil or coil. The mentioned chemicals are all possible to be found in the cigarette smoke.

This dietary form of vitamin A is water-soluble and primarily delivered from animal-based foods. Nevertheless, the human body is able to produce retinol from beta-carotene (a fat-soluble nutrient which is usually found in dark green vegetables and bright fruits, for example, carrots, cantaloupe or sweet potatoes.

There are several forms of retinols that can be used in different spheres of life. For example, in medical and cosmetic applications on skin. It?s a common knowledge, that retinol, retinoic acid, isotretinoin, retinyl palmitate are all widely used medicinally ? often as a treatment for keratosis pilaris, acne, various eyes disorders, wounds and burns and common condition of the human immune system.

Thus, retinol plays an important role in modern medicine development. Retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A) is one of the main components in oral and topical preparations for treating psoriasis, acne and other skin disorders (for example, rosacea). At the same time it?s worthy admitting that treatments containing retinol can premature aging from warts and sun. Be aware they are given by prescription.

As it has already been mentioned, eye disorders can also be treated with medications containing retinol, retina and cornea (which are known to be associated with vitamin A). According to the recent population-based study, retinol has a protective effect against cataracts if the proper vitamin A supplementation is provided.

Thus, along with other various nutrients retinol is a quite necessary anti-oxidant. It helps the human body to form new skin tissues. Therefore, it helps the body to become stronger, for example, after burn injuries.

One of the main functions of retinol is its overall positive impact on the human immune system. It is known to stimulate the function of white blood cells and increase the activity of other important microorganisms.

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