Newcastle University Study Finds Women At Greater Risk For Vitamin A Deficiency

Newcasle, England (AHN) – Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered a genetic variation that reveals nearly half of U.K. women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system, protecting us against common infections such as the flu and maintains healthy skin.

A research team, led by Dr. Georg Lietz, has shown that almost 50 percent of women have a genetic variation which reduces their ability to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A from beta-carotene and found that for many women, beta-carotene is not an effective substitute for vitamin A. A previous American study found that excessive use of vitamin A during pregnancy was associated with certain birth defects. Beta-carotene, however, was deemed to be safe and this led to the general advice that people should consume more of the nutrient. Thereby allowing the body to convert what it needs into required vitamin A.

Dr. Lietz explains his recent findings “Vitamin A is incredibly important – particularly at this time of year when we are all trying to fight off the winter colds and flu. It boosts our immune system and reduces the risk of inflammation such as that associated with chest infections.”

He goes on to say, “What our research shows is that many women are simply not getting enough of this vital nutrient because their bodies are not able to convert the beta-carotene.” From a volunteer group of 62 women, the team found that 29 of them – 47 per cent – carried the genetic variation which prevented them from being able to effectively convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.

The study also showed that all volunteers in the study consumed only about a third of their recommended intake from ‘preformed’ vitamin A – the form found in dairy products such as eggs and milk – indicating that those volunteers carrying the genetic variation were not eating enough vitamin A-rich foods to reach the optimum level their body required to function.

Researchers believe younger women are particularly at risk. Typically older generations tend to eat more eggs, milk and liver which are naturally rich in vitamin A. However health-conscious younger generations more than generations in the past consume low-fat diets and are relying heavily on the beta-carotene form of the nutrient.