Vitamin A | Retinyl palmitate

Vitamin A | Retinyl palmitate

Properties: Vitamin A in the form of retinyl palmitate is one of the best absorbed forms of this compound, which performs many important functions in the body. This vitamin is particularly important for maintaining good eye health – it enables the synthesis of rhodopsin, the visual pigment present in the rods of the retina, which makes low-light vision possible. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin A protects the retina from oxidative stress, thereby supporting the integrity of eye cells. 

Its beneficial effect within the skin is also quite important. Retinol supports the regeneration processes of the epidermis and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which promotes the maintenance of skin firmness and elasticity. At the same time, it helps to maintain proper hydration, regulates sebum production and promotes the balance of skin microflora, reducing the formation of acne-like lesions.

Besides that, vitamin A plays a key role in the functioning of the immune system. It strengthens the body’s first line of defense – the skin and mucous membranes – and promotes the secretion of mucin and lysozyme, which protect against microorganisms. It also participates in the maturation of immune cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells), enabling an effective immune response, while controlling excessive inflammatory reactions.

What is more, studies point to the positive effects of vitamin A on mental health. Retinoic acid receptors are present in brain structures responsible for regulating emotions and diurnal rhythms. This vitamin affects the dopaminergic and serotonin systems, supporting emotional stability, mood, neuroplasticity and nervous system recovery during periods of chronic stress. And speaking of balance, it also plays an important role in maintaining hormonal balance. It participates in the synthesis of sex hormones and supports the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is essential for the proper production of reproductive cells and their quality, which is important for both men and women. Retinyl palmitate is one of the most efficient versions of vitamin A, which provides comprehensive support for the health and homeostasis of the body.

Occurrence: The best sources of vitamin A are animal products, including fatty fish and fish oil, offal (e.g. beef liver), eggs, butter, milk, ripened cheese. Plant products provide carotenoids and cryptoxanthins, which are provitamins that are converted in the digestive tract into vitamin A. Sources of these compounds include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, red peppers, apricots, kale, parsley, pumpkin, mangoes, melons, zucchini.

Biochemistry: Vitamin A is a group of organic compounds classified as retinoids. They are all fat-soluble. The most important component of this group is retinol. Chemically, retinol is an unsaturated diterpene alcohol. It is sensitive to light – under its influence it oxidizes to the aldehyde form – retinal. This process takes place in the retina, where retinal participates in the process of vision. In addition, vitamin A is essential for the body’s normal growth, maintaining the normal condition of the skin and mucous membranes or controlling inflammation.

Fun fact: Vitamin A played an interesting role during World War II. At the time, German bombers attacked areas of Britain at night to avoid anti-aircraft defenses. However, this strategy did not turn out to be as brilliant as expected. The British Ministry of Information cited the fact that pilots had a lot of carrots in their diets as the reason for the Royal Air Force’s successful operations in night clashes with the enemy. This is because it contains beta-carotene which is pro-vitamin A. In fact, the secret of the British success was a 1938 invention – a new airborne radar to intercept aircraft – but the public believed in the miraculous properties of the orange vegetable.