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Exploring the Intriguing Journey of Synthetic Vitamin A from a Chemotherapy Drug to Food Fortification: Uncovering Its Impact on Digestive Health

Updated: 4 days ago

Vitamin A - a powerhouse essential for our overall health, has a history that is as fascinating as it is crucial. Originating as a chemotherapy drug, this multifaceted nutrient has undergone an evolutionary journey through different formulations and applications, culminating in its pivotal role in food and animal feed fortification. However, amidst its positive impacts, there remains a lesser-known aspect that warrants attention - its potential effects on digestive health, particularly when it comes to the absence of protective fats.


Vitamin A Evolution

The Evolution of Vitamin A: From Chemotherapy to Food Fortification

The journey of synthetic vitamin A traces back to its early beginnings as a chemotherapy drug used to treat Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL). As research progressed, the chemically derived vitamin evolved into various formulations, with isotretinoin, retinoic acid, and retinoid creams becoming famous for treating acne and improving skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles. It was during the 1970s that it first began being used to fortify foods, and in the early 1980's the United States mandated it's use in the fortification of skim and low-fat dairy products.


The Retinoid Uglies: A Glimpse into Skin Irritation

For those into skincare, the term "retinoid uglies" might sound familiar. This phenomenon occurs when the use of topical retinoids irritate the skin, leading to redness, peeling, and sensitivity. While the effects are visible on the skin's surface, the implications of such irritation offer a glimpse into what could potentially be happening within our digestive system when we consume them, especially with out the fats required to properly metabolize and utilize the vitamin. We can potentially end up with the toxic negative effects of too much vitamin A, yet also show symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.


Unveiling the Impact on Digestive Health

Imagine the ingestion of synthetic vitamin A within the digestive system, especially when devoid of the protective shield of necessary fats. Just as retinoids irritate the skin, a lack of sufficient fats in our diet may leave our digestive tissues vulnerable to irritation and inflammation. This raises important questions about the balance required for optimal digestive health and the potential consequences of overlooking this crucial aspect.


Nurturing Digestive Health: The Role of Protective Fats

It becomes evident that the digestive system, akin to the skin, requires adequate care and protection to maintain its integrity. Essential fatty acids play a vital role in safeguarding the delicate tissues of our digestive tract, working in harmony with nutrients like vitamin A to support optimal functioning. By embracing a balanced diet rich in protective fats, we can fortify our digestive health and harness the full benefits of essential nutrients like vitamin A.


Digging Deeper

While we know vitamin A is critical to good health, what is often overlooked is the fact that synthetic forms of vitamin A trigger stress receptors, activating our fight-or-flight response. Chronic ingestion keeps us in a perpetual state of stress that leads to damaging inflammation and the development of chronic disease.


Vitamin A Palmitate, a form of vitamin A found in many foods today, activates the TRPA1 sensory receptors in our digestive tract. TRPA1, along with TRPV1 receptors, plays a crucial role in how we perceive sensations, especially pain. These receptors are located in areas such as our skin, gut, and lungs. When triggered TRPA1 sends a pain signal to the brain.


In response, the brain activates the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight or flight stress response, and engages the immune system to prepare for potential harm.


While TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors help protect us, the daily consumption of Vitamin A Palmitate in our food or supplements can lead to unnecessary inflammation and persistent pain in the body. This constant activation may prevent our nervous system from calming down, which can result in chronic pain and inflammation that are difficult to resolve and lead to disorders related to oxidative stress.


Protective Fats

We have learned in other posts that fats, particularily oleic acid in the sn-2 position of the triglycerides, protect these sensory receptors from damage and excessive activation. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, which means it requires fat for effective utilization by the body. This is why adding synthetic forms of vitamin A to products without the necessary fats are proving to be problematic for so many people.





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