Are Vitamin A Supplements Good For Anti-aging?

As we age, we increase our chances to develop conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer's disease. Skin wrinkles and dark spots are also age-related changes. Vitamin A has been found beneficial for most common age-related conditions, writes James Balch in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." If you wish to look younger and avoid other age-related medical conditions, talk to your doctor about supplementation with vitamin A.

About Vitamin A Supplements

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for your health. Retinol and carotenoids are the most well known nutrients belonging to Vitamin A group.

Retinol is the active form of vitamin A. Dietary sources of this nutrient include meat, fish and dairy products. Carotenoids, the second group, are precursors of vitamin A, which means they get converted in vitamin A in your liver Balch writes. An example of carotenoids is beta carotene, which is found in pink grapefruit, carrots, sweet potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli and spinach.

Antioxidants prevent aging and cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in our body, increase as we age and are also the result of environmental toxins from pollution, smoking or radiation. Free radicals are responsible for age-related disorders such as heart diseases, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer's disease.

Retinol For Skin

A research study published in "Skin Pharmacology and Physiology" in July 2009 found retinol as an effective anti-aging agent for skin conditions. The study showed that retinol protected the skin from the damage caused by the sun, reduced wrinkles and promoted the regeneration of new healthy skin cells, without causing adverse reactions.

Carotenoids For Heart

High blood levels of two carotenoids, beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein, protect the cardiovascular system against developing heart attacks, according to a study featured in March 2010 issue of "Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases." This study was based on the observation of more than 60,000 men and women between the ages 45 and 74 from Singapore.

Carotenoids & Cancer

Two other carotenoids, lycopene and beta carotene were found to be able to inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous cells of the prostate. Furthermore, these nutrients cut the blood supply of the prostate tumor, according to this study published in the December 2010 issue of "Molecular Nutrition and Clinical Research."

Carotenoids & Alzheimer

High blood levels of carotenoids, particularly lutein and beta carotene, reduce the risk of the age-related disorder Alzheimer's disease, according to a study from the February 2008 issue of "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease." The authors noted that keeping optimal blood levels of these nutrients may also slow the progression of this condition.