Vitamin A actually is not one substance; multiple forms of the vitamin exist and have different functions in the body, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. One form is retinoic acid, which can affect the way DNA works. Retinoic acid is used topically or internally to treat various skin disorders, leukemia and certain cancers.
Treat Wrinkles and Age Spots
Vitamin A promotes skin health. Retinoic acid can be used topically to repair damage after exposure to the sun or damage that occurs because of aging, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. This topical treatment works due to retinoic acid's effect on the DNA of skin cells, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Retinoic acid helps skin cells age normally and improves the distribution of pigments that affect age spots, DrSchuster.com reports. This compound also increases the production of collagen, which improves the appearance of aging skin. You can purchase products containing retinoic acid over the counter, but your physician may prescribe stronger formulations.
Acne Treatment
A form of retinoic acid called isotretinoin has been effective in treating severe acne. Isotretinoin reduces the production of oil in the skin and gets rid of small skin bumps while preventing other ones from forming, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. This therapy also reduces the growth of bacteria. Your dermatologist may suggest this treatment if other medications do not work; however, isotretinoin can have significant side effects, so your physician will follow your progress closely. You may develop sunburn quickly, and you may also notice dry eyes or dry skin. Retinoic acid in the form of isotretinoin can be harmful if you are pregnant.
Leukemia
In leukemia, the bone marrow produces a large number of immature blood cells that do not work very well and can lead to infections and other health problems. In acute promyelocytic leukemia, this abnormal production is fueled by a mutation in the cell receptor for retinoic acid, according to The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid -- a specific form of the vitamin -- can improve the formation of the blood cells and can improve the health of some patients.
Cancer Treatments
Researchers have also found that retinoic acid may have benefits in treating or preventing other types of cancers. A recent study presented in 2011 by Dr. Sandra Fernandez, at the American Association for Cancer Research 102nd Annual Meeting, showed that retinoic acid may be able to stop the development of some breast cancers during their early stages. However, other studies on breast cancer have not been conclusive. A study published in a 2005 issue of the journal "Oncogene" by Birgit Zirn and colleagues found that retinoic acid may affect the genes that cause Wilms tumor, which is a type of kidney cancer most common in children. Further research looking at the impact of retinoic acid on these cancers and other types of cancer is ongoing; scientists hope to discover the role of retinoic acid in the management of specific cancers.
References
- The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: Vitamin A
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles...Treatment
- DrSchuster.com: Retinoids and Skin Care
- New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated: Isotretinoin
- "Oncogene"; All-trans Retinoic Acid Treatment of Wilms Tumor Cells Reverses Expression of Genes Associated with High Risk and Relapse in vivo; Birgit Zirn and colleagues; 2005
- PhysOrg.com: Vitamin A Derivative Can Inhibit Early Forms of Breast Cancer
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