Researchers Find Potential ‘Dark Side’ to Diets High in Beta-Carotene

New research suggests that there could be health hazards associated with consuming excessive amounts of beta-carotene. This antioxidant is a naturally occurring pigment that gives color to foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and certain greens. It also converts to vitamin A, and foods and supplements are the only sources for this essential nutrient. But …

Nutritional Support for Wound Healing

Nutrition plays a crucial role in wound healing. Nutritional status of patients at the time of trauma or surgery influences the biochemical processes necessary for the phases of normal healing to occur. Evidence exists that vitamins A and C, zinc, arginine, glutamine, glucosamine, bromelain, Aloe vera, and Centella asiatica may be beneficial to wounded or …

Vitamin A Supplements For Children Could Save 600,000 Lives A Year

Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, concludes a study published on bmj.com. The researchers argue that the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation is now so well-established that further trials would be unethical, and they urge policymakers to provide supplements for all children at risk …

Vitamin A Deficiency Does Not Affect Onset of Asthma

Vitamin A deficiency does not increase the risk of asthma, according to new research published online in the European Respiratory Journal. In developing countries, vitamin A deficiency is particularly common and previous research has shown that it harms the development of the lungs. This study aimed to assess whether vitamin A deficiency influences the development of …