Apart from improving eyesight, vision vitamins also play a very vital role in the prevention of certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Of all the nutrients that are known to have these benefits, vitamin A is undoubtedly the most published. It will be worth noting that there are many other nutritional elements that are equally as helpful. These include, for example, vitamin C and b6 and elements such as selenium, magnesium and zinc. Such nutrients will be found in great quantities in foods such as oranges, leafy vegetables and pumpkins.
We will look at vitamin A in detail and understand what it is that it does at cellular level. Research has revealed to us that this vitamin is very important in the synthesis of a pigment known as rhodopsin. This pigment is found in high amounts on the retina which acts as a screen on which images from the environment are formed. Adequate levels of rhodopsin are needed to help one see better in dim light.
It should be understood that vitamin A is not a single unit. Rather, it is made of several non-saturated hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons include retinoic acid, retinol, retinal and other precursors known as carotenoids. Beta carotene is the most important of these carotenes. The retinal hydrocarbon reacts with a protein known as opsin to form rhodopsin. The resultant molecule helps in the achievement of scotopic (low light) and colour vision.
Deficiency of vitamin A results in a number of eye conditions that vary in severity depending on the extent of involvement. It often occurs when there is reduced intake of provitamin A carotenoid containing foods such as vegetables, dairy and animals products and fruits. This is the commonest scenario and is also referred to as primary vitamin A deficiency.
Secondary deficiency is commonly the result of impaired absorption of lipids and decreased production and release of bile. The A vitamin is fat soluble and will therefore require that there are enough lipids for it to be adequately absorbed. Cigarette smoking and prolonged alcohol use are the other risk factors that have been identified as contributing to insufficiency of this vitamin.
One of the earliest symptoms of deficiency is impairment of night vision. This is the result of dryness of the conjunctiva and replacement of thee secretory epithelium with keratinised (hardened epithelium). A vicious cycle ensues where the erosion of keratin plaques gives way to formation of more keratin. Eventually, the ability of the cornea to refract light is markedly reduced.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help protect the eye from damage due to radiation. This nutrient also helps in maintaining normal pressure, collagen and capillary integrity. Vitamin B6 helps maintain the structure and function of red blood cells found within the retina. A trace element such as zinc plays a key role in ensuring good vision. It is responsible for converting beta carotene to vitamin A.
While it may not be practical to take all vision vitamins every day, it is advisable to take food supplements that contain the maximum number of essential vitamins in them. The amount of intake is also limited by factors such as age, sex, pregnancy and lactation. It is important to ensure that one takes just the right amount of nutrients to avoid toxicity and related complications.
We will look at vitamin A in detail and understand what it is that it does at cellular level. Research has revealed to us that this vitamin is very important in the synthesis of a pigment known as rhodopsin. This pigment is found in high amounts on the retina which acts as a screen on which images from the environment are formed. Adequate levels of rhodopsin are needed to help one see better in dim light.
It should be understood that vitamin A is not a single unit. Rather, it is made of several non-saturated hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons include retinoic acid, retinol, retinal and other precursors known as carotenoids. Beta carotene is the most important of these carotenes. The retinal hydrocarbon reacts with a protein known as opsin to form rhodopsin. The resultant molecule helps in the achievement of scotopic (low light) and colour vision.
Deficiency of vitamin A results in a number of eye conditions that vary in severity depending on the extent of involvement. It often occurs when there is reduced intake of provitamin A carotenoid containing foods such as vegetables, dairy and animals products and fruits. This is the commonest scenario and is also referred to as primary vitamin A deficiency.
Secondary deficiency is commonly the result of impaired absorption of lipids and decreased production and release of bile. The A vitamin is fat soluble and will therefore require that there are enough lipids for it to be adequately absorbed. Cigarette smoking and prolonged alcohol use are the other risk factors that have been identified as contributing to insufficiency of this vitamin.
One of the earliest symptoms of deficiency is impairment of night vision. This is the result of dryness of the conjunctiva and replacement of thee secretory epithelium with keratinised (hardened epithelium). A vicious cycle ensues where the erosion of keratin plaques gives way to formation of more keratin. Eventually, the ability of the cornea to refract light is markedly reduced.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help protect the eye from damage due to radiation. This nutrient also helps in maintaining normal pressure, collagen and capillary integrity. Vitamin B6 helps maintain the structure and function of red blood cells found within the retina. A trace element such as zinc plays a key role in ensuring good vision. It is responsible for converting beta carotene to vitamin A.
While it may not be practical to take all vision vitamins every day, it is advisable to take food supplements that contain the maximum number of essential vitamins in them. The amount of intake is also limited by factors such as age, sex, pregnancy and lactation. It is important to ensure that one takes just the right amount of nutrients to avoid toxicity and related complications.
About the Author:
You can visit the website visionaryvites.com for more helpful information about Important Facts About Vision Vitamins