The “anti-inflammatory” vitamin?!
Which vitamin is known as an “anti-inflammatory” vitamin while also taking major responsibility for bone,vision, skin and mucous membrane health?
Vitamin D? Though very important, Vitamin A, also known as retinol, fits this specific description and has its own role in modulating inflammation, and research shows your genetics participate in all this!
Underscoring its essential role in the normal function of the immune system, a lack of vitamin A will inhibit proper immune function, which could result in more inflammation-based disorders and or diseases, including auto-immune disorders and other immune-based dysfunctions. Continuous immune system dysfunction may contribute to inflammation associated with heart disease, skin disorders, GI issues, diabetes, asthma, mental issues, and other neurodegenerative diseases as well.
Symptoms of low vitamin A status and or deficiency include night blindness, frequent infections, skin issues due to excess keratin buildup (bumpy skin/milia), troubles with the cornea of the eye, dry eyes, infertility, and trouble conceiving, and any issues with the linings of the lungs, intestines (including leaky gut) and urinary tract.
Our genes all have specific responsibilities that affect our health and the genes affecting vitamin A use are no different. The gene BCOM1 is responsible for converting the plant source of vitamin A, called beta-carotene, into a usable form of Vitamin A in the body. Our bodies cannot use beta carotene directly, so the gene BCOM1 converts it into retinol, which the body can then use. When a person has a genetic mutation of the BCOM1 gene it indicates the body cannot make this conversion effectively. This results in an insufficient amount of usable vitamin A in the body. If the individual with this genetic compromise in function happens to get most of their potential vitamin A source from plant-based foods (carrots, leafy green veggies, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomatoes, cantaloupe), they could likely become low in vitamin A availability within the body. If they eat animal-based foods that supply retinol directly, such as eggs, fish oil, or beef liver, they may be getting enough vitamin A in retinol form to satisfy their body’s vitamin A needs, depending on how much of those foods they consume. In women with mutations in one or both alleles of the BCOM1 gene, a reduction of beta carotene conversion of 32% or 69% was shown. (Wang, et al., 2022)
Becoming aware of the source of your vitamin A intake, potential deficiency symptoms, as well as genetic influence can help you steer clear of health concerns. Learning what works best for you can leave you with great skin, improved vision, and breathing freely, as well as move you further away from ongoing, damaging inflammation!