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Vitamina A - Overview

Nombres alternativos

Retinol; Retinal; Carotenoides; Ácido retinoico

Definición:

Es una vitamina liposoluble.

Funciones:

La vitamina A ayuda a la formación y al mantenimiento de dientes, tejidos blandos y óseos, membranas mucosas y piel sanos. Se conoce también como retinol, ya que produce los pigmentos en la retina del ojo.

Esta vitamina favorece la buena visión, especialmente ante la luz tenue, y también se puede requerir para la reproducción y la lactancia.

El retinol es una forma activa de vitamina A y se encuentra en los hígados de animales, la leche entera y algunos alimentos fortificados.

Los carotenoides son tintes (pigmentos) de color oscuro que se encuentran en alimentos de origen vegetal y que pueden transformarse en una forma de vitamina A. Hay más de 500 carotenoides conocidos y uno de ellos es el betacaroteno.

  • El betacaroteno es un antioxidante. Los antioxidantes protegen las células del daño causado por sustancias llamadas radicales libres, los cuales se cree contribuyen al desarrollo de ciertas enfermedades crónicas y juegan un papel en los procesos del envejecimiento.
  • Las fuentes alimentarias de carotenoides, como el betacaroteno, pueden reducir el riesgo de cáncer.
  • Los suplementos de betacaroteno no parecen reducir el riesgo de cáncer.
  • Reviewed last on: 2/8/2011
  • Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Sarubin Fragaakis A, Thomson C. The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements. 3rd ed. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association, 2007.

Hamrick I, Counts SH. Vitamin and mineral supplements. Wellness and Prevention. December 2008:35(4);729-747.

Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 237.

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