Vision vitamins are the nutritional elements that enhance eye sight. These include vitamin A, B6, C, selenium, trace elements such as magnesium and zinc among other nutrients. A variety of food containing vitamins include, among others oranges, carrots, pumpkin and leafy vegetables. Having enough of these food sources in the diet protects one from getting certain eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
We will explore the benefits of vitamin A in more detail since it is the nutrient of greatest significance. The vitamin is involved in the synthesis of a pigment of the retina known as rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is necessary for dim vision. The other important role that this pigment plays is that it helps to keep the cornea moist through the maintenance of the integrity of related membranes.
The A vitamin is not a single unit as such but is composed of a group of hydrocarbons which are not saturated. These include retinoic acid, retinal, retinol and a number of vitamin A precursors (carotenoids). The most important among the pro vitamin A carotenoids is beta carotene. Retinal component combines with the protein opsin to form rhodopsin. The so formed light absorbing molecule is vital for both colour and low light (scotopic) vision.
A deficiency in vitamin A may lead to various eye problems ranging from mild, moderate to severe manifestation depending on the chronicity of the deficiency. Lack of this crucial vitamin can either be primary or secondary. A primary deficiency is due inadequate intake of either provitamin A carotenoids (vegetables and fruits) or the preformed vitamin from dairy and animal products. This is the commoner form.
The secondary form of deficiency is as a result of malabsorption of lipids and deficient bile production and release. This is explained by the fact that the A vitamin is a fat soluble vitamin and therefore requires dissolution in fat in fat for it become functional in the body. As such, a low fat diet can predispose one to disease states related to deficiency of respective vitamins. Long term exposure to oxidants including cigarette smoke and alcohol intake can also lead to secondary insufficiency of vitamin A.
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.
The truth is that it is not possible to take all the vision vitamins on a daily basis. What is important is to ensure that one takes them as many times as possible within the week. Intake is determined by factors such as sex, age, pregnancy and lactation. Excessive of the vitamins may cause toxicity and due caution is, therefore, advised.
We will explore the benefits of vitamin A in more detail since it is the nutrient of greatest significance. The vitamin is involved in the synthesis of a pigment of the retina known as rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is necessary for dim vision. The other important role that this pigment plays is that it helps to keep the cornea moist through the maintenance of the integrity of related membranes.
The A vitamin is not a single unit as such but is composed of a group of hydrocarbons which are not saturated. These include retinoic acid, retinal, retinol and a number of vitamin A precursors (carotenoids). The most important among the pro vitamin A carotenoids is beta carotene. Retinal component combines with the protein opsin to form rhodopsin. The so formed light absorbing molecule is vital for both colour and low light (scotopic) vision.
A deficiency in vitamin A may lead to various eye problems ranging from mild, moderate to severe manifestation depending on the chronicity of the deficiency. Lack of this crucial vitamin can either be primary or secondary. A primary deficiency is due inadequate intake of either provitamin A carotenoids (vegetables and fruits) or the preformed vitamin from dairy and animal products. This is the commoner form.
The secondary form of deficiency is as a result of malabsorption of lipids and deficient bile production and release. This is explained by the fact that the A vitamin is a fat soluble vitamin and therefore requires dissolution in fat in fat for it become functional in the body. As such, a low fat diet can predispose one to disease states related to deficiency of respective vitamins. Long term exposure to oxidants including cigarette smoke and alcohol intake can also lead to secondary insufficiency of vitamin A.
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.
The truth is that it is not possible to take all the vision vitamins on a daily basis. What is important is to ensure that one takes them as many times as possible within the week. Intake is determined by factors such as sex, age, pregnancy and lactation. Excessive of the vitamins may cause toxicity and due caution is, therefore, advised.
About the Author:
You can visit the website visionaryvites.com for more helpful information about Important Facts About Vision Vitamins
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire