Vision vitamins are an important component of our everyday diet. Apart from the vitamin A which is widely known for its important properties, there are many others that play a central role in maintaining good eyesight. These nutritional elements include vitamin B6 and C and others such as selenium, zinc and magnesium among others. There are many different types of foods that contain many of these elements in different combinations. Examples include green leafy vegetables, oranges, carrots and pumpkins among others.
Vitamin A is important for continuous eye health. It facilitates better vision by influencing the synthesis of the pigmented rhodopsin found in the retina. It promotes good night vision or helps one see better in dim light. In addition, it ensures the cornea is kept moist by maintaining 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.
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 most initial manifestations of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. This refers to impaired scotopic vision. With time, the condition may worsen and changes such as drying of the conjunctiva may occur. This happens because the normal tear secreting system is replaced by keratinisation. This is accompanied by formation of keratin plaques in the cornea which eventually gets eroded as more keratinisation leading to complete blindness.
Vitamins C and B6 play a minor role but are still very important. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the eye against the effects of irradiation. It also maintains capillary and collagen integrity and normal pressure. B6 vitamin ensures that the red cell structure is intact and this in turn contributes to proper functioning of the retina. The mineral zinc is involved in the conversion of beta carotene to active 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.
Vitamin A is important for continuous eye health. It facilitates better vision by influencing the synthesis of the pigmented rhodopsin found in the retina. It promotes good night vision or helps one see better in dim light. In addition, it ensures the cornea is kept moist by maintaining 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.
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 most initial manifestations of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. This refers to impaired scotopic vision. With time, the condition may worsen and changes such as drying of the conjunctiva may occur. This happens because the normal tear secreting system is replaced by keratinisation. This is accompanied by formation of keratin plaques in the cornea which eventually gets eroded as more keratinisation leading to complete blindness.
Vitamins C and B6 play a minor role but are still very important. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the eye against the effects of irradiation. It also maintains capillary and collagen integrity and normal pressure. B6 vitamin ensures that the red cell structure is intact and this in turn contributes to proper functioning of the retina. The mineral zinc is involved in the conversion of beta carotene to active 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
No comments:
Post a Comment