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The Vitamin A – Zinc Deficiency Detective Story.
The body is an amazing machine with many biochemical reactions resulting in health and for some, disease. Many of us have learned about the importance of the fat soluble vitamin A (retinol) and its partner, beta-carotene and its contribution to health and well-being.
Vitamin A (retinol) has specific maintenance roles that include vision, bone growth, skin, and mucosal integrity. Inadequate vitamin A levels are associated with increased respiratory infections, skin conditions, and infertility. Just so we are on the same page here, Carotenoids are the plant sources of vitamin A.
The most well studied carotenoid is beta-carotene. The absorption of beta-carotene and its conversion to vitamin A varies among individuals. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Of all the carotenoids, beta-carotene is converted into retinol most efficiently.
With this level of importance we may assume simply taking vitamin A supplements or eating foods high in vitamin like carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin would satisfy the daily vitamin A requirement.
As we now know, the important carotenoid, beta-carotene, is converted to retinol. Meaning this biochemical conversion must happen in order for us to gain all of the great benefit of vitamin A.
But it comes with a requirement – you must have ZINC to make it work! Without optimal levels of zinc the conversion of beta-carotene to retinol (vitamin A) just won’t happen.
The following lab test shows high levels of beta-carotene and low levels of vitamin A. In most cases, a deficiency of zinc may be the culprit.
Even if we find that beta-carotene appears not to be converting to retinol we can not automatically assume that zinc is the root cause of this conversion issue?
One direct objective test is to order an erythrocyte and whole blood nutrient test and take a look at the zinc levels. The following test is one of your best markers for measuring zinc levels.
Another indirect measurement is to take a look at the alkaline phosphatase test on your basic or comprehensive metabolic blood panel. Alkaline phosphatase is a zinc dependent enzyme. Decreased levels less than 70 have been associated with zinc deficiency.
Also look for white spots on the fingernail beds, reduced sense of smell or taste. These may both be signs of a zinc deficiency.
You may be thinking what causes zinc deficiency? One of many reasons for low zinc levels include numerous medications, environmental toxins and processed foods.
In addition, industrial and auto exhausts produce acid rain that depletes zinc from the soils and foods, etc. YES! Pollution causes zinc deficiency
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