Author/Authors :
Jafarirad, Sima Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran , Siassi, Fereydoon Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran , Harirchian, Mohammad-Hossein Iranian Center for Neurological Research - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran , Amani, Reza Department of Nutrition - School of Paramedicine - Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran , Bitarafan, Sama Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran , Saboor-Yaraghi, Aliakbar Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
Abstract :
Background: Vitamin A has different functions in the body and after being converted to acid form; it can play many roles in immune system
regulation. Therefore, this vitamin can be used as a supplement in the treatment of diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound and its long-term consumption in high doses can have some adverse effects. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the possible complications and find solutions to minimize the adverse effects. Patients and Methods: This study was a double blind randomized clinical trial. In the main study, vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate) was given
to 35 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in order to regulate their immune system with a dose of 25000 IU/day for a period of six months. To
investigate the possible biochemical complications, lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar (FBS), liver enzymes, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were
tested. Results: Vitamin A did not have a significant difference in lipid profiles, FBS and liver enzymes between the two groups receiving vitamin A
and the placebo, but CRP increased in patients who were taking vitamin A, 1.65±0.43 (mg/L) and 2.88±0.67, (Mean±SEM), before and after the
intervention respectively (P=0.029), and statistical analysis showed significant differences with the group receiving placebo (P=0.011) and CRP
level in vitamin A group was 1.3 mg/L more than those of the placebo group after intervention (P=0.011). Conclusions: Considering that no significant difference was found in the proven vitamin A side effects, due to the increase in CRP, frequent
clinical and biochemical controls are required along with vitamin A supplementation.
