RETINOL (VITAMIN-A) SUPPLEMENTS IN THE ELDERLY

Aging is associated with many changes in epithelial tissues, immune fu nction and haematopoiesis-myelopoiesis. There is increasing evidence t hat retinoids can significantly influence some of these changes. Retin oids may also have anticancer effects and protect against age-associat ed conditions such as macular degeneration, However. retinol (vitamin A) can br toxic when taken in excess and the elderly may be at particu lar risk for hypervitaminosis A. Evaluation of elderly people ingestin g significantly more or less than the recommended daily intake of reti nol requires an understanding of the biology of retinoids and consider ation of the relative risks and benefits of supplementation.