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Retinol (Vitamin A) Supplements in the Elderly

  • Review Article
  • Clinical Pharmacology
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Summary

Aging is associated with many changes in epithelial tissues, immune function and haematopoiesis-myelopoiesis. There is increasing evidence that retinoids can significantly influence some of these changes. Retinoids may also have anticancer effects and protect against age-associated conditions such as macular degeneration. However, retinol (vitamin A) can be toxic when taken in excess and the elderly may be at particular risk for hypervitaminosis A. Evaluation of elderly people ingesting significantly more or less than the recommended daily intake of retinol requires an understanding of the biology of retinoids and consideration of the relative risks and benefits of supplementation.

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  1. Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada

    Brian J. Ward

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Ward, B.J. Retinol (Vitamin A) Supplements in the Elderly. Drugs & Aging 9, 48–59 (1996). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-199609010-00005

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