Vitamin A is more than just for good eyesight. It turns out that it plays a role in insulin production, too.
Researchers discovered the link between vitamin A and insulin by accident. As they were inspecting beta cells, they noticed receptor sites for vitamin A. Beta cells are the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for insulin production. The fact that these cells are designed to receive vitamin A indicated to researchers that the vitamin plays an important role in insulin production.
The Role of Vitamin A in Diabetes
Researchers believe that vitamin A has an important role in the development of beta cells early in life. To examine its role a bit more closely, scientists created an experiment.
They took insulin cells from mice, as well as from non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic donors. Then, they partially blocked the vitamin A receptors and flooded the cell surroundings with sugar. They wanted to test the cells’ ability to respond to insulin.
When the receptors were partially blocked, there was a 30 percent reduction in insulin production.
They also noticed that beta cells struggled to resist inflammation in the absence of vitamin A. When the cells are completely cut off from the vitamin, they die.
Researchers are still trying to figure out ways to use this information to help people with diabetes. In the meantime, they warn that taking vitamin A supplements may do more harm than good. Instead, they recommend eating your vitamins.
Here are some natural foods high in vitamin A:
- Spinach
- Butter
- Kale
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Apricots
- Sweet Potato
- Eggs
- Winter Squash
[expand title=”References“]
Eurekalert. URL Link. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
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