Vitamin A and Your Immune System

Do you really need vitamin A for your immune system? This video might surprise you.

What is Lymph Node: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fu8EVSnt54

Carotenoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPJOpeYXeao

Timestamps:
0:00 Why vitamin A is essential for the immune system
0:25 Vitamin A for mucous membranes
1:50 Vitamin A for immune cells
4:01 Other vitamin A risk factors
4:17 Best sources of vitamin A

In this video, I want to talk to you about vitamin A and your immune system. Now, I’ve done plenty of other videos on the role of zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C in the immune system, but I haven’t touched on vitamin A yet.

Vitamin A is an essential part of the immune system. A vitamin A deficiency will leave your body susceptible to infections—especially in the respiratory system, including your lungs, sinuses, and throat.

You need vitamin A for your mucous membranes. In particular, vitamin A is required for the creation of mucin. Mucin is an essential part of the mucus membrane.

Vitamin A is also involved in the epithelial layer and lymphatic system layer. Each of these acts as a barrier for microbes.

When pathogens enter the body, your body triggers macrophages. These are large phagocytic cells that consume pathogens and clean up other harmful debris. Macrophages are your body’s first line of defense against infection.

Your thymus gland, which is right above the heart, helps train your immune cells. The thymus can actually activate and synthesize vitamin A.

Vitamin A is also required for dendritic cells and neutrophil traps.

When you’re low in vitamin A, your risk increases for:
• Ulcerative colitis
• MS
• Psoriasis
• Lupus

How can you get more vitamin A? The best source of vitamin A are:
• Beef
• Liver
• Cod liver oil
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Goat cheese
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Eggs
• Vegetables (pre-vitamin A in carotenoid form)

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 58, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg’s Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

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Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thanks for watching. I hope this video helped clear up why vitamin A is so important for your immune system.