DIETARY

Vitamin A Therapy

Vitamin A is known to be essential to the health of the retina and photoreceptors need a continuous supply of vitamin A to function properly. In 1997 a research team with funding support from Retina Australia discovered two gene mutations in the RPE inhibiting the transportation of vitamin A to the photoreceptor cells. Other research had earlier demonstrated that a regime of vitamin A supplementation can have a slowing effect on retinal degeneration in some people with RP. However, the longer term effects of a moderately high dosage of vitamin A for a prolonged period are not yet well enough known and potential for serious side effects in some individuals has been identified. Consequently, if Vitamin A therapy is contemplated, medical advice should be sought first.