Vitamin A: Biological Functions and Implications for Muscle Health.

Chang Chen-Lu, Li Jia-Wen, Shen Zheng-Kai, Gao Wei — Nutrition reviews

Abstract

Skeletal muscle diseases represent a diverse group of conditions, often characterized by muscle weakness, atrophy, and functional impairment. These disorders continue to impose a significant burden on global health, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. As the prevalence of muscle-related diseases rises, it becomes increasingly important to understand the complex biological mechanisms that underlie these conditions to develop effective, targeted therapeutic strategies. Vitamin A, traditionally recognized for its vital roles in vision, immune function, skin health, and cell proliferation, has recently garnered attention for its potential involvement in skeletal muscle biology. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin A, through its active metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of muscle physiology. This review aims to explore the intricate mechanisms by which vitamin A modulates skeletal muscle health, focusing on its impact on key processes such as muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, repair and regeneration, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we examine the potential therapeutic implications of vitamin A in treating various skeletal muscle diseases, providing new insights for both research and clinical treatment of these skeletal muscle diseases.

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