Vitamin A and lung function

Vitamin A, an essential micronutrient obtained through the diet, plays a crucial role in lung development and contributes to lung regeneration (1,2):

• an adequate vitamin A intake is required in early lung development, alveolar formation, tissue maintenance and regeneration
• chronic vitamin A deficiency has been associated with histopathological changes in the pulmonary epithelial lining that disrupt the normal lung physiology predisposing to severe tissue dysfunction and respiratory diseases

There is study evidence for a causal effect of vitamin A, carotene in particular, on adult lung function, suggesting a beneficial effect of a carotene-rich diet on adult lung health (2).

Reference:

1. Timoneda J et al. Vitamin A Deficiency and the Lung. Nutrients. 2018 Aug 21;10(9):1132.
2. Mongey R, van der Plaat DA, Shaheen SO, et al. Effect of vitamin A on adult lung function: a triangulation of evidence approach. Thorax 2025;80:236-244.