Poor Wound Healing

Low vitamin A levels may be associated with wounds that do not heal well after an accident or surgery. This is because vitamin A promotes collagen production, which is a key component of good skin.

Vitamin A, both oral and topical, has been shown to strengthen skin in studies. Oral vitamin A boosted collagen formation in rats, according to one research. Even though the rats were on steroids, which can slow wound healing, the vitamin had this effect. Treatment of the skin with topical vitamin A seems to reduce wounds linked with diabetes in rats, according to an additional study. Human studies show similar results. In comparison to men who did not use the cream, elderly men who treated wounds with topical vitamin A have seen a 50% reduction in the size of their wounds.