Description
Retinitis Pigrnentosa is a hereditary disease with no known cure. It has been suggested that high doses of vitamin A supplements can retard the progression of this disease. This paper is a literature review presenting studies that both support and contradict this hypothesis. The most recent study has been the most controversial, but its recommendation to supplement retinitis pigrnentosa patients with high doses of vitamin A has been endorsed by various ocular agencies. Even the studies that support the use of vitamin A show some subjects that do not respond to this therapy. The evidence is strong, however, that people with retinitis pigrnentosa have low serum levels of vitamin A. It seems, therefore, that even people that do
not show a visual improvement when placed on vitamin A therapy can at least replenish their body levels. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and, therefore, can have toxic effects on the body when taken in large doses. If supplements are taken under the supervision of a physician, however, the risks are reduced and the benefit may be a delay in the progression of retinitis pigrnentosa.
