Vitamin A Helps Burn Fat During Winter, Recent Study Proves

Vitamin A helps burn fat during the winter season. Researchers found out the vitamin helps the body convert white fats into brown fat, so it essentially works as a calorie-burner. 

Scientists have considered brown fat to be a cure for obesity moving forward; however, its amount is limited in adults. While scientists are still unsure about how human bodies make brown fats, they noticed that cold temperatures could aid in its production. 

Increased vitamin A

In the latest study, the research team found that vitamin A was increased in both mice and humans in cold conditions. They saw how the energy-burning brown fat could help people during the cold weather. The vitamin helps humans keep their bodies warm during the winter months. 

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Changes white fat to brown fat

The increase in the said vitamin has helped change the energy-storing white fat into brown fat. All it does is increase heat being produced and reduce body fat. Therefore, it could help with weight loss and protect your body against many health conditions. 

The study revealed an increased vitamin A and retinol-binding protein when the body was exposed to cold weather. Usually, the vitamin gets stored in the liver. The cold weather triggers the body to spread it into fat tissues instead. 

(Photo: Unsplash/Alex)

Too much vitamin A is not good

As a result, white fat becomes brown fat. While the study proves that the vitamin could decrease body fat, the research team advised that one should not take too much of it. It could cause damages to the body, and it will not affect the process of fat burning. 

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The study noted that the retinol-binding protein is the essential key point to take note of. The authors said that blocking the protein could result in the vitamin not being spread evenly to the fat tissues. Then, the conversion of the fats would be stopped. 

In their research, the team blocked the protein in mice, which led to disturbing fat burning and heat production. The mice were not able to protect themselves from the cold. In humans, more vitamin A was produced and got transferred to the white fat cells. The human subjects had more metabolic activity and more energy consumed. 

The role of vitamin A

Study lead Florian Kiefer stated that their results revealed the essential role of vitamin A in fat tissues. He also wrote that it also affects the energy being used by the body. However, he noted that people should not consume large amounts of the vitamin if not prescribed by their doctors. 

The MedUni Vienna research lead also said that vitamin A should be moved to the right cells at the right time. His research team found that the vitamin could help burn fats and produce heat during cold seasons. 

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Kiefer said that their study could help future research teams make new drugs that could use the specific mechanism they found.