About the New Outbreak in China
The new outbreak in China spreading across the globe, is a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia. We call it walking pneumonia here. It is not normally that virulent. Hence the name walking pneumonia. It usually resolves on its own. But young children seem to be more susceptible to it, as they are with many pathogens. It is causing quite a stir because many children in China have been severely affected by it. But there is a good reason for this. Many children in China are vitamin A deficient. It's a problem there. I'm not sure why but it has been known for some time to be prevalent in that country. Guess they don't get enough milk, eggs, and cheese. Oily fish and particularly liver, have the highest levels of vitamin A. In fact, people have overdosed on liver as it contains very high amounts. Can't have it everyday. More than once a week might be overdoing it. It's also in lots of fruits and veggies, so it is really strange that the Chinese youngsters are so deficient. Vitamin A deficiency is almost unheard of in the western population.
Vitamin A is very important for immunity. Probably right up there with vitamin D. But one must be careful if they are to supplement vitamin A. As shown by eating lots of liver. It's nowhere near as safe as vitamin D as a supplement. But still very important to get sufficient amounts as shown by this China outbreak. If you're lacking, your immunity is weakened.
“Vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in more than half of all countries, especially those in Africa and South-East Asia. The most severe effects of this deficiency are seen in young children and pregnant women in low-income countries. It is common in developing countries, but rarely seen in developed countries”... Vitamin A deficiency (WHO)
“Our data shows that vitamin A deficiency is associated with the onset of sMPP (severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia), particularly in younger children, and the addition of vitamin A can reduce the incidence of sMPP. It is important to check and supplement vitamin A in MP infected patients”.... Vitamin A deficiency is associated with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children (Feb. 2020)
“Vitamin A is a micronutrient that is crucial for maintaining vision, promoting growth and development, and protecting epithelium and mucus integrity in the body. It is known as an anti-inflammatory vitamin because of its critical role in enhancing immune function.... Vitamin A has demonstrated a therapeutic effect in the treatment of various infectious diseases”.... Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System (Sept. 2018)
“If you eat liver or liver pâté more than once a week, you may be getting too much vitamin A. Fish liver oil is also high in vitamin A. If you take supplements containing vitamin A, make sure your daily intake from food and supplements does not exceed 1.5 mg (1,500 µg)”.... Vitamin A - NHS
20 Foods That Are High in Vitamin A - Healthline.com
With this recent news,… you can see how important it is in getting our nutrients to maintain health.
Stay safe and be well….