Low temperatures increase vitamin A levels which stimulate fat burning and heat production. A discovery that makes it possible to consider new therapeutic approaches against obesity.
- In this study, the researchers showed that with low temperatures, our body increases vitamin A levels.
- Most vitamin A reserves are stored in the liver and exposure to cold seems to stimulate its redistribution to adipose tissue.
- The cold-induced increase in vitamin A led to a conversion of white fat to brown fat with a higher rate of fat burning.
To lose weight, it is better that it is cold. In winter, our vitamin A levels stimulate fat burning and heat production. This transformation of fat, which involves the conversion of “bad” white adipose tissue into “good” brown adipose tissue, is accompanied by increased energy consumption. This mechanism is considered a promising approach for the development of new therapies against obesity. This discovery was made by Austrian researchers from the MedUni in Vienna who published it on September 28 in the journal Molecular Metabolism.
Fat browning
In our body, there are two types of fat: white and brown adipose tissue. When a person develops obesity, the excess calories are mostly stored in white fat. More than 90% of body fat deposits in men are white, located mainly in the abdomen and thighs. Brown fat burns energy and generates heat. The conversion of white fat into brown fat could be a new therapeutic option to combat weight gain and obesity.
In this study, the researchers showed that with low temperatures, our body increases levels of vitamin A and its blood transporter, retinol-binding protein. Most vitamin A reserves are stored in the liver and exposure to cold seems to stimulate its redistribution to adipose tissue. The cold-induced increase in vitamin A led to a conversion of white fat to brown fat with a higher rate of fat burning.
Beware of vitamin A supplements
When manipulating them in mice, the researchers blocked the retinol-binding protein of the vitamin A transporter. In response, the increase in vitamin A caused by the cold and the browning of white fat were attenuated. “As a result, fat oxidation and heat production were disrupted so that the mice could no longer protect themselves from the cold.”, observed Florian Kiefer who led the study.
Addition of vitamin A to human white fat cells led to the expression of brown fat cell characteristics, with increased metabolic activity and energy consumption. “Our results show that vitamin A plays an important role in adipose tissue function and affects overall energy metabolism.noted the researcher. However, this is no argument for consuming large amounts of vitamin A supplements if not prescribed, as it is essential that vitamin A is transported to the right cells at the right time..”
These discoveries offer new therapeutic perspectives for treating obesity. “We discovered a new mechanism by which vitamin A regulates lipid combustion and heat generation in cold conditionsrejoiced Florian Kiefer. This could help us develop new therapeutic interventions that exploit this specific mechanism..”
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