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An FFB-funded study at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) suggests that vitamin A palmitate supplementation may slow the decline of cone function by nearly 50 percent in children with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Cones are the photoreceptors that normally provide daytime vision, and the ability to read, recognize faces, and perceive colors. Cone function was evaluated in the study by a full-field electroretinogram or ERG, which measures the retina’s electrical response to light.
The study included children with different genetic types of RP. There were 55 participants taking vitamin A palmitate and 25 who were not. The daily dose of supplementation ranged from 5,000 to 15,000 IUs, mostly depending on the patient’s age.
The MEEI researchers caution that the study results are not definitive, because the number of patients in the investigation was relatively small, the analysis was retrospective, and the determination of who received vitamin A and who didn’t was not random.
Results of the study were published online in JAMA Ophthalmology. Authors of the study paper included MEEI’s Michael Sandberg, PhD (now retired), and the late Eliot Berson, MD.
In earlier studies, Dr. Berson found that vitamin A palmitate slowed vision loss in adults with RP, and its effect was enhanced when combined with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a healthy fat abundant in coldwater fish, such as tuna and salmon, and the antioxidant lutein. Dr. Berson used a vegetarian DHA supplement in his studies.
Vitamin A is necessary for the biochemical process in the retina that makes vision possible. However, authors of a commentary in JAMA Ophthalmology report that vitamin A’s role in slowing vision loss in people with RP is not well understood.
Adults and children considering vitamin A palmitate supplementation should first consult their eye doctor to determine if the regimen is right for them. An annual liver enzymes test is also recommended, because high doses of vitamin A can be toxic to an abnormal liver.
Lab studies have shown that vitamin A supplementation can be harmful for those with macular conditions such as Stargardt disease and cone-rod dystrophies.
To learn more about vitamin A palmitate supplementation, read FFB’s Vitamin A Packet and the Eye on the Cure post What Everyone with a Retinal Disease Should Know about Vitamin A.
Steve is highly respected for his expertise and tireless commitment to finding treatments and cures for vision-robbing retinal diseases. 
As the Foundation's Senior Director of Communi-cations, Ben writes science and research articles for the Foundation’s website, newsletters and Eye on the Cure blog.
Would this procedure help restore vision in the case of someone with RP and
and macular degenerative disease.??
Hi Achielli, this is just a recent study that suggests that vitamin A palmitate supplementation may slow the decline of cone function by nearly 50 percent in children with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). To learn more about vitamin A palmitate supplementation, read FFB’s Vitamin A Packet here: http://www.blindness.org/sites/default/files/pages/pdfs/Vitamin-A-Packet.pdf
I have been on the vitamin A palimate for over 15 years.
Has it slowed the disease for you?
Do you feel it has slowed the progression of your condition?
Can it help cure vision loss from crao.
Hi Hemalatha, right now this study suggests that vitamin A palmitate supplementation may slow the decline of cone function by nearly 50 percent in children with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Lab studies have shown that vitamin A supplementation can be harmful for those with macular conditions such as Stargardt disease and cone-rod dystrophies.
Is there any way to cure or slow down this RP diseases. one od my close friend facing this problem. he is just 26 years old. Its his first stage sort of. any way to stop slow or cured this RP diseases.
If yes, let me know on 8851344580
Hi Tamanna, The Foundation is supporting several promising avenues of research, including gene, stem-cell, and drug therapies. For the latest research advances for RP, visit our website here: https://www.blindness.org/retinitis-pigmentosa-research-advances If your friend is interested in participating in any of these trials, you can search for clinical trials on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Just use the site’s search function to find trials relevant to you.