Propolis

Propolis is a resinous material that bees use to seal small cracks and gaps in the hive (beeswax seals the larger gaps). It’s made when bees collect resin from trees and other sources and mix it with a little bit of honey. Propolis has been found to offer numerous health benefits, and research is carried out to evaluate its role for various therapeutic uses.

In ancient cultures, propolis was often used for abscesses and minor wounds. Bees, in an effort to close gaps in hives, use propolis as a precautionary measure to keep out dangerous microbes and fungi. Recent findings have confirmed its potent action against many harmful pathogens and more research has established its enormous healing benefits.

Researchers have shown that propolis may offer powerful antibiotic properties. The isolated acids from propolis have been shown to be an effective agent against many bacteria. In addition, there has been some evidence that propolis supports the immune system and reduces the risk for infections.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble bioactive, also known as retinol. There are 2 forms of vitamin A available in the diet: preformed and provitamin A. Preformed vitamin A comes from animal sources, with high concentrations in fish oils, eggs and milk. Provitamin A comes from plant sources and is mainly found in the form as carotenoids with the most important one: beta-carotene. The body converts these provitamin carotenoids into vitamin A.

Both preformed vitamin A and provitamin A must be metabolized intracellularly to retinal and retinoic acid, the active forms of vitamin A, to support the vitamin’s important biological function. Vitamin A plays a key role in several bodily functions including:

Vision

Vitamin A is critical for vision as an essential component of rhodopsin, a protein that absorbs light in the retinal receptors. Vitamin A maintains vision because it continuously forms new rhodopsin. Retinoic acid, is a substitute of vitamin A and supports the conjunctival membranes and cornea.

Growth and development

Vitamin A is involved in genetic regulation of cell formation and differentiation and intercellular communication. It is critical during the (neurological) development of the foetus.

Immune system

Vitamin A also supports the immune system and helps to protect against infections and invading antigens.

Skin and mucous membranes

The skin is a mechanical immune barrier, and sufficient concentrations of vitamin A available, maintain skin health.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has acknowledged the following beneficial effects of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A as a basis for health claims:
• Normal cell differentiation
• Normal function of the immune system
• Maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes
• Maintenance of normal vision
• Normal metabolism of iron