Scientists Unveil Vitamin A5 for Enhanced Brain Health

Researchers have introduced a new potential vitamin, termed Vitamin A5, which may play a significant role in supporting brain and nerve health. Dr. Ralph Rühl, CEO of Berlin-based Ciscarex, discussed this discovery during the SupplySide Global event, highlighting the collaborative efforts involving scientists from France and Spain. This team, with over 20 years of combined experience in retinoid and carotenoid research, has made critical advancements in understanding the role of nuclear receptors in biological processes.

The journey toward identifying Vitamin A5 began with the study of nuclear receptors, which are crucial for regulating gene expression related to various biological functions, including cell proliferation and metabolism. Notably, the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) requires a ligand to activate, a concept proposed in 1992. It was not until 2015 that Dr. Rühl and his colleagues successfully identified this ligand, which has since gained acceptance in the scientific community. Dr. Rühl emphasized, “When there is a ligand, then there must also be a nutritional precursor,” indicating the need for further investigation into essential nutrients.

In their 2024 paper published in the journal Nutrients, researchers estimated that approximately 66% of Europeans do not meet the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A5, which is set at 1.1 mg. The paper suggests that inadequate levels of this pro-vitamin may lead to suboptimal brain and nerve health. The authors advocate for increasing daily Vitamin A5 intake, ideally through a balanced diet rich in vegetables or through food fortification and dietary supplementation. This approach aims to enhance mental health and address the prevalence of neurological diseases, particularly in nations with a Westernized lifestyle.

Recognizing a new vitamin candidate is a complex process. The last vitamin officially acknowledged was Vitamin B12 in 1948. To qualify as a vitamin, a substance must meet four criteria: it must be organic, essential for health, required in small amounts, and not sufficiently produced by the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the governing body that can officially recognize vitamins, acting upon mandates from its member states or organizations like the European Commission. Dr. Rühl’s team is currently in discussions with EU authorities, aiming for a formal evaluation by WHO.

Ciscarex has laid the groundwork by publishing scientific criteria supporting Vitamin A5’s status and believes it meets all necessary requirements. With patents and trademarks secured for Vitamin A5, the company is now moving towards commercialization, planning to market the vitamin to healthcare professionals and nutritionists around the globe.

As the scientific community continues to explore the benefits of Vitamin A5, the potential for enhancing brain and nerve health could represent a significant addition to nutritional science. The ongoing dialogue with regulatory bodies will be crucial in determining the future status and application of this innovative vitamin.