In this episode of Longevity Roadmap, host Dr. Buck Joffrey speaks with Professor Peter McCaffery, a leading neuroscientist from the University of Aberdeen, about how Vitamin A and its active form, retinoic acid, shape brain development, plasticity, and ageing. The discussion highlights both the promise and complexity of using Vitamin A for brain health.

Key Points:

Vitamin A isn’t just about healthy eyesight—it acts as a powerful regulator in the brain, influencing gene activity, neuroplasticity, and the birth of new neurons. In this episode, Professor Peter McCaffery explains how its active form, retinoic acid, may hold clues for slowing brain ageing and addressing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

• Vitamin A as a Signalling Molecule: Beyond being a nutrient, Vitamin A is converted into retinoic acid, which regulates genes in the brain and plays a key role in neuroplasticity.
• Neuroplasticity & Memory: Retinoic acid is vital for the hippocampus and cortex, supporting learning, memory, and even the birth of new neurons.
• Link to Alzheimer’s: Animal models show that Vitamin A signalling declines with age and in Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting it may contribute to neurodegeneration.
• Limits of Supplementation: Simply taking more Vitamin A may not help, as ageing reduces receptor activity and excess can be toxic. Research is exploring “super Vitamin A” analogs that better activate these pathways.
• Skin and Systemic Ageing: New ideas propose that skin ageing and cellular senescence may influence whole-body ageing. Since Vitamin A is already widely used in skin health, this could have broader anti-ageing benefits.