Background: Vitamin A deprivation (VAD) is a worldwide problem that records different signs and symptoms in different tissues.

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of red palm oil (RPO) on gingival tissues in rats and compare it to the effects caused by vitamin A deprivation, and to examine the repercussions of vitamin A deprivation specifically on gingival tissue.

Methods: Gingival tissue specimens were excised from male albino rats subjected to vitamin A deprivation (white flour diet) for 60 days. Red palm oil (RPO) was used to alleviate vitamin A deficiency by oral administration of gavage with a dose (2mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Serum retinol level was assessed two times after 2 months from the experiment and at the end of the experiment using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Gingival tissue specimens of control and experimental groups were assessed using Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen synthesis was detected using Masson Trichrome staining. The proliferative capacity was evaluated via an Immunofluorescent Ki-67 antibody (epithelial marker). The results were evaluated statistically.

Results: Gingival tissues of VAD rats showed the most damaging effect regarding keratin thickness of epithelium, collagen synthesis, and epithelium proliferation. While gingival tissues of RPO rats showed better results approaching those of the control group.

Conclusion: Gingival tissues are adversely affected by vitamin A deficiency, leading to a statistical increase in keratin thickness and a reduction in collagen synthesis. Conversely, red palm oil alleviates the consequences of vitamin A deficiency by elevating serum retinol levels.