What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is fat-soluble and derived from two main sources: provitamin carotenoids and preformed retinoids. Carotenoids including beta-carotene are found in dark or yellow vegetables and carrots. Retinoids are found in animal sources such as kidney, liver, eggs and dairy produce.
Absorption of vitamin A is reduced with alcohol use, vitamin E deficiency, cortisone medication, excessive iron intake and with exercise.
Vitamin A is fat soluble, allowing it to be stored in the body and used when there is decreased intake.
Sources of Vitamin A
Foods that contain vitamin A: liver, fish liver oil, egg yolk, milk products, yellow and orange-coloured fruits and vegetables, leafy green vegetables.
The Functions of Vitamin A
Vitamin A benefits:
- Eyesight: may help reduce night blindness and be used in the treatment of conjunctivitis, blurred vision and other eye problems.
- Growth and tissue healing: after tissue injury or surgery, vitamin A is needed for repair of the tissues and to help protect the tissues from infection.
- Healthy skin: Vitamin A stimulates growth of the base layer of the skin cells and mucous membranes (nose, eyes, intestinal tract, respiratory lining, and bladder).
- Antioxidant defending against free radical damage.
- Lowering cancer risk and supporting immune function.
People Who May Suffer from Vitamin A Deficiency
Elderly people, teenagers, and alcoholics are the three groups most commonly deficient in vitamin A.