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Vitamin A |
Vitamin A |
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| What is vitamin A? |
| Vitamin A was identified as a necessary growth factor in 1915 and was the first vitamin to be discovered. Vitamin A is obtained from food in a combination of two different forms: as pre-formed vitamin A and as pro-vitamin A, which the body can convert to vitamin A as necessary. Pre-formed Vitamin A, often in the form of retinal or retinal, is found in foods of animal origin and pro-vitamin A, of which beta-carotene is the best known form, is found in orange, yellow and dark green vegetables and fruits. Both forms are fat soluble. |
| What does it do for your body? |
Vitamin A is essential for eyes to function effectively. Vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of the eye and in the production of a chemical called visual purple, which helps in night vision.
Vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of epithelial cells. These cells cover the internal and external surfaces of the body and are found in the skin, lungs, developing teeth, inner ear, cornea of the eye, sex organs, glands and their ducts, gums, nose, cervix and other areas.
also necessary for
PREGNANCY - Vitamin A is necessary in pregnancy for the development of the embryo.
NERVES - Vitamin A is involved in the production of membranes and of myelin, which coats the nerves.
GLANDS AND HORMONES - Vitamin A plays a role in the maintenance of the adrenal gland and synthesis of certain hormones such as thyroid hormone.
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM - Vitamin A is known as "the anti-infective vitamin" as it is vital for the development of the body’s natural defenses. It stimulates and enhances many immune functions. This immune enhancing function promotes healing of tissues and increases resistance to infection.
Adequate vitamin A intake, either from diet or supplements, is very important especially for children. Many studies have found that vitamin A supplementation reduces the risk of infectious diseases in areas where vitamin A deficiency is widespread. A recent research review of several studies found that adequate vitamin A intake in children resulted in many health benefits. Children in developing countries are often at high risk of vitamin A deficiency. In developed countries, ensuring adequate vitamin A intake is particularly important for immune support.
GROWTH AND BONE FORMATION - Vitamin A is necessary for growth and the formation of bones and teeth, collagen synthesis, cartilage synthesis and wound healing.
ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY - Laboratory experiments have shown vitamin A to have antiviral activity.
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| Deficiency |
| Vitamin A deficiency is relatively rare in developed countries and is usually limited to those who have absorption difficulties, liver disease or who drink a lot of alcohol. Vitamin Adeficiency is common in alcoholics and contributes to some of the disorders of alcoholism such as night blindness, skin problems, cirrhosis of the liver and susceptibility to infections. |
| Side Effects |
| No side effects. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or which is especially bothersome.No side effects. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or which is especially bothersome.
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