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Vitamin A is fat-soluble. It requires fats as well as minerals to be properly absorbed by your digestive tract. It occurs in 2 forms - preformed vitamin A, called retinol, which is found in foods of animal origin. Provitamin A is the other form found most commonly in fruits, vegetables & some animal forms like liver. It is known as carotene, which is the primary pigment of deeply colored fruits & vegetables. In nature, there are over 500 carotenoids.
Good food Sources:
Fish liver oil, liver, dark green & yellow vegetables, eggs, milk, dairy, and yellow fruits.
Vitamin A aids in the growth & repair of body tissues, which helps maintain smooth, soft, disease free skin. Other important functions of vitamin A include building of strong bones and teeth, formation of rich blood, immunity, and the maintenance of good eyesight. Beta-Carotene helps defend the body against some types of cancer and it acts as an antioxidant.
Toxicity is possible with the preformed vitamin A, which is stored in the body. The provitamin form beta-carotene cannot convert guickly enough to create a toxic condition. However large amounts of carotene foods like carrot juice can accumulate in the fat cells under the skin and cause the skin to turn yellow.
More than 50,000 IU daily for many months can produce toxic effects in adults.
Benefits of Vitamin A- Counteracts night blindness
- Helps treat acne
- Builds resistance to respiratory infection
- Aids in the proper function of the immune system
- Excellent in treating the common cold
Selected References
Mindell, Earl "Vitamin Bible"
Kirschmann G & Kirschmann J
"Nutrition Almanac" 4th Edition
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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