Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is an essential nutrient. The term "vitamin A" encompasses a group of chemically related organic compounds that includes retinol, retinyl esters, and several provitamin carotenoids, most notably Beta -carotene.
Vitamin A exists in two main forms in food: preformed vitamin A, found in animal products, and provitamin A carotenoids, found in plants. Preformed vitamin A is readily absorbed and used by the body, while provitamin A carotenoids need to be converted to vitamin A within the body.
Many foods are good sources of vitamin A, including liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, . Animal products like eggs, fish, and dairy are rich in retinol, while plant-based sources like leafy green vegetables and orange/yellow fruits and vegetables provide provitamin A carotenoids. .
Vitamin A offers a wide range of benefits, including supporting vision, boosting the immune system, promoting healthy skin, and aiding in growth and development. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting against free radicals
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Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:
•Vision:
Vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision, especially in low light, and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision, particularly in low-light conditions, and also in maintaining the overall health of the eye's surface. It is essential for the production of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina that allows for the perception of light. Vitamin A also helps maintain the health of the cornea and conjunctiva, the protective outer layers of the eye.
Rhodopsin Production:
Vitamin A is a key component of rhodopsin, a protein in the photoreceptor cells (rods) of the retina. When light enters the eye, rhodopsin is converted into a different form, which initiates a signal that travels to the brain, allowing us to see. Without sufficient vitamin A, rhodopsin production is impaired, leading to reduced night vision and potential night blindness.
Corneal and Conjunctival Health:
Vitamin A helps maintain the health of the cornea and conjunctiva, the transparent outer layer of the eye and the membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids, respectively. These tissues are crucial for protecting the eye from infection and maintaining its moisture. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry eyes, corneal damage, and increased susceptibility to eye infections.
•Immune System:
Vitamin A also plays a role in immune function and overall health. It is important for the development and maintenance of healthy tissues throughout the body.
Vitamin A strengthens the immune system by helping to maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes, acting as a barrier against pathogens.
•Skin Health:
It helps maintain skin integrity, manage conditions like acne and psoriasis, and may help with dry or wrinkled skin.
•Growth and Development:
Vitamin A is essential for skeletal growth in children and fetal organ development during pregnancy.
•Antioxidant:
Vitamin A, particularly beta-carotene, acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and potentially reducing the risk of chronic conditions.
•Bone Health:
It helps strengthen bones and teeth, which can help prevent age-related skeletal issues.
•Reproductive Health:
Vitamin A is essential for both male and female reproductive health, including sperm and egg development.
•Organ Function:
It supports the proper functioning of organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Concentrations of preformed vitamin A are highest in liver, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Most dietary provitamin A in the U.S. diet comes from leafy green vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, tomato products, fruits, and some vegetable oils.
Fruits rich in vitamin A::
Mangoes are a good source of Vitamin A. Other fruits rich in Vitamin A include cantaloupe, papaya, and apricots.
Mango: A cup of mango provides a significant amount of Vitamin A.
Cantaloupe: This orange fruit is also a good source of Vitamin A.
Papaya: Papaya is the another excellent source of Vitamin A.
Apricots: Dried apricots are particularly rich in Vitamin A.
Other Vitamin A-rich fruits are grapefruit, watermelon, tangerine, nectarine, and guava.
For a sweet treat that is rich in vitamin A, snack on dried apricots. Ten dried apricot halves contain 63 mcg of vitamin A, which is 7% of the DV. Dried fruits are also high in fiber and antioxidants. However, dried apricots also contain a lot of sugar and calories, so it is important to consume them in moderation.
Vitamin A rich animal food:
In animal sources, vitamin A is found as retinol, the 'active' form of vitamin A. Liver, including fish liver, is a very good source. Other animal sources are egg yolk (not the white) and dairy products such as milk (including human breast milk), cheese and butter. Meat, from the animal's muscles, is not a good source.
Here are eight signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.
Dry Skin.
Dry Eyes. Eye problems are some of the most well-known issues related to vitamin A deficiency.
Night Blindness.
Infertility and trouble Conceiving.
Delayed Growth.
Throat and Chest Infections.
Poor Wound Healing.
Vitamin A deficiency can cause vision loss and blindness.
It can also lead to complications with your skin, heart, lungs, tissues and immune system.
Methods to check vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency can be checked through a combination of physical examination, review of medical history, and blood tests. Specifically, a blood test to measure retinol levels in the blood, along with an eye exam to check for signs like Bitot's spots and night blindness, are common methods for diagnosis.
Treatment of vitamin A deficiency:
While a vegetarian diet can be healthy, it's crucial to plan it carefully to avoid vitamin A deficiency.It is not naturally found in plant-based foods. However, the body can convert beta-carotene, found in many plant-based foods, into vitamin A. Vegans, who avoid all animal products, may be at a greater risk of deficiency due to the body's less efficient conversion of beta-carotene.
Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin D. It's also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease blood clot formation and reduce inflammation in the body..
The recommended daily amount of vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg) for men and 700 mcg for women.
Vitamin A Capsules or Tablets. Vitamin A pills prevent and treat low vitamin A levels. Vitamin A keeps your eyes, skin, immune system and reproductive system healthy. A vitamin A deficiency can cause symptoms like night blindness.
Aquasol A Capsule. Aquasol A Capsule is a medicine used in the treatment of vitamin A deficiency. It is an essential nutrient for the eyes and skin, and for normal growth. It also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs function properly.
The use of vitamin A chewable tablets:
Vitamin A Chewable Tablet is a medicine used in the treatment of vitamin A deficiency. It is an essential nutrient for the eyes and skin, and for normal growth. It also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs function properly.
The side effects of taking vitamin A :
The medical history will likely reveal excessive consumption of vitamin A-rich foods, supplements, or oral retinoid medications. Symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, and bone pain
Information complied by
Dr. Bhairavsinh Raol
