Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is extremely important for our health. Vitamin A, which is stored in the liver, has two basic forms: Pre-formed Vitamin A and provitamin A. These two forms of Vitamin A are found in various foods.
Vitamin A is available in the form of retinol, which is found in animal foods such as meat, fish and dairy products. This is the active form of Vitamin A. On the other hand, provitamin A found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables is known as carotenoids. These give foods their color and can be converted into the active form of Vitamin A.
Beta-carotene, the most common type of provitamin A, is important for health. Vitamins are essential nutrients that are not usually produced in sufficient quantities by the body, so we need to meet our Vitamin A needs through diet. There are also Vitamin A capsules and dietary supplements.
Benefits of Vitamin A
Vitamin A has many benefits:
• Supports the health of teeth, bone, soft tissue, mucus membranes and skin.
• It helps color formation by producing pigments in the retina of the eye.
• Provides good vision especially in low light.
• Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it prevents free radical damage to cells.
Vitamin A may also reduce the risk of cancer and delay aging. However, supplements containing beta-carotene have not been found to have this effect.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Without adequate Vitamin A intake, eye problems such as night blindness and irreversible damage such as xerophthalmia can occur. The skin may appear dry and flaky.
Vitamin A Excess
Too much Vitamin A can also cause problems, including birth defects and poisoning. Babies and children are more sensitive to Vitamin A.
Foods Containing Vitamin A
Vitamin A falls into two main categories:
• Pre-formed Vitamin A: Derived from animal foods such as fish, chicken liver, butter, egg yolks..
• Provitamin A: Found in plant sources such as pumpkin, carrots and spinach.
Vitamin A absorption is increased when vegetable sources of beta-carotene are eaten with fat. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and dairy products is the healthiest way to meet your daily Vitamin A needs.
Vitamin A is a vital vitamin for our health. It can be obtained from both animal and plant sources. Since consuming adequate amounts of Vitamin A is important for many functions of the body, it should be taken in a balanced diet.
