Facts About Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for many body functions. It regulates organs, blood cells and body systems. You get enough vitamin A from the foods you consume in your daily diet, but you can take dietary supplements as well.

Functions

Without vitamin A, the body cannot proficiently perform many of its most important functions. The nutrient helps protect the lining of the intestines, lungs and brain. This protection prevents bacteria and other undesirable things from damaging organ tissue. Vitamin A helps to:

• Protect against heart disease.


• Protect the mucous membranes.


• Promote healthy vision.


• Maintain strong teeth and bones.


• Produce breast milk.

Antioxidants

Vitamin A is essential in getting beneficial antioxidants. Antioxidants fight cancer, disease and other health problems by protecting cells and their functions. Antioxidants:

• Decrease cellular damage in the skin.


• Reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging.


• Fight dry skin and conditions.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid. It comes from red, yellow and orange foods. You can also obtain the nutrient from leafy green vegetables like kale and collard greens. You get beta-carotene by eating these types of food. Once your body absorbs beta-carotene it converts into vitamin A. Types of food to eat for beta-carotene are:

• Cantaloupe


• Squash


• Carrots


• Apricots

Deficiency

A lack of vitamin A causes many health problems. These conditions include:

• Blindness or partial loss of vision


• Infections of the lungs, heart and other organs


• Slower bone formation in children