Vitamin A is essential for human development and has important functions such as protecting vision, increasing immunity, and aiding reproduction. Deficiency is common in those with malabsorption problems or taking certain drugs. Best sources include animal products and carotenoids from vegetables. Excess intake can lead to toxicity symptoms.
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for human development. In fact, it was one of the first vitamins discovered. In 1913, scientists were already promoting the benefits of this substance to their patients. Some of the most important functions of vitamin A include:
Vision Protection: This substance is better known as “the eye vitamin” as it protects and improves vision. Helps with night vision, low-light adaptation, and eye focus. Vitamin A deficiencies are believed to be one of the leading causes of blindness in developing countries.
Resistance to viral infections: A deficiency in vitamin A is often cited as the main cause of an infection taking longer to clear up. This vitamin stimulates the immune system and increases the production of antibodies.
Reproduction: Vitamin A is essential for normal reproductive cycles and sperm production. A deficiency can lead to decreased fertility levels.
Vitamin A deficiency is more common in people with malabsorption problems or in those taking certain drugs that interfere with absorption, such as Colestid, a cholesterol-lowering drug, and Neomycin, an antibacterial drug. Supplements are readily available, and are a good option for people who are concerned that they are not getting enough of this substance from their diets, or for those who may think they are somehow losing some of what they are eating.
The best sources of vitamin A include animal products such as eggs, cheese and milk, and oily fish. Vegetables are not a good source of vitamin A, but they do provide carotenoids, which the body can convert into retinol. The best sources of carotenoids include yellowish-red and dark green plants, such as carrots, spinach, bell peppers, kale, and turnip greens.
Because this substance is stored in the body, it is possible to consume too much. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite; In acute cases, it can lead to visual changes, depression, and anemia. All of these symptoms usually reverse as soon as the intake of the vitamin decreases.
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