top of page
Abstract Surface

How Is Vitamin A Made? Vitamin A Is Found In What Foods?

Vitamin A is the first lipid-soluble vitamin that was named.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found in many foods. It is available in two forms, retinol (which is mostly found in animals) and provitamin-A or beta-carotene which is mainly found in yellow, red, and green fruits and vegetables.

These two types of vitamin A can be purchased as supplements, but studies have shown that they are best absorbed when combined with dietary fats. It has been proven that foods high in vitamin A are important for your immune system, reproductive health, and eyesight.

Vitamin A is also known as retinol (retinal), retinoic or retinoic acids. Dr. Pedro R. Rodriguez Guggiari is an internal medicine specialist at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, Sun City West in Arizona. He says that vitamin A, in sufficient amounts, will help your eyes adjust to dim light conditions.

What are some good sources of Vitamin A?

Elise Heeney is a clinical dietitian with the Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center. She says that these foods are high in vitamin A.

  • Salmon and Herring

  • Organ meats, such as beef liver

  • Green leafy vegetables and broccoli

  • Sweet potatoes, winter squash, and carrots are orange and yellow vegetables

  • Tomatoes

  • Eggs

  • Breakfast cereals fortified


What is the effect of a vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States, but worldwide, it is the

She says several independent organizations, such as ConsumerLab.com NSF International, provide quality testing for supplements, and U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Supplements are most effective when your doctor has identified a deficiency.

Vitamin A is lipid soluble. Therefore, it cannot be excreted through the urine. Instead, excess amounts are stored in the body. Rodriguez Guggiari states that this can cause toxic effects. e

  • Vision changes, such as blurred vision

  • Bone pain

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Dry skin

Speak to your doctor before taking any supplements. They can help you determine if they are right for you.

Why Vitamin A is Important

Vitamin A can be essential to your health. is a micronutrient that your body cannot make. This means you must get vitamin A from food. Adults require between 700-900 micrograms of vitamin A per day to avoid deficiency.

Vitamin A is important for many organ systems including:

Eye Health

Vitamin A, also called "retinol," is essential for your eyes. It helps to maintain retinal health and prevent age-related macular degeneration.

Immune Health

Your immune system is made up of a variety of cells that work together to keep you healthy. Vitamin A is essential for these cells to communicate and regulate their own functions.

Reproductive health

Vitamin A is beneficial for the reproductive system in many ways. Vitamin A in the diet can help prevent birth defects, and lower the risk of infertility in both genders.


Comments


bottom of page