Vitamin A

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Vitamin A is the first vitamin discovered, hence its position at the head of the vitamin alphabet!

In the 1900s, scientists recognized that a certain substance in animal fats and fish oils was necessary for the growth of young animals. The called it Fat soluble A, and later on renamed it Vitamin A.

Vitamin A occurs in several forms: Beta-Carotene, Retinoic Acid, Retinol, Retinol Palmitate, Carotenoids Etretinare and Isotretinon.

Vitamin A...

is important for normal growth, especially proper development of bones and teeth.
is a major factor in healthy skin development and maintenance.
it protects the mucous membranes in the linings of the mouth and nose.
it protects the delicate lining of the lungs, throat, and both the urinary and digestive tracts.
is important for reproduction, it aids for normal sperm formation and growth of a healthy fetus.
helps the the immune systems.
helps cells reproduce normally, a process called differentiation. Cells that do not differentiate into specific cell types have a greater chance of undergoing pre-cancerous changes than normally differentiated cells. Current studies suggest that adequate Retinol levels can help prevent cancers of the liver, prostate and possibly the colon.

Foods Rich in Vitamin A

Liver, cod liver oil, fish, parsley and other green herbs, green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, squash, tomatoes, apricots, peaches, milk, dairy products and eggs.

The importance of eating certain foods to maintain good health was known long before vitamins were discovered. For example, ancient Egyptians knew that eating liver would help cure night blindness, an illness now known to be caused by a vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency causes lots of problems: night blindness, dry or rough skin, loss of appetite, prolonged diarrhea, dry and inflamed eyes, weak teeth and bones, low resistance to infections.

Standard doses 10000 - 25000 IU (international units). Vitamin A is highly toxic if taken in excess. Toxic effects include fatigue, lethargy, bone or joint pain, headaches, insomnia, dry skin, loss of hair.

warning

Vitamins can have toxic effects just as severe as drugs, if taken in excess. The range of safety of the vitamins is much wider than that of most drugs. The toxic ranges do not apply to each individual. Dosage must be prescribed individually, because some people may be able to absorb more than others. Ask your doctor before taking any vitamins.

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