All About Vitamin A: Sources, Deficiencies And Effects

Way back in 1912, a Polish biochemist with the name of Casimir Funk, came to discover a very important nutrient called vitamin A. At first, he used the name vitamine, which then evolved later to be vitamin. Funk was the first person to unravel the important nutrients needed in the body. They are vitamins as popularly known today. And it was vitamin A that opened to this discovery, thus, the name “A” was given being the first.

Carotene and vitamin A can both be obtained from vegetable or animal sources. The animal form can be split into either dehydroretinol or retinal while the vegetable source can be divided into four substantial groups like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, crypto-carotene, and gamma-carotene. With the ample supply of beta-carotene in the body, it is enough to produce its own supply of vitamin A.

Vitamin A’s are needed for a clear night vision and for that perfectly healthy and glowing skin. At the same time, it boosts your immune system because it has antioxidant properties that are great protection against cancer formation, pollution-caused diseases and other adverse illnesses. Vitamin A also is very helpful in the digestive process, as well as keeping the urinary tract in good functions, and as many believed, vitamin A slows down the aging process. Vitamin A is very essential in the development of epithelial cells and in maintaining them. It is also required in the teeth and bone formation, glycogen and protein synthesis, and fat storage. These are all necessary body functions.

Vitamin A deficiency leads to eye problems such as cornea and conjunctiva dryness, night blindness, poor growth, dull hair and dry skin. Dry and itchy eyes are usual indication of deteriorating vitamin A supply in the body. Once the deficiency gets too severe, ulcerated cornea and permanent blindness may soon follow. At the onset of these symptoms, it is important that you seed medical assistance.

As your body’s vitamin A decreases, you may experience frequent colds, sinusitis, respiratory infections, abscesses in the ears, acne, bumpy skin or weight loss. Aside from these signs, it is plausible too for you to feel fatigue, insomnia, or reproductive difficulties as your vitamin A supply is running short. Scalp and hair also gets dry and flaky especially with protein lacking.

For vitamin A absorption, you need more fat. If you are into a low fat diet, you are likely deprived of vitamin A supply from your diet source. To increase your vitamin A level, ingest more foods rich in protein. On a typical day, you are required to consume 5,000 IU or international units of vitamin A. Vitamin A consumption will vary on your age and health condition. You may be required to take more, or less. Beta-carotene is the safest vitamin A form. It can be consumed in larger doses. Regardless of age, beta-carotene can be taken even at higher amounts.

Too much vitamin A is as bad as being deficient of it. Excessive vitamin A in the body yields to joint, bones and abdominal pains. Too much and lack of this important nutrients cause serious side effects. Always get the sufficient amount and maintain well enough to keep your body healthy and well functioned. If you are not confident with your diet to provide you with your needed vitamin A, then take on vitamin supplements. In taking any supplements, be sure to take on the right kind and the kind to provide you with your needed benefits and certainly with no unfavorable side effects.