INFORMATION ABOUT VITAMIN A

It is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the body. Therefore, deficiency symptoms are seen when vitamin A is not taken for a long time. Vitamin A deficiency is more common in those who are malnourished and unbalanced and during childhood, pregnancy and lactation periods when growth is rapid.

What is the daily requirement of vitamin A?

In foods, vitamin A is found as retinol and vitamin A precursor carotene. The daily requirement is 1000 mcg for adult men and 800 mcg for women.

What are the functions of vitamin A?

It is necessary for vision, growth, reproduction, embryo development, blood formation, immune system and tissue cell growth.

It helps in the formation of the body’s immune system against diseases.

It plays a role in the construction, development and protection of epithelial tissue such as intestine and skin.

It protects against infections by providing a healthy continuity of the skin and tissues in the mouth, stomach and small intestines and urinary tract.

Forms of carotenoids work as an antioxidant and may have a protective effect against various types of cancer and aging-related diseases.

It helps the eyes see normally in the dark and adapt to the twilight.

Which foods contain vitamin A?

Vitamin A is provided in two ways.

Vitamin A in the form of retinol of animal origin

Liver,

Fish oil,

It is taken from foods such as milk, butter, eggs.

Vitamin A can also be derived from certain Carotenoid antioxidants found in plants.

Most yellow orange (Carrot, winter squash, etc.)

dark green leafy vegetables

It is found in yellow and orange fruits (Apricot, peach, etc.).

What happens in vitamin A deficiency?

The most common symptom of Vitamin A deficiency is night blindness.

dry eye

Hair loss and dandruff

Dry skin and skin

clouding of the cornea

Increase in infectious diseases due to weakened immune system

growth retardation in children

Blindness.

Is too much vitamin A harmful?

If vitamin A is taken 10 times more than the daily requirement, the poisoning effect can be seen. The first signs of poisoning are headache, dizziness and vomiting.