The presence of vitamin A in certain proportions in the human body is very important for human health.
In the event that vitamin A is not produced in sufficient quantities by the metabolism in the human body, this deficit should be taken with food or supplements prescribed by the doctor.
Vitamin A has many functions in the human body, including maintaining healthy vision, repairing skin diseases, ensuring the normal functioning of the immune system, and helping embryos to grow and develop properly during pregnancy.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that supports the immune system. Vitamin A is known to be present in foods in 2 different forms. The first of these is premade vitamin A. It is also known as retinol and is an active type of vitamin A.
It is found in animal foods including meat, fish, poultry, whole milk and dairy products.
The second type of vitamin A is known as provitamin A and is found in fruits and vegetables. The second type of vitamin A is also known as carotenoids, and this type of vitamin makes foods darker in color.
There are more than 500 known carotenoids. The most well-known type of provitamin A is called beta-carotene.
Vitamins are generally very beneficial to our body, they help our metabolism to function in a healthy way in various ways and are organic compounds found in many foods we consume. Vitamins are used to maintain a healthy life and to treat many diseases.
Vitamin deficiency leads to disorders such as dry skin, dry eyes, an increase in the amount of acne-pimples and night blindness in people with vitamin deficiency.
The harm of vitamin deficiency as well as the harm of excess vitamin intake is quite high. In people with excess vitamin A, it is known to cause problems such as hair loss, brittle nails and fatty liver.
What are the Benefits of Vitamin A?
The benefits of adequate vitamin A intake are as follows;
- Vitamin A is good for tooth and gum health.
- Vitamin A has rich content in terms of antioxidants. Therefore, it protects from various types of cancer.
- It helps prevent acne and acne formation.
- Having enough vitamin A in the list of dieters helps the immune system to stay healthy and always work well.
- Getting enough vitamin A helps to protect bones and reduce the risk of fractures in bones.
- It has the ability to renew and protect the skin.
- Vitamin A is very important for visual function. It prevents visual impairments such as blindness and night blindness.
- Consuming the recommended amount of vitamin A plays an important role in reproductive health and the healthy development of the baby during pregnancy.
- Vitamin A is very important in various aspects of human health. It is known for its main importance in protecting the immune system, helping eyesight and its effects on skin problems.
What are the Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency?
Vitamin A deficiency is seen in people who are not fed a balanced diet. People with vitamin A deficiency have problems such as night blindness, dry skin, dandruff, weakening of the immune system.
Although vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries, it is very rare in developing countries.
Vitamin A deficiency is usually seen in pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and children.
- In vitamin A deficiency, the skin begins to dry out and problems such as eczema occur with this dryness.
- Wounds caused by vitamin A deficiency begin to heal late.
- Acne and acne also increase.
- Vitamin A deficiency in children leads to growth retardation.
- Infertility is seen in people who do not get enough vitamin A.
- Vitamin A is very important for eye health. The most important symptom is night blindness.
Is Vitamin A Excess Harmful?
Although vitamins are natural and necessary to use, we may encounter side effects when consumption exceeds the normal level. Vitamin A is a type of vitamin stored in the body.
The damages of vitamin A consumed more than needed;
- Fatty liver
- Tooth and gum disorders
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Severe headaches
- Contractions
- Peeling of the skin
- Vomiting
- Failure to menstruate
- Dry skin
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Calcium elevation
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Anemia
- Pain in muscles and joints
- It is known as mood disorders.
What are the Foods Containing Vitamin A?
Many foods we consume today contain vitamin A.
Some foods containing vitamin A are as follows;
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Egg yolk
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potato
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Spinach
- Dried apricots
- Broccoli
- Red pepper
- Oatmeal
- Basil
- Mango
- Tomato
- Melon
- Peas
- Cheese
- Salmon
What is the Daily Vitamin A Requirement?
The daily vitamin A requirement is 900 mcg for men, 700 mcg for women, 770 mcg for pregnant women, 1300 mg for nursing mothers, and 300-600 mg for children and adolescents.