Description
"Vitamin A" is a fat-soluble nutrient found in both animal and plant-based foods. In animal sources, it appears as retinol, while plant-based sources provide carotenoids like beta-carotene, which the body converts into active vitamin A. Essential for vision, it helps prevent night blindness and supports overall eye health. Additionally, this vitamin promotes immune defense, tissue maintenance, and skin regeneration. Found in a variety of foods, vitamin A remains an important part of a well-rounded diet.
Functions in the Body
Category
Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin A deficiency can lead to infections, delayed growth and bone development in children and teenagers, infertility, miscarriages, night blindness, dry eyes, dry skin, hair loss, and itchiness.
Synergists & Antagonists
Vitamin A works synergistically with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and E, as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, and zinc, to support vision, skin integrity, and immune function. High intakes of vitamin D, calcium, copper, sodium, or selenium may create antagonistic interactions by reducing absorption efficiency.
Vitamin A
Warnings
High doses of vitamin A, especially when combined with vitamin E, may inhibit vitamin K. Caution is advised for individuals with liver disease. It interacts with antibiotics, liver medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, retinoids, and anticoagulants. Toxicity from excessive animal-based vitamin A (e.g., liver) can be harmful.
Food Sources
Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, apricots, cantaloupe, liver, eggs, and milk.
Time Frame
Vitamin A should be consumed with meals or fats, as it is fat-soluble. If taken as an oil supplement, it can be consumed at any time.
Depleted By
Vitamin A can be depleted by factors such as alcohol, antacids, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, sedatives, nicotine, laxatives, hormone replacements, fat-blocking medications, diuretics, statins, anti-cancer medications, cardiac regulators, antibiotics, and antipsychotics.