What Does Vitamin A Do?
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It's essential for several bodily functions, contributing to healthy vision, a strong immune system, and proper growth and development.
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Vision: Vitamin A is vital for good vision, especially in low-light conditions. It helps maintain the health of the cornea and retina, preventing night blindness and other vision problems. [Source: NHS, Mayo Clinic, NIH]
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Immune System Support: A healthy immune system relies heavily on sufficient Vitamin A. It strengthens your body's natural defenses against illness and infection. [Source: NHS, NIH]
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Growth and Development: Vitamin A is crucial during childhood and adolescence for proper growth and development of bones, tissues and organs. It supports cell division and reproduction. [Source: NIH, Mayo Clinic]
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Maintaining Healthy Tissues: Vitamin A helps maintain the health of skin, mucous membranes (lining of the nose, mouth, throat, etc.), and other soft tissues. It contributes to the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth and skeletal tissue. [Source: MedlinePlus]
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Organ Function: Vitamin A helps your heart, lungs, and other organs function correctly. [Source: NIH]
Vitamin A Sources:
Vitamin A is found in both animal and plant-based foods. Animal products contain preformed vitamin A (retinol), while plant-based foods contain carotenoids, which the body converts to vitamin A.
Examples:
- Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol): Liver, dairy products, eggs
- Provitamin A Carotenoids (converted to Vitamin A): Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale
While vitamin A is essential, it's crucial to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption, as high doses can be toxic.
