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    Nutrition Talks: Vitamin A

    Articles

    Why is Vitamin A important for the body:
    Vitamin A is a group of fat soluble retinoids, including retinol, retinal, retinoic acid and retinyl esters. There are two forms of vitamin A available in human the diet: Preformed Vitamin A and Provitamin A Carotenoids (the most important being Beta Carotene, which is found in yellow/orange fruits and vegetables ). We need vitamin A for immune function, the vision cycle, reproduction and communication between cells.
     
    Daily Recommend Allowance: 900 Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) for men // 700 RAEs for women

     

    What is the highest amount you can have before starting to show signs of toxicity (tolerable upper limit)? 3000RAE for most people, pregnant woman should be especially concerned about consuming EXCESS vitamin A as it can lead to birth defects.

    Foods with the most Vitamin A:
    • Red meat
    • Poultry
    • Fish and Shellfish
    • Eggs
    • Fats and oils
    • yellow corn (Beta Carotene)
    • Legumes, and seeds (Beta Carotene)
    • Yellow vegetables (Beta Carotene)
    • Sweet potatoes (Beta Carotene)
    • Yellow fruits (Beta Carotene)

    Symptoms of deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the U.S. but it is very common in developing countries due to limited access of foods with Vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with 500,000 cases of childhood blindness worldwide and can often lead to death due to decreased immune function.

    Keep in mind: Vitamin A is fat soluble. This means the body stores excess Vitamin A in the liver and it can build up. Although there is risk for toxicity from consuming too much Vitamin A (usually in the form of supplements), there is little risk from developing toxicity from consuming excess Beta Carotene.  Long terms excessive Vitamin A intakes can lead to dizziness, nausea, headaches, skin irritation, pain in joints and bones, coma, and even death.

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    1. Ney says

      November 3, 2012 at 4:05 am

      very informative!

      Reply

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