vitamin A - What Is It?

Retinol, or Vitamin A, is vital to eye health. This vitamin plays a particularly crucial role in maintaining good night vision. A-vitamin is also essential for retaining moisture in the linings of the mouth and lungs. Another health benefit of A-vitamin is that it boosts the immune system. A little known fact about this vitamin is that it helps maintain fertility in both males and females. Additionally, A-vitamin improves skin and hair conditions such as acne and dandruff.

The body's absorption of vitamin B12 is aided by vitamins A, C and E as well as calcium and the other B vitamins. A little fat and oil in the diet helps the absorption of A-vitamins. Cholesterol lowering drugs and antacids can deplete the body's supply of this vitamin. While not enough Zinc in the diet may lower the blood's A-vitamin levels.

Therapeutic uses of A-vitamin are abundant. If the body has an adequate supply of the vitamin it can lessen the likelihood of cancerous changes to cells The vitamin in supplement form may reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses in chronic sufferers. Children taking an A-vitamin supplement are less likely to develop measles.

Some symptoms of an A-vitamin deficiency include poor growth in children, gingivitis, and susceptibility to infections. Doctors often recommend an A-vitamin supplement or a multi-vitamin for those conditions. This vitamin supplement is available in pill and liquid forms. Those with cystic fibrosis may benefit from extra a-vitamin supplements.

The recommended daily allowance of A-vitamin is 800/1000mcg. Liver, whole milk and eggs are among the few dietary sources which naturally contain the vitamin. Skim milk and many breakfast cereals are vitamin fortified and contain the RDA for A-vitamin. Other good sources of the Retinol vitamin are butter, cream cheese and oysters.

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