Vitamin A (BETA CAROTENE, RETINOL)
Recommended Dietary Intakes
Men - 750 mcg
Women - 750 mcg
This vitamin is essential
for
eyes - vision (especially at
night), inflammation.
skin - acne, psoriasis, dry or scaly
skin, boils and other skin problems.
Hair - dandruff, dry or unhealthy hair
nails - peeling
mucous membranes - nose, throat,
respiratory system, and digestive system, vagina, urinary tract and bladder.
bones and teeth - proper growth and
development.
immune system - stimulates wound
healing and is useful to ward off colds
and flu.
youth - slows the aging process.
counteracts the toxic effects of smoking.
may help prevent some types of cancer.
Beta carotene which is related to vitamin
A, acts either as a precursor to vitamin A or as an antioxidant. It is a natural food
substance.
Your skin stores beta carotene and your body metabolises it to produce vitamin A as
needed.
It is reported that beta carotene increases your resistance to infection and may help
prevent some cancers and vision problems. Beta carotene may also reduce the risk of heart
disease.
Sources...
Orange and yellow vegetables and fruits;
dark-green leafy vegetables; whole milk, cream, egg yolks and butter; and animal livers,
fish liver oils, garlic, and alfalfa.
Comments...
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, and therefore can
is stored in the body long-term and supplements are generally not recommended. Too much
vitamin A over long periods can cause headaches, vision problems, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, dry and flaking skin, or an enlarged liver or spleen.
No overdose can happen with beta-carotene however, as the body controls the conversion of
it from this source.
Deficiencies Can
Cause...
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