Health benefits of Vitamin A

Like most vitamins, the existence of Vitamin A in our bodies is to help us maintain good health.

The primary role of vitamin A is to help build healthy eyes and for growth and bone development while its many other functions include aiding reproductive functions; its anticarcinogenic and antioxidantal properties; preventing and treatment of skin disorders and aging of skin; promoting the growth of strong hair, teeth, skin, and gums and stimulating immunity.

Vitamin A is found in a variety of dietary sources and they are:

• Apricots
• Asparagus (cooked)
• Broccoli
• Capsicums
• Carrots
• Dairy products
• Dark leafy greens
• Eggs
• Kidney
• Mangos
• Papayas
• Pumpkins

The high importance of vitamin A is such that health issues such as increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and vision problems can arise due to a deficiency in this vitamin. Thankfully, the aforementioned list of food sources high in vitamin A are just some of many thus a balanced diet is arguably the best way to get the daily requirement of 900 micrograms per day (mcg/day) for males aged 14 and above and 700 mcg/day for females aged 14 and above.

For infants and young children, the daily recommendation of vitamin A intake is as follows:

Infants:

0-6 months: 400 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
7-12 months: 500 mcg/day

Children:

1-3 years: 300 mcg/day
4-8 years: 400 mcg/day
9-13 years: 600 mcg/day

Bear in mind that too much of a good thing can have side effects and the same applies to vitamin A. Pregnant women should be wary that large doses of vitamin A can cause birth defects.

For the best health/medical advice, always consult your health care professional.