Vitamin A acts upon the immune system. It also plays a role in growth, vision and health of skin and mucosa. However, too much vitamin A is harmful, so multi-vitamins always contain a limited amount of this vitamin.
Source
Vitamin A is common in liver, fish and butter. Seaweed, kale, carrots, broccoli, apricots, green and yellow vegetables, milk and cheese also contain vitamin A.
Fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A as required. In addition, vitamin A is added to margarine, diet margarine and bake and fry products in various countries.
Effect
- Good for vision. Due to vitamin A, the eyes can adjust to twilight.
- Stimulates the preservation of a normal skin. It’s needed for the production of cells and the texture of the skin. Due to vitamin A, epithelial cells are formed in the skin, trachea, hair, gums and lung tissue.
- Positive effect on functioning of the immune system.
- Good for mucosa in the lungs and intestines. It stimulates so-called goblet cells in mucosa to discharge mucus. This way, any bacteria and other micro-organisms are rapidly caught by antibodies that are present in the mucosa.
- Contributes to the preservation of iron content in blood and plays a role in cell differentiation.
- Plays an important role in the growth of children.
Shortage
A shortage of vitamin A can cause skin problems, dull hair, decreased immune system, night blindness and even blindness. A shortage also results in poor development of teeth and bones. In developing countries, vitamin A shortage is very common and causes large-scale blindness and mortality.
Overdose
Excessive vitamin A can cause poisoning. The symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and defects of the eyes, skin and skeleton. Too much vitamin A increases the risk of congenital disorders. That’s why pregnant women are adviced not to take supplements containing vitamin A and avoid liver (products).