Vitamin A - properties, effects, occurrence, deficiency symptoms

Were you too assured as a child that eating carrots would allow you to see in the dark? Of course, this is a myth, but there is a grain of truth in it. Carrots do not lack vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. Thanks to it, our eyesight is able to adapt much more quickly to poor conditions.

How else does vitamin A work? In which products does it occur? What is the risk of its deficiency? Find the answers to these and other questions in this article.

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See also:

• Vitamin A ointment [for what and effects + ranking]
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• Vitamin A plus E [ranking + pharmacist's opinion]
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• Vitamin D3 [which is the best, for adults + for children]
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• Vitamin D3 [action + dosage and supplementation]
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• Vitamin D3 drops [benefits + use]
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• Vitamin D [dosage]
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• Vitamin D overdose [expert opinion]
.
• What is vitamin D? [top sources]
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• Vitamin D deficiency [symptoms]
.
• Vitamin D3K2 [whether you need to combine + expert opinion]
• Vitamin E [properties + effects and occurrence]
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• Vitamin K2 [properties + occurrence and contraindications]
• Vitamin K [where it occurs + what it helps]
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• ADEK vitamins
.

What is vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a vitamin that is fat-solubleand. Our body does not produce it  - it needs to be supplied through the diet. Many people think of vitamin A as a single nutrient. In reality, it is made up of several compounds. 

Today we are looking at vitamin A and its properties. However, it is very often found in dietary supplements with other fat-soluble vitamins. Are you interested in vitamin D, E or K? Click on the letter corresponding to a vitamin and you will be taken to its little world!

What does vitamin A consist of?

Vitamin A is a group of chemical compounds: retinol and its derivatives and some carotenoids otherwise known as provitamin Aand. Retinol is the most basic and desirable form of vitamin A . It is found primarily in animal products. 

On the other hand, vitamin A extracted from plant products is in the form of so-called beta-carotene which belongs to the carotenoid group. 

Properties of vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for the health of our body. It regulates many processes, and its beneficial properties encourage a balanced diet and sensible supplementation. 

Antioxidant activity

The carotenoids that make up vitamin A protect our body from free radicals. Their presence in the body causes oxidative stressand. In the long term, it can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and even cancer . 

Promoting eye health

Vitamin A has a positive effect on eye health and is essential for vision. Consuming it together with your diet counteracts eye diseases. We are talking primarily about macular degeneration (AMD). 

Research suggests that people with high levels of vitamin A in their bodies had a 25 per cent lower risk of developing AMDand. 

Cancer prevention

Fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids counteract certain cancers. This was confirmed by a study of 10,000 people. People with higher levels of vitamin A had a lower risk of lung cancer by around 50 per centand. Furthermore, preliminary research suggests that retinol prevents bladder, breast and ovarian cancersand. 

Immune enhancement

Vitamin A (B-carotene to be precise) affects the health of our immune systemand. Its effects extend to the skin and mucous membranes in the eyes, intestines, lungs and also the genital organs. Vitamin A deficiency weakens the function of the immune system . 

In countries where infections such as malaria and measles are common, correcting vitamin A deficiency in the youngest has reduced the number of deathsand.

The famous vitamin C also has an impact on immunity. Would you like to learn more about it? Take a look at my text about vitamin C!

Acne prevention

Acne is a chronic skin condition. It manifests itself by painful patches occurring most commonly on the face, chest and back. Research suggests that a deficiency of vitamin A increases the risk of developing acneand. Furthermore, some acne medications are formulated with vitamin A . These are prescription remedies that can only be taken under the guidance of a specialist. 

Want to improve the appearance of your skin? Youth protein will certainly help you with this. Take a look at my text about collagen! 

Fertility support

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the health of the male and female reproductive systems. A preliminary animal study has shown that its deficiency inhibits sperm development, leading to infertilityand. In turn, among females, a lack of vitamin A reduces egg qualityand. 

How else does vitamin A work?

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• Improves skinand.
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• Prevents lung disease in newborns .
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• Reduces the risk of complications from measles .
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• Influences dental health .
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• Provides pigments in the retina .
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In which products is vitamin A found?

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Glow Stories - for healthy skin, hair and nails

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Product with high-quality folic acid Quatrefolic®, bamboo shoot extract and ingredients that have a positive effect on skin, hair and nails.

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Vitamin A can be found in animal and plant productsand. Which ones contain the most of it?"

Vitamin A deficiency: symptoms

Vitamin A deficiency is a common occurrence in developing countries. It is most often caused by a lack of adequate diet. It can also be the result of:

• hepatic and pancreatic disordersand,
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• chronic diarrhoea ,
• diseases of the digestive system,
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• deficiency of zinc or iron,
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• unbalanced diet (low in fat),
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• disorders such as cystic fibrosis or coeliac diseaseand.

Although vitamin A deficiency affects a narrow range of people, it is worth knowing the symptoms. What are the symptoms that should raise our concern?"

Dry eyes

Sight problems are one of the most common symptoms of vitamin A deficiency. In extreme cases, its lack can result even in complete blindnessand. A much more common and earlier-onset effect of vitamin A deficiency, however, is dry eyesand. 

Blindness

Vitamin A deficiency can also lead to chicken blindness. In developing countries, this condition is very common. Vitamin A supplementation improves the condition of the eyes. One study suggests that taking vitamin A for six weeks, improved eye conditionand. 

Dry skin

Vitamin A plays a key role in the formation and repair of cells skin . Its deficiency leads to the development of conditions such as eczema. This is a condition that manifests as dryness and itching of the skin. Studies suggest that prescription drugs with vitamin A are effective in treating eczemaand. 

You may be interested in: Facial collagen - ranking, effects, use [TOP 10]

Infertility

Vitamin A affects fertility in both women and men. Preliminary animal studies suggest that its deficiency can result in infertilityand. Furthermore, not having enough vitamin A in the body also increases the likelihood of miscarriageand. 

Delayed growth

Vitamin A is essential for the proper development of the body. Research suggests that it promotes growthand. Children who suffer from vitamin A deficiency may experience a stunting of this process. Interestingly, it works more effectively when supplemented with other nutrientsand.

Respiratory tract infections

Frequent respiratory tract infections may be one of the symptoms of vitamin A deficiency. However, research is divided. Some suggest that vitamin A supplementation may reduce infectionsand. In contrast, others suggest the oppositeand. Further research is needed to confirm the effect of vitamin A in preventing respiratory infections. 

Slower wound healing

Slow wound healing after injury or surgery can be caused by insufficient levels of vitamin A in the body. It is responsible for producing collagen, which supports this process. According to preliminary animal studies, vitamin A supplementation promotes collagen production and therefore also wound healingand. 

Acne

Vitamin A deficiency leads to skin problems. Many studies suggest that a lack of vitamin A in the body manifests as acneand. Supplements in which it is contained can reduce acne lesions by up to 50 per cent . 

Vitamin A excess

The expert's words have certainly given you food for thought. Yes, an excess of vitamin A can be just as dangerous as a deficiency. There are two states of hypervitaminosis A - acute and chronic. The latter occurs when too much vitamin A accumulates in the body over a long period of time. Acute hypervitaminosis, on the other hand, occurs when a large dose of vitamin A is taken in a short period of time. 

Acute hypervitaminosis

One-time intake of too much vitamin A (above 200,000 mcg) can result in distressing symptoms.

Symptoms of acute vitamin A deficiencyand:

• nausea,
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• vomiting,
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• blurred vision,
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• dizziness,
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Permanent hypervitaminosis

Permanent vitamin A hypervitaminosis most often occurs due to inadequate supplementation. What can we experience when taking more than 10,000 mcg of vitamin A per day? 

Symptoms of chronic vitamin excess Aand:

• hepatic damage,
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• headaches,
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• decreased bone density,
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• diarrhoea,
• diarrhoea.
• nausea,
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• skin problems,
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• joint pains,
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How to treat an excess of vitamin A?

The most effective way to treat excess vitamin A is to stop taking supplements. Most people recover after a few weeks. However, this depends on the severity of the hypervitaminosis. In some cases, liver or kidney damage will need to be treated independently. 

The level of vitamin A in the body can be checked with a blood test. 

Vitamin A - supplementation

Supplementation of vitamin A is rarely necessary. Most of us provide it to the body with our diet. It is recommended for people who consume few vitamin A-rich foods. It also works well for people suffering from pancreatic or eye diseaseand. 

.

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Rise&Shine is collagen (5000 mg) in Mango-Maracuja flavour. Proven formulation, great bioavailability and refreshing taste.

See more

Glow Stories - for healthy skin, hair and nails

.

Product with high-quality folic acid Quatrefolic®, bamboo shoot extract and ingredients that have a positive effect on skin, hair and nails.

See more

What is the daily requirement?

*Nutrition standards for the Polish populationand

Pregnancy and breastfeeding is a time when the body needs significantly more vitamin A . Under the age of 19, 750 mcg should be consumed in the diet during pregnancy and 1200 mcg during breastfeeding. After the age of 19 years, on the other hand, 770 mcg and 1300 mcg, respectively. 

Contraindications

Although vitamin A is crucial for the normal development of the foetus, excess vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects. When expecting a baby, vitamin A supplements should not be takenand. Exceptions to this are other recommendations from your doctor.

Can children take vitamin A?

Vitamin A is essential for children's health. In countries where vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem, vitamin A supplementation is recommended. The World Health Organisation (WHO), recommends the administration of vitamin A to children aged from 6 to 59 monthsand. Supplementation of the recommended doses by the youngest does not lead to significant side effects .

Does vitamin A affect pregnancy?

Vitamin A is important for pregnant women, as well as fetal developmentand. It affects the health of the skeleton, organs and also the immune system of the yet-to-be-born child. Moreover, it affects the eyesight of the mother-to-be. It is most often taken with the diet, so supplementation is rarely necessary. 

Vitamin A - breastfeeding

The breastfeeding period is characterised by an increased need for vitamin A. Despite this, most new mothers take it in with their breast milk. If you think you are lacking it, see your doctor. Only he or she can recommend a healthy and safe supplementation.

Interactions of vitamin A with drugs

Vitamin A can interact with medications. People taking anticoagulants should be particularly careful. Vitamin A may also react with retinoidsand. If you are taking these or other medications - check with your doctor before starting supplements.

See also:

• B vitamins [properties + where they occur]
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• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) [properties + where it occurs]
.
• Vitamin B2 [properties + where it occurs]
.
• Vitamin B3 [properties + where it occurs]
• Niacin [what it is + effects and side effects]
.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) [what it is + properties and excess]
.
• Vitamin B6 [where it occurs + deficiency, excess and properties]
• Biotin [what it is + properties and side effects]
.
• Biotin for hair [what it gives and effects + ranking]
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid) [what it is + properties and excess]
.
• Vitamin B12 [what it helps with + where it occurs]
.
• Vitamin C [properties + dosage]
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Summary