Vitamin A


	VITAMIN A


	Alternative Medicine > Healthy Living > Vitamin A

Functions of Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays an important role in our internal function. It is a combination of different compounds that assists in vision, reproduction, bone growth, and cell division and differentiation -- a process where a cell develops into a part of specialized tissue.

Vitamin A is also good for red blood cell production. Vitamin A further assists in immune system regulation to help prevent and combat infections. It does so by helping to make white blood cells that will destroy any incoming viruses or bacteria.

Vitamin A works on the surface linings of eyes, respiratory, urinary, and intestines. When the linings start to deteriorate, the body is more susceptible to bacteria and infection. Vitamin A works against this by assisting the mucous membranes of the body to act as a barrier against bacteria and viruses.

There are two kinds of Vitamin A, and this is dependent on whether the food source is either plant or animal. That found in animal foods is known as preformed Vitamin A. It gets absorbed as retinol which is the most active and most usable form of Vitamin A for our bodies. That which is found in plants is termed provitamin A carotenoid which comes in the forms of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta cryptoxanthin. Of these, beta-carotene is the most efficient in terms of retinol conversion.

Some of these carotenoids however have been linked to function in a secondary capacity as antioxidants. Antioxidants preserve cells from compounds called free radicals that are the damaging by-products of oxygen metabolism and may contribute to some chronic disease development.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin A varies by age, gender, and whether or not someone is pregnant or lactating. For children ages 1-13 years, the RDA is anywhere from 300 -- 600 mcg. For adult males, RDA is 900 mcg. For adult non pregnant women, the RDA is 700 mcg, and 750 when pregnant. An adult lactating woman has the RDA of 1200 mcg. The Institute of Medicine recommends a diet rich in beta-carotenes through fruits and vegetables in order to meet these RDA.

Can't Find What You're Looking for About Vitamin A?

::Benefits of Vitamin E
Unlike most fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin E is stored in the body for only a short period of time.

::Vitamin K Foods
Vitamin K is the most durable and resistant to processing than most other vitamins.

::Prenatal Vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins is the single best way to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of folic acid every day.

::Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum supports skin enzymes.

::Vitamin E
It is recommended that Vitamin E be taken at the same time every day.

::Vitamin Overdose
Vitamin overdose may have severe effects.

::Natural Vitamins
Refining and processing occurs to even the most natural vitamins with the addition of additives.

::Health Vitamins
Many health vitamins have numerous effects that are well supported by research.

::Pregnancy Vitamins
Pregnancy vitamins are as beneficial as traditional pregnancy vitamins.

::Vitamin C Overdose
The most common effect of a Vitamin C overdose is diarrhea.

::Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K is a critical element for body functions.

::Vitamin K Cream
Purpura decreases faster with Vitamin K cream.

::Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin.

::Vitamin D
The benefits of Vitamin D are multiple.

::Benefits of Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is another vitamin in the B vitamin family.

::Eye Vitamins
Eye Disease Case Control Study showed that beta-carotene and other carotenoids decreased the development of macular degeneration.

Oohoi.com-"Helpful Alternative Medicine" was launched on 18 May 2005
Health Disclaimer | feedback to | Helpful Alternative Medicine at Oohoi