Vitamin A is a stored fat-soluble vitamin that resides within your body’s fatty tissue for up to six months. Two forms of Vitamin A are retinol and beta-carotene. Retinol is an animal-based supply and beta-carotene is a plant-based supply that must be be converted to Vitamin A within your body.

Did you know? Your eyes adjusting to light changes, as well as moisture in your eyes and skin are all possible by the benefits within Vitamin A.

Foods rich in vitamin A are:

• Liver
• Fish oil
• Eggs
• Milk (whole, fortified)
• Cantaloupe
• Apricots
• Broccoli
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Kale
• Squash
• Spinach

Some benefits of vitamin A are:

• Bone growth
• Reproduction
• Cell division
• Cell differentiation
• Regulates immune system
• Helps the body fight infection more effectively
• Promotes healthy surface linings (eyes, respiratory, urinary)
• Functions as a barrier to bacteria and viruses

Some risks associated with vitamin A are:

• Birth defects (excessive consumption)
• Osteoporosis and hip fractures
• Delayed growth
• Liver issues
• Night blindness (deficiency)

Recommended daily intake:

• Infants
  • 0 to 6 months, 400 mcg
  • 7 to 12 months, 500mcg
• Children
  • 1 to 3 years, 300mcg
  • 4 to 8 years, 400mcg
  • 9 to 13 years, 600mcg
• Women
  • 14 to 18 years, 700mcg
  • 19 years and older, 700mcg
• Women, pregnant
  • 14 to 18 years, 750 mcg
  • 19 years or older, 770 mcg
• Women, lactating
  • 14 to 18 years, 1,200 mcg
  • 19 years or older, 1,300 mcg
• Men
  • 14 to 18 years, 900mcg
  • 19 years and older, 900mcg

This information is offered to you as information only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional for information and or questions.

This is an original The Parent Spot post.