Vitamin A and its body Functions

Vitamin A

Neeraj Mehta

Major dietary sources of vitamin A include liver, egg yolk, fortified milk, cream and cheese. Major dietary sources of beta carotene include dark green leafy vegetables, deep orange or yellow fruits and vegetables, and fortified cereals. Vitamin A is composed of compounds called retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are precursors of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is measured in Retinol Equivalents (RE's). Retinol Equivalents measure the vitamin A activity of a food.

Major Body Functions: 

 Fortifies the immune system 

 Maintains protective lining of lungs, intestine, urinary tract and other organs

 Needed to maintain good vision 

 Promotes proper bone growth and tooth development

 Helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin and hair

Deficiency Symptoms:

 Depression of immune reactions 

 Hyperkeratosis (plugging of hair follicles with keratin, forming white clumps) 

 Xerophthalmia (abnormal dryness and thickening of the cornea) 

 Night blindness

Excessive Intake and Toxicity Symptoms of Vitamin A:

 Joint pain 

 Birth defects 

 Nausea and vomiting 

 Loss of appetite 

 Headache 

 Liver Damage

 Dry skin and hair, cracked lips 

 Alopecia (hair can be easily plucked

Suggested By:

NEERAJ MEHTA, (Fitness Professional, Nutritionist and Inventor of BMXStrength ® Technique of exercise, Director of GFFI Fitness Academy)

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