All vitamins are essential for good health. That is why it is worth knowing each one of them and the benefits they bring to the body. 

We will know all the details related to this. That way, we will always see why it is essential to consume it.

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is obtained by consuming different foods. For example, we can find the preformed and provitamin A. The first is obtained from products of animal origin, while the second is obtained from those of plant origin.

These forms of vitamin A are also known as Retinol and carotenoids. Some medical experts point out that once consumed, vitamin A can take three forms depending on the body’s need: Retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid.

Health benefits of vitamin A

Let’s talk about the many benefits that we can obtain by regularly and consciously consuming vitamin A.

improves vision

One of the main benefits of this vitamin is that it helps you have better vision. This is because Retinol acts directly on the pigments in the eyes, stopping them from deteriorating. By consuming vitamin A, you can see much better, especially during the night hours. Vitamin A contributes to the formation of rhodopsin, necessary for the retina.

Take care of the skin.

The process of formation and regeneration of the skin is something continuous. But, for this process to be carried out properly, the presence of a series of elements is necessary, including vitamin A. Its primary function is to repair cells that are damaged over time. This facilitates cell multiplication and skin formation.

It also provides other benefits such as moisturizing and giving greater flexibility to all skin, especially the face. All this is achieved because it stimulates the production of more collagen. In addition, it controls the production of keratin, achieving adequate levels to maintain skin health.

• Depending on the percentage of Retinol, it can have a depigmenting and anti-wrinkle function. An example of this is hypersensitive. Those who have side effects when consuming it, even in small amounts.
• Pregnant. Although they can consume it through food, this must be in tiny amounts. It should not be consumed in vitamin supplements.
• Lactation period. Those in this stage should also reduce their consumption, as decided by the doctor.
• Under 15 years old. Once again, the consumption of vitamin supplements should be limited. A health specialist must supervise its use in children.

Indeed, vitamin A is essential for the excellent performance of our body. With a balanced diet that contains this vitamin or through the consumption of supplements that include it, we will be able to meet the daily quota required by our body, with 0.3%.

Improve defenses

The main components of vitamin A, Retinol, and retinoic acid are among the first to strengthen the immune system. But, mainly since they contribute to the formation and regeneration of cells, they can reproduce quickly and maintain the excellent defense of the whole organism.

Take care of your health in general.

Due to its antioxidant property, this vitamin takes care of health in general. This is because it eliminates and controls the action of free radicals, which cause harmful effects on the body when there is an excessive presence of them. These radicals can influence the appearance of severe diseases such as heart conditions.

What diseases are caused by lack of vitamin A?

If a person does not consume vitamin A, they will likely have one of the following diseases:

• Vision problems. In the most severe cases, vision can be lost entirely because the retina stops working correctly.
• Night blindness. Especially the ability of the eyes to adapt in low light environments is lost.

• Frequent infections. Due to the inability to defend against external agents and bacteria.

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency

It is possible to realize that a person lacks vitamin A. Above all, by the symptoms they present, we will mention some of them.

• Dryness _ You have a feeling of dry skin and eyes.
• Disorientation. This is mainly due to the blurred vision that the person suffers from. Dizziness and vomiting may also occur.

Where to find vitamin A?

We all must have an adequate consumption of vitamin A. So we can go to foods that contain a better concentration of it. 

• Lettuce
• Mango
• Cantaloupe
• Tomatoes
• Carrot
• Spinach
• Sweet potato

It can also be found in animal products, such as white meat, chicken, and turkey. It can be found in the same way in fish, shellfish, and whole milk. Including all these in the diet contributes to a remarkable improvement in health.

If you have a massive deficit of vitamin A, it is recommended to consume vitamin supplements with a high concentration of this and other vitamins. In this way, it is possible to reach the optimal levels in the body again.

How long can vitamin A be taken?

The suggested daily dose is 0.9 grams in men, and 0.7 grams in women, including one of the foods that contain it in the diet, is enough.

When there is a chronic vitamin A deficiency, the amount should be increased to 30 grams in the first two days. Then the amount is halved for the following days. And that treatment must be for a maximum of 14 days.

Risks and contraindications of vitamin A

Both the deficit and the excess of vitamin A cause adverse effects. For this reason, its consumption cannot be neglected or exceeded.

Uncontrolled consumption of vitamin A can cause hair loss, migraine, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, etc. However, another risk is intoxication because the body cannot fully assimilate it. 

• Hypersensitive. Those who have side effects when consuming it, even in small amounts.
• Pregnant. Although they can consume it through food, this must be in tiny amounts. It should not be consumed in vitamin supplements.
• Lactation period. Those in this stage should also reduce their consumption, as decided by the doctor.
• Under 15 years old. Once again, the consumption of vitamin supplements should be limited. A health specialist must supervise its use in children.

Indeed, vitamin A is essential for the excellent performance of our body. However, with a balanced diet that contains this vitamin or through the consumption of supplements that include it, we will be able to meet the daily quota required by our body.