Vitamin A

Vitamin A was the first discovered vitamin, so that’s why it’s named by the first letter of the Latin alphabet. It is particularly important for maintaining good vision, the good condition of the bones, skin, hair, teeth and gums. Without enough vitamin A, the organism is weaker toward the infections.

This vitamin is one of the most active antioxidants, and helps protect the skin from harmful sun rays. It is particularly important in the treatment of acne and minor wrinkles.

It has been proven that vitamin A has a preventative action in some cancers, helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol and reduces risk of heart disease.

Symptoms in the absence of vitamin A

Fortunately, most people consume enough vitamin A through food. But the lack of this vitamin even if it  is rare though, still appears. Especially people who are suffering from cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, chronic kidney condition or prostate condition.

Some of the symptoms that occur from vitamin A deficiency are:

Easier to get viral infections;
Night blindness;
Hair loss;
Loss of appetite;
Problems with bones.

Overdosage with vitamin A

When it comes to vitamin A you should not overdose yourself with this vitamin. It is called hypervitaminosis A and means that your body has stored more vitamin A than is necessary for proper functioning.

Most of overdosage with vitamin A comes from excessive consumption of vitamin A as a dietary supplement. Hypervitaminosis a A can lead to problems when giving birth, abnormalities of liver problems of the central nervous system.

Some of the symptoms that occur during intoxication (hypervitaminosis) with vitamin A: Loss of appetite, feeling irritable, feeling weak, brittle nails, headaches, vision problems, depression and anemia.

Receiving large amounts of vitamin A during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or defects in the newborn. Therefore, pregnant women shouldn’t take vitamin A as a dietary supplement, unless recommended by a doctor.

Recommended Daily Requirements of Vitamin A

Recommended daily vitamin A needs vary, depending on age and gender of the person.

Children (3 years and less) – 300μg
Children (4-8 years) – 400μg
Children (9-13 years) – 600μg
Teenagers (14-18 years) – 900μg
Adults (19 years and up) – 900μg
Pregnant women (18 and less) – 750μg
Pregnant women (18 and more) – 770μg
Nursing mothers (18 years and less) – 1 200μg
Nursing mothers (18 and more) – 1 300μg
Due to the fact that there is a risk of intoxication (hypervitaminosis A) with vitamin A, below are given the maximum amounts of vitamin A, which you can receive per day.

Children (3 years and less) – 600μg
Children (4-8 years) – 900μg
Children (9-13 years) – 1 700μg
Teenagers (14-18 years) – 2 800μg
Adults (19 years and more) – 3 000μg
Pregnant or nursing mothers (18 and less) – 2 800μg
Pregnant or nursing mothers (18 and more) – 3 000μg
FOOD Rich in vitamin A

Vitamin A is present in fish oil, liver, eggs, milk and dairy products, tuna, yellow and dark green vegetables, carrot, melon, potatoes and others.