Vitamin A Information

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VITAMIN A

Information and Facts

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin also known as Retinol, Axerophthol, Biosterol. It is present in supplements as Retinyl Palmitate. Isolated in 1913 by two groups of American workers. Vitamin A is manufactured by extraction from fish-liver oil and by synthesis from beta-ionone.

Vitamin A Chemical Structure

FUNCTION

helps fight infection
helps in the maintenance of good eyesight and is essential for night vision
necessary to new cell growth
promotes growth and repairs of body tissues, bone formation and healthy skin, hair and mucus membranes
form of Antioxidant; crucial importance as they protect the body from toxic substances and are an essential element in Cancer prevention

It is also essential for maintaining

bladder
good blood
kidneys
lungs
membranes
strong bones and teeth

FOOD SOURCES

fruit
carrots
green and yellow vegetables
butter
cheese
cream
dairy products
eggs
fish liver oils, especially halibut and cod
lamb
liver
milk
yogurt

EFFECTIVE WITH

B-Complex
Calcium
Choline
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Zinc

USED FOR

acne
skin and body linings
eczema
eye disorders
respiratory disease
gastric ulcers
preventing the development of cancer
psoriasis

INCREASED INTAKE NEEDED

during pregnancy and breastfeeding

DESTROYED BY

air particularly in the presence of iron and copper
high temperature
light

SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY

burning and itching eyes
dry scaly skin and scalp
general susceptibility to infection
headaches
inflamed eyelids
loss in weight and failure of growth
low resistance to infections of the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract
pain in the eyeballs
poor hair quality

DEFICIENCY LEADS TO

inflammation of mucous membranes
kidney stone formation
mild skin complaints
night blindness
xerophthalmia (disease of the cornea of the eye) causing ulceration and ultimately blindness

SYMPTOMS OF TOXICITY

coarse, thin hair
calcium deposits in blood vessels due to rises in the blood enzyme, Phosphotase
cracks in corners of mouth and lips
drowsiness
dry, red, itching skin and mucous membranes
enlarged liver
fatigue
headaches
hemorrhages
increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure
inflamed tongue and gums
mental irritability
loss of hair
loss of appetite
nausea
peeling of skin
sleep disturbance
swelling of the long bones
ulceration of mouth
vomiting
water retention
weight loss

The form 13-cis-retinoic acid used to treat acne has side effects to the mucous membranes of the:

mouth
nose
eyes

Beta Carotene

Alternative sources of Vitamin A are the carotenes. Over 100 carotenes are identified in nature, including alpha, beta and gamma carotene that can give rise to Vitamin A. Cryptoxaqnthin and beta-zeacarotene are also Vitamin A precursors. Beta carotene is the most potent precursor of Vitamin A.

Beta carotenes are potent antioxidants working with other natural protectors to defend the body's cells from harmful free radical damage formed in the body or acquired from environmental sources such as:

air pollution
cigarette smoke
pesticide
smoke carcinogens
toxic chemicals
water pollution

FUNCTION

Vitamin A is structurally related to carotene. Carotene is converted into Vitamin A (a safe source of Vitamin A) in the liver, two molecules of Vitamin A are formed from one molecule of beta carotene.

FOOD SOURCES

all green and yellow fruits, such as apricots, cantaloupe (rock melon), guavas, mangoes, papayas (pawpaw), peaches
asparagus
butter
cheese
chilies
cow's milk
cream
dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, endives, leeks, lettuce, spinach, spring greens, Swiss chard, turnip tops
herbs, such as basil, coriander, parsley
prunes
red peppers
tomatoes
watercress
yellow and orange vegetables, such as butternut squash, carrots, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes