Various Reasons Why You Should Incorporate Vitamin A Supplements Into Your Diet
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that the human body requires for the proper functioning of the various organs. These are helpful for people who have trouble absorbing the nutrients from the food. These are crucial for proper vision, immune system health, skin health, and proper growth in children. Although human bodies can synthesize vitamin A in some measure from beta-carotene, a pigment in plants, we must consume it. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, which means that the vitamin is deposited in the liver and body tissues. Vitamin A is essential because it is a potent antioxidant that helps the body fight infections, repair skin tissue, and form and differentiate certain types of cells. This article discusses the health benefits and sources of certain supplements. It also covers important considerations before taking these supplements.
Various Health Benefits of Vitamin A Supplements
Improves Vision
Vitamin A supplements play a crucial role in supporting healthy vision, especially in low-light conditions such as night vision. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness, and in severe cases, it may even lead to permanent loss of vision. It can also prevent age-related blindness, keeping your eyes healthy.
Immune System
Vitamin A builds up the immune system so that the body is capable of combating any disease. It helps in the production and effective functioning of white blood cells. A lack of Vitamin A is dangerous and can contribute to infections and other diseases but when you take these supplements you can prevent these issues and boost your immunity.
Skin Health
Vitamin A plays an essential role in skin health. It boosts the growth of skin cells and repairs damaged tissues. It also prevents skin dryness and is effective in managing acne. It can prevent and treat acne by reducing the production of protein keratin in hair follicles.
Growth and Development
Vitamin A is also used to form and maintain bones and teeth and for body growth. Egg production is another vitally important nutrient for the body, and it is best taken during childhood and pregnancy.
Sources of Vitamin A in Food
Vitamin A is commonly found in beef, chicken, and especially pork liver. Vegetarian options are also available.
Eggs
Though there is Vitamin A in eggs, its quantity is moderate.
Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and cod liver oil are some examples of foods that are rich in vitamin A.
But vegetarian people cannot incorporate non-veg into their daily diet, so supplements are one of the options.
Dairy Products
Dairy products like whole milk, cheese and yogurt are good sources of vitamin A.
Dark Leafy Greens
Spinach kale and collard green contain beta carotene compounds which the body is capable of converting to vitamin A.
Carrots
One could summarize this by saying that carrots are known for their high beta-carotene content, which is good for vision.
Sweet Potatoes
Another starchy root vegetable that is rich in beta-carotene is sweet potatoes.
Fruits
Cantaloupe, apricots, and mango rank in the middle on the beta-carotene scale. There is no definitive proof that vitamin A supplements are helpful, but some people could have a dietary deficiency if they do not consume enough animal-based foods.
Though there are various sources of vitamin A, some people can’t eat all these food items, so they should consider taking supplements. If you’re also not able to get this vitamin from your diet, you may become deficient in it.
Some Considerations Before Taking Supplements
People with Vitamin A Deficiency
People who cannot absorb vitamin A properly due to certain conditions, such as celiac disease, liver or kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic disease, may require vitamin A supplements.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Vitamin A is essential for the growth and development of the fetus and the baby, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who need a higher amount.
Consult your Doctor or Dietician in Certain Medical Conditions
Vitamin A interacts with some medical conditions requiring supplementation, like cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease. Before beginning to take any Vitamin A supplement, it is advisable to consult a health care practitioner. It is important to note that vitamin A is toxic when taken in large amounts, leading to conditions like liver disorders and congenital anomalies.
Final words!
Vitamin A is a significant nutrient that plays a significant role in the body. It is necessary for the healthy functioning of the eyes, strengthening the immune system, maintaining healthy skin, and promoting growth and development. Though there are various sources of these supplements, many individuals can’t fulfill the sufficient amount of nutrients their body requires. It is difficult for people to intake food enriched with vitamin A as there are limited options for them. So, incorporating these supplements in daily life is a wise decision. However, it is prudent to seek advice from a doctor before supplementing the body with vitamin A for safe supplement usage.
