Vitamin A Benefits

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, which is essential for gene transcription and maintaining healthy skin and vision. This vitamin can be found in two main forms, retinol and carotenes. Retinol is the preformed vitamin A that can be found in animal food sources. Our body can convert certain plant carotenoids such as alpha carotene, beta carotene and gamma carotene found in fruits and vegetables into vitamin A. So, these carotenoids are called provitamin A. Eggs, milk, carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, beef liver, sweet potato and spinach are some of the good sources of vitamin A. This vitamin is stored in the fat tissues and liver in the body. Vitamin A serves a number of purposes in the human body. The retina of the eye requires retinal, a metabolite of vitamin A for color vision.

Vitamin A Functions

Vitamin A is one of the most crucial vitamins for maintaining healthy skin, and mucous membrane. This vitamin is one the significant factors for the growth of healthy hair. Even for the skin, this vitamin has numerous benefits, for which it is included in many skin care products. It can be especially beneficial for acne prone and dry skin. It helps the skin to retain moisture, and thereby makes its soft and supple. It can also fight the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. In addition to these, reduction of stretch marks and alleviation of the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis are uses of this vitamin A.

Vitamin A takes part in gene transcription, cell growth, embryonic development and reproduction. It is also a strong antioxidant that helps to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals on the cells and tissues. It assists the immune system in fighting against the infectious agents. Due to its antioxidant properties, it can lower the risk for several diseases including, cancer and heart disease. Even people having a high level of blood cholesterol can be benefited from vitamin A. In addition to these, this vitamin keeps the mucous membrane moist, and promote the healthy growth of teeth and bones. Children with respiratory problems can also benefit from this vitamin.

Vitamin A Toxicity

Excessive intake of vitamin A needs to be avoided, as overdose of this vitamin can cause several side effects. Basically, this vitamin is stored in the fat tissues and liver, till it is used by the body. So, too much of vitamin A can get accumulated in the liver, which in turn, can give rise to a number of health complications. Usually, presence of excessive vitamin A in the body can cause nausea, vomiting, irritability, dry skin and nails, fatigue, hair loss, muscle pain, weight loss, headaches, menstrual problems, tiredness, bleeding gums, jaundice, abdominal pain, blurry vision and bone fracture. In the extreme cases, it can cause liver and spleen enlargement, and increase lipid concentration in the body.

It can be concluded that if taken in the appropriate dosage and with proper care, this vitamin can be really effective for promoting general health and well-being. As it is a fat soluble vitamin, its excess amount cannot be excreted through urine. The excess of this vitamin tends to accumulate in the liver and the fat tissues, and thus produce the above mentioned side effects or toxicity symptoms. So, it is of utmost importance to take vitamin A only in the required amount. People taking supplementation should be especially careful to not take vitamin A in higher than the recommended dosage. Vitamin A toxicity occurs mainly with the preformed vitamin A, and not the carotenoid form. However, excess of carotenoids, especially beta carotene can cause carotenodermia, a condition characterized by yellow or yellow-orange discoloration of the skin.