The functions and food sources of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found in dark green and yellow vegetables and yellow fruits, such as broccoli spinach, turnip greens, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and apricots, and in animal sources such as liver, milk, butter, cheese, and whole eggs.
Vitamin A Functions
- Aids in promoting healthy bones and teeth
- Essential for vision, especially night vision
- Promotes the repair of body tissues
- Reduces susceptibility to infections
- Protects the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and throat
Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin A
- Night blindness
- Rough, dry, scaly skin
- Loss of sense of taste
- Hyperkeratosis (plugging of hair follicles with Keratin)
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Retarded growth
- Defective teeth and gums
Excessive Intake and Toxicity Symptoms of Vitamin A
- Liver damage
- Nausea & vomiting
- Alopecia (hair can be easily plucked)
- Headache
- Bone & joint pain
- Dry skin and hair, cracked lips
- Loss of appetite
- Birth defects
- Abnormal bone growth
- Nerve damage
