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What is vitamin A?

Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins needed for many biochemical processes in the body. It is basically a group of fat-soluble compounds, including retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters. Vitamin A is naturally present in many foods. Our body stores vitamin A in the liver. We need this vitamin to keep our immune, reproductive, and skin health and vision strong. 

Vitamin A: Benefits & Uses

Here are a few vitamin A functions in the body.

1. Protect eye health: Inadequate vitamin A can result in poor vision health and cause night blindness. Therefore, if you wish to preserve your eyesight, include vitamin A foods in your diet.
2. Support immune health: Vitamin A is needed to maintain a strong body's natural defense system. It is also involved in the synthesis of white blood cells. Therefore, vitamin A deficiency can make us more susceptible to infections and diseases.
3. Antioxidant: Vitamin A acts as a potent antioxidant and protect us from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.
4. Promote healthy skin: Vitamin A may help prevent acne. Studies suggest that people with vitamin A deficiency are prone to acne issues. Due to vitamin A benefits for skin, it is a popular ingredient in skin creams. 
5. Healthy bones: Vitamin A is essential for strong bones as it is involved in developing new bone cells. It also helps absorb calcium, which is a critical bone mineral. 
6. May reduce cancer risk: Researchers believe that diets rich in vitamin A reduce the risk of developing bladder, cervical, and lung cancer.

Vitamin A Types

Vitamin A exists in two forms.

1. Retinol: Retinol vitamin A is mainly found in animal-based vitamin A rich foods, like whole egg, meat, liver, and dairy foods. 
2. Beta-carotene (Pro vitamin A): This form is primarily found in plant-based vitamin A food sources like oranges, bell peppers, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potato, papaya, and mango.

When we consume vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, it gets converted to retinol for absorption in the small intestine. 

How to choose the right vitamin A for you?

Consider these tips if you are looking for a suitable vitamin A supplement.

1. Vitamin A supplements are available in both retinol and beta-carotene forms. Consider the form as per your dietary preference and body needs.
2. Check the recommended dosage and strength, as it should not be more than 100% daily dietary requirement. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, hence might cause toxicity when taken in excess.
3. The product must be certified and free from unwanted additives and fillers.
4. It is better to seek medical advice before taking vitamin A tablets during a medical condition, pregnancy or lactation.

How to use vitamin A?

Vitamin A supplements are easily available in various forms like gummies, liquids, tablets or capsules. One can choose as per preference and ease of consumption. Since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, consuming vitamin A supplements with meals or a healthy fat source like nuts, seeds, avocado, or olives is advisable. 

One should avoid taking vitamin A in excess to prevent hypervitaminosis or vitamin A toxicity.

Where to buy vitamin A?

Nutrabay.com is India's most trusted leading online website for the best vitamin A capsules and tablets for men and women. Products sold on Nutrabay are 100% authentic as they are sourced either directly from the brands or official importers. We guarantee a hassle-free buying experience online with secure payment options. Check out Nutrabay for the best vitamin A chewable tablets or capsules to feel great every day and build a perfectly healthy body. 

Is vitamin A safe to use?

Vitamin A capsules or other supplements are usually considered safe to use when consumed in moderation per the requirements. High doses of vitamin A might lead to toxicity and symptoms like liver damage, headache, dizziness, and hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. List some vitamin A sources.

Vitamin A is found in foods like whole eggs, liver, milk, butter, cheese, orange, papaya, spinach, beet greens, melons, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. 

2. What is vitamin a daily requirement?

ICMR recommends a daily intake of 1000 mcg of vitamin A for males and 840 mcg for females. The requirement varies between 900-950 mcg per day during pregnancy and lactation.

3. What is the disease caused by deficiency of vitamin A?

Vitamin A deficiency leads to conditions like night blindness, macular degeneration, poor eyesight, skin issues, weak immunity, and growth retardation.

4. What is the correct vitamin A dosage?

The dosage of vitamin A may vary depending on the factors like age, gender, medical condition, existing vitamin A levels, etc.

5. What are some vitamin A rich fruits?

• Cantaloupe
• Papaya
• Mango
• Orange
• Apricot

6. Are there any vitamin A side effects?

High doses of vitamin A might cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, skin irritation, hair fall, and muscle and joint pain.