Learn about the benefits and role of vitamin A and beta-carotene in the body

Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins needed by the body, which plays very important roles. Vitamin A belongs to the category of fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that the liver can store it to be used when needed, so vitamin A should not be consumed excessively, either from food sources or as a dietary supplement. Vitamin A is one of the first nutrients to be identified in nutrition and medicine about 100 years ago.

The function of vitamin A in the body:

1. Vitamin A is needed for the activity of the visual system. In the eyes, a form of vitamin A called retinal is combined with a protein called Opsin, which is responsible for absorbing light and recognizing colors. And improve night vision and dark environments. Therefore, vitamin A deficiency causes vision problems. Problems such as blurred vision, night blindness, diplopia, and cataracts can all be linked to vitamin A deficiency.


2. Another form of vitamin A, called retinoic acid, stimulates the growth of cells in the body, a role similar to growth hormone, so a lack of vitamin A in childhood and adolescence causes growth retardation.

3. Vitamin A is needed for the secretion of mucus by skin cells, and its deficiency causes problems such as dry skin, eczema, inflammation, etc.

4. The body uses vitamin A to metabolize fats and convert them into energy. People who are deficient in vitamin A have impaired absorption and metabolism of fats, and its symptoms include severe weight loss. کرد. Of course, weight loss is not just a matter of vitamin A deficiency.

5. Many hormones, which are made up of cholesterol and fats, are made with the help of vitamin A, including hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. Hormones such as testosterone, androsterone, adrenaline, etc. are secreted by the adrenal glands and play very important functions such as energy production, raising blood sugar, regulating the sexual system and dozens of other functions.


6. Vitamin A along with vitamin C, zinc and other nutrients strengthen the immune system and fight pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi.

7. The body uses vitamin A along with other nutrients such as vitamin E and omega-3 fats to reduce and eliminate inflammation in organs and tissues. Therefore, people with inflammatory diseases need to consume these nutrients more.

8. Vitamin A helps iron metabolism and its optimal use to produce red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin, problems such as anemia or accumulation of iron in the liver and other organs due to severe vitamin A deficiency. They come.

Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency:

1. Vitamin A deficiency causes dryness, inflammation, itchy skin and other skin diseases.

2. Vitamin A deficiency causes pimples and ticks on the skin.

3. Vitamin A deficiency along with other nutrients causes dandruff and dry hair.

4. Vitamin A deficiency reduces the body's immune system and causes recurrent diseases and infections.

5. Deficiency of this vitamin also causes vision problems such as night blindness, blurred vision, diplopia, corneal ulcers, etc.


Food sources containing vitamin A:

Vitamin A in its entirety is found only in animal food sources such as beef, beef, liver, eggs, cod liver oil, dairy products such as butter and milk.

Yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, oranges, tangerines, etc., contain a substance called beta-carotene, which the body can convert to vitamin A if needed. The body needs a sufficient amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, and this process does not occur in people with hypothyroidism and liver problems.


Daily body needs for vitamin A:

Infants up to 6 months 400 micrograms, infants 7 to 12 months 500 micrograms, children 1 to 3 years 300 micrograms, children 4 to 8 years 400 micrograms, children 9 to 13 years 600 micrograms, adolescent boys 14 to 18 years 900 micrograms, adolescent girls 14 to 18 years 700 micrograms, adult men (19 years and older) 900 micrograms, adult women (19 years and older) 700 micrograms, pregnant women 700 micrograms and lactating women need 1200 micrograms of vitamin A per day.

As explained, vitamin A is stored in the body and too much zinc in its consumption causes side effects and risks such as liver damage, hair loss and miscarriage in pregnant women and should not be consumed more than stated.

In many countries, some foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cereals, such as cornflakes, sweets, etc., are fortified with vitamin A and other nutrients that can be found in vitamin A. Read on the label of these products.

 Vitamin A supplements:

Vitamin A is available in many dietary supplements, including multivitamins, cod liver oil tablets, or independently. Vitamin A up to 1,500 micrograms per day is safe and even beneficial for most adults.

The amount of vitamin A on some supplements is written in micrograms (mcg) and in others in IU units. Each IU is equal to 0.3 mg.

Vitamin A is also present in many day and night creams that are produced to repair the skin, remove wrinkles, pimples and acne.

If your doctor prescribes vitamin A at a dose of more than 1500 micrograms (equivalent to 5000 units - 5000 IU) per day, you should not use it with some other drugs. Drugs that interact with vitamin A include:

1. Antacids that are prescribed to reduce stomach acid and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.

2. Lipid and cholesterol lowering pills

3. Doxorubicin

4. Antibiotics

5. All drugs that are metabolized in the liver, such as acetaminophen, gelofen, aspirin, etc.

6. You should also take vitamin A supplements 6 hours apart from alcoholic beverages.

Note: Do not take separate supplements without a doctor's advice.


It is better to take beta-carotene or vitamin A:

It is best to include both in your diet, both from beta-carotene-rich foods such as carrots and other yellow fruits and vegetables, and from vitamin A, which is found in animal foods. Although both of them meet the body's need for vitamin A, each has other different properties for human health.