Vitamin A: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Vitamin A is an important fat-soluble vitamin. It supports your vision, immune system, reproductive health, and fetal growth. Even though it is essential to your well-being, taking too much can be harmful.
You can get Vitamin A from retinols in animal products or beta carotene in plant foods.
Retinol Foods That Contain Vitamin A
Liver
Salmon and other cold-water fish
Egg yolks
Fortified Milk and Dairy Products
Beta-Carotene Foods Containing Vitamin A
Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, squash, and cantaloupes
Leafy green vegetables
Benefits of Vitamin A
Prevents night blindness
Needed for growth and cell development
Maintains healthy skin and nails
Essential for healthy gums, glands, bones, and teeth
Syptoms of Deficiency
Night blindness
Stunted growth in children
Dry skin and eyes
Increased susceptibility to infection
Symptoms of Excess
Headaches and blurred vision
Fatigue
Bone and joint pain
Appetite loss and diarrhea
Dry, cracked skin and rashes
Itchiness
Hair loss
Can cause birth defects if taken in high doses before and during early pregnancy
Daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Adults
Males 19+, 900 mcg
Females 19+, 700 mcg
Vitamin A plays an importan role in your body and can be achieved by eating a well-balanced diet with the recommended foods from the above lists.
References
Kubala, J. (2023, April 24). Vitamin A. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a
Berkoff, F. G., & Schwarcz, J. (2018b). Foods that harm, foods that heal: What to eat to beat disease and live longer. Reader’s Digest.
Access your bible from anywhere. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/