Vitamin A

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is related to a group of chemicals called the retinoids. They come in many different forms throughout nature, from both animal and plant sources. Generally speaking, they are used in the body for growth and healthy skin.
Most importantly, vitamin A helps form part of the complex photosensitive chemicals in the eye that allows us to perceive light. Hence the name retinoids is named after the retina of the eye.


What foods are rich in vitamin A?
Chemicals that are converted by the body into vitamin A (provitamins) are present in meat and dairy sources like butter and liver. They can also be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli kale spinach pumpkin egg and apricot.
However, the provitamins from plants, the beta-carotenoids, are less potent than pure vitamin A, and so it is necessary to eat up to 12 times as much from plant sources to get an equivalent effect.


How much do I need?
Adult males 900µg/day
Adult females 700µg/day
Infants require much less, up to 600µg/day


Why might I need to take it?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, the absorption of retinoids and lipids in the small intestine is linked. Therefore people with fat absorption problems or those on a low fat diet may require Vitamin A. Other reasons that you might take it include:
Several prescription medicines may reduce absorption of Vitamin A.
Vitamin A has been used for acne and other skin conditions like psoriasis.
Leading a strict vegetarian diet may result in a diet low in vitamin A.


Other Information
Beta Carotene is a natural source of vitamin A but is equivalent to only half of vitamin A supplement.

	Think Natural Beta Carotene 14mg 30s Think Natural Beta-Carotene is a good source of carotenoids - natural chemicals that act as antioxidants to maintain the health and function of the eye
	£3.75 Quantity
	HealthAid Super A&D Natural Vitamins 60 capsules HealthAid Super A&D Natural Vitamins. Vitamin A is required by the body for growth, good vision and healthy skin. Vitamin D is essential for the normal development of bones and teeth.
	£4.00 Quantity
	HealthAid Vitamin A&D 60's An essential supplement for growth and development
	£4.00 Quantity
	Lifeplan Mixed Carotenoids 16mg Capsules 30s These capsules formerly called Pervita, are derived from specially cultivated sea plants dunaliella salina, a naturally rich source of carotenoids
	£4.59 Quantity
	HealthAid High Strength 15mg Beta Carotene 30 capsules HealthAid Beta Carotene - A Powerful antioxidant and a good source of vitamin A, essential for healthy eyes and skin.
	£5.99 Quantity
	HealthAid Vitamin A 50001U caps 100's High quality food supplement
	£5.99 Quantity
	Arkopharma Phyto Bronze Capsules Antioxidant nutrients for skincare 60s Arkopharma Capsules are a specialist antioxidant supplement formulated to provide your skin with the essential nutrients needed while sun-bathing and tanning.
	£13.68 Quantity

The role of vitamin A in maintaining healthy eyes was understood thousands of years ago. The ancient Greeks used roast ox liver as a treatment for night blindness.