| Vitamin A |
| Why Does the Body Need Vitamin A? |
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1. It prevents night blindness and other eye problems 2. It boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant helping protect against cancer and other diseases 3. It protects against colds, flus, and infections of the lungs, bladder, and kidneys by increasing T-helper cells and the response of antibodies 4. It is needed for healthy skin, inside and out, and helps with some skin disorders such as acne 5. It is important in the formation of bones and teeth 6. It works well in the treatment of asthma and bronchial infections 7. It helps lower cholesterol levels and guards against stroke and heart disease 8. It is necessary for proper digestion and utilization of protein 9. It improves thyroid function 10. It helps to normalize blood glucose and insulin |
| What are some symptoms of Deficiency of Vitamin A? |
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1. acne 2. cystitis 3. dandruff 4. diarrhea 5. dry, flaky skin 6. dry, brittle hair 7. dry eyes 8. fatigue 9. frequent colds or infections 10. insomnia 11. hyperkeratosis (hard red bumps on the back of arms) 12. mouth ulcers 13. poor night vision 14. thrush |
| Where do you naturally find Vitamin A (in alphabetical order)? |
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1. animal livers 2. apricots 3. asparagus 4. barley grass 5. beet greens 6. broccoli 7. cabbage 8. cantaloupe 9. carrots 10. chlorella 11. collards 12. dandelion greens 13. dulse (seaweed) 14. fish liver 15. fish liver oils 16. garlic 17. green onions 18. kale 19. mangoes 20. melon 21. mustard greens 22. nori (seaweed) 23. papaya 24. parsley 25. peaches 26. persimmons 27. pumpkin 28. red peppers 29. romaine lettuce 30. spinach 31. spirulina (seaweed) 32. sweet potatoes 33. Swiss chard 34. turnip greens 35. watercress 36. wheat grass 37. yellow squash |
| * Animal sources may be up to 6 times stronger than vegetable sources. |
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Notes and/or Cautions: Since Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the body for long periods of time and therefore it is important not to exceed the recommended daily amount. Pregnant women and people with liver disease should never exceed 10,000 IU per day. |
| Typically, it is better to consume Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. There is less risk of toxicity because the liver will only convert the amount of Vitamin A it needs and excrete the rest. However, if you have Diabetes or Hypothyroidism you may put undue stress on the liver by consuming beta-carotene because your body may not be able to convert the beta-carotene to Vitamin A. Some pharmaceutical drugs may interfere with the absorption of Vitamin A. These include antibiotics, laxatives and some cholesterol-lowering drugs. Also alcohol, coffee, and smoking deplete the body of Vitamin A. |
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Recommended Dosages for Maintaining Good Health (for Adults): Vitamin A (retinol): 5,000-10,000 IU Carotenoid complex with beta-carotene: 5,000-25,000 IU |