Vitamin A Information

The vitamin A information has been given to you so you might understand better why you need this vitamin, what food sources provide the vitamin and the dose required.

There are two basic forms of vitamin A, retinoids that are found in animal foods and carotenoids found in plant based foods. Retinoids have more benefits but carotenoids are converted by the body into retinoids.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin

Fat-soluble vitamins can dissolve in fats and oils and are absorbed along with fats in the diet and can be stored in the body's fatty tissue. They come from plant and animal foods or dietary supplements.

Fat-soluble vitamins do not dissolve in water but absorb best when taken with higher-fat foods. It is possible to take in too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, which could lead to toxicity and adverse reactions.

vitamin A informationVitamin A Information - Fat Soluble

Why You Need Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to keep your skin healthy and a lack of vitamin A may leave you with dry, rough skin which can be remedied by eating a diet rich in vitamin A foods and also a vitamin A rich cream.

People believe that the phrase 'carrots help you to see in the dark' is a myth but it is actually true, they do help you see in dim light and in the dark but carrots rich in vitamin A also helps protect the surface of the eyes and essential for good vision.

Foods that contain carotenoids are converted by the body into vitamin A which have an antioxidant affect to strengthen your immune system and protects you against infections.

Vitamin A supports cell growth in ensuring your cells grow and reproduce normally as well as your cells healing and repair function.

Vitamin A is essential during pregnancy for healthy growth and development of the fetus's cells.

vitamin a informationVitamin A Information to increase awareness

Plant Based Sources of Vitamin A

Vitamin A in the form of carotenoids are present in most plant based food sources, ie fruit and vegetables.

RAE (retinol activity equivalents) per serving = each serving is approx 1 cup.

 Food Source      RAE (mcg)

 Sweet potato         1922   

 Carrots                  1019

 Spinach                   943

 Kale                         885

 Mustard greens      865      

 Collard greens       722     

 Turnip greens         549    

 Swiss chard            536      

 Winter squash         535  

 Romaine lettuce      409

 Bok choy                  361     

 Cantaloupe              271   

 Bell peppers            144

 Papaya                     131

 Parsley                     128

 Broccoli                   121

 Asparagus                 91        

 Chili peppers            80     

 Tomatoes                  75   

 Brussels sprouts      61

 Grapefruit                  59

 Basil                           56
vitamin A informationVitamin A Information - Plant Based Foods

Vitamin A in the form of retinoids are present in animal foods.

RAE (retinol activity equivalents) per serving = each serving is approx 1 cup.

 Food Source    RAE(mcg)

 Shrimp           102       

 Cheese            77               

 Eggs                75                      

 Yogurt              67                 

 Salmon             58               

 Cow's milk       56                    

 Sardines          29                         

 Tuna                25                  

 Chicken            7                         

 Turkey              3                       

 Cod                   2                        

 Scallops           2              
Vitamin A informationVitamin A Information - Animal Based Foods

Vitamin A Information - Dose Required

Vitamin A information regarding the dose as set by the RDA (The Recommended Dietary Allowance) is: 

Vitamin A 600 mcg per day for women 

Vitamin A 700 mcg per day for men 

The RDA is set to prevent deficiency and not achieve optimal health and therefore this should only be used as a guideline as a minimum vitamin A requirement. 

There is no toxicity level for vitamin A, however, pregnant women should not take more than 2,500 mcg per day in supplement form.

Signs of Possible Vitamin A Deficiency

If you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis you may want to consider increasing your vitamin A intake or even monitoring the amount of vitamin A you are consuming from your diet from the food charts above.

  • Mouth ulcers
  • Poor night vision
  • Acne
  • Colds or infections
  • Dry flaky skin
  • Dandruff
  • Thrush or cystitis
  • Diarrhoea

Vitamin A information is to help you understand why your body needs it and how much you need.

vitamin a informationVitamin A Information - Deficiency

Additional vitamin A information - Please Note!

You should never take a single vitamin supplement in isolation without taking a multi vitamin as a single supplement of a vitamin can cause a depletion of other nutrients.

If you take a vitamin A supplement you must also take a multi vitamin supplement with it.

Wishing you vibrant health!

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