The importance of vitamin A for the body

Die Bedeutung von Vitamin A für den Körper

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1. What is vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is present in both animal and vegetable foods. In animal products, vitamin A is found in its biologically active form (retinol). If it is present in plant products, it is called the precursor beta-carotene. We generally need vitamin A for the differentiation of light and dark and for colour vision. Vitamin A is therefore essential for normal vision.

2 The role of vitamin A in the body

Vitamin A is important for the development of cells and tissues, the immune system, growth and above all for human vision. Vitamin A is involved in reproduction by helping to produce testosterone. The vitamin promotes the development of sperm cells and helps to build the placenta. Retinol is needed for the formation of red blood cells and sensory perception. The vitamin enables the human body to smell, taste, hear and above all see. Vitamin A promotes the formation of skin and mucous membranes. The vitamin also has a positive effect on the immune system. A healthy immune system and healthy skin makes it more difficult for bacteria and viruses to penetrate the body and cause damage. In children, vitamin A ensures problem-free bone development.

3. the effect of vitamin A

Vitamin A has a versatile effect on the human body. In order to maintain all processes in the human organism, the body must be regularly supplied with vitamin A. The intake of vitamin A has a special effect on the human visual process. This makes it possible to see, and a deficiency can even lead to night blindness. The reason is as follows: Vitamin A is the basis of various visual dyes, thus enabling light and dark differentiation.

4. the right dosage & daily requirement of vitamin A

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) has determined how high the daily requirement of the vitamin should be. Men should take about 1 milligram and women 0.8 milligrams of vitamin A per day. Pregnant women have a higher requirement because they have to provide the unborn child with it. From the fourth month onwards, they should consume about 1.1 milligrams of vitamin A. The daily requirement of nursing mothers is even 1.5 milligrams. In general, you should always bear in mind that age, weight and height always play an important role. Factors such as diet and lifestyle should also be taken into account.

5. the storage of vitamin A in the body

Basically, one always differentiates between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A belongs to the fat-soluble vitamins. The human organism can also store them. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that the body can only absorb in combination with fat. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the intestine. The vitamin A from animal products, on the other hand, is broken down by enzymes in the intestine and absorbed in the intestinal cells. If the body wants to store vitamin A, it is stored in the tissues and can be reabsorbed as needed. In general, the mucous membranes, liver and lungs are the most important stores. If there is an undersupply, the vitamin A storage from the liver can be sufficient for about three months.

6. vitamin A standard values

Vitamin A is essential for the human organism. The vitamin should be taken in daily through food, then it can be stored by the body. Vitamin A is absorbed in the duodenum. The vitamin is stored in the liver and transported in the blood by proteins. If vitamin A is not supplied to the body, deficiency symptoms can occur.

Normal range of vitamin A (value in μg/l): 100-1000

7. What's retinyl acetate?

Retinyl acetate is one of the main forms of vitamin A used in the food supplement industry. It is a group of fat-soluble vitamins, more precisely a synthetic raw material. The human organism quickly converts it into retinol. The retinyl esters of natural vitamin A can be found in animal products such as liver or dairy products.

8 What is retinyl palmitate?

Retinyl palmitate is also known as retinol. It is the storage form of vitamin A and is extremely sensitive to sunlight, even losing some of its effectiveness. As a result, harmful radicals can form in the skin. Retinyl palmitate is often used in cosmetics as it activates the skin's metabolism and smoothes the skin cells.

9 Why does beta carotene not work as strongly as vitamin A?

Beta carotene is the provitamin A, i.e. the direct precursor of vitamin A. The body converts only a small portion of beta carotene into retinol and is therefore far less effective than pure vitamin A. Retinyl acetate is better suited for an efficient absorption of vitamin A.

10 When is the vitamin A value in the blood determined?

Vitamins are components that the human organism cannot produce itself. They should be taken in daily with food. However, the body can then store vitamin A and fall back on it in case of deficiency. If you suffer from symptoms that could indicate a vitamin A deficiency, you can have your vitamin A level checked by a doctor. It is important to explain your complete symptoms and medical history to your trusted doctor. The vitamin A value can be determined when taking a blood sample. The patient should appear fasting. For example, the doctor can determine increased or decreased values and discuss the further indication with the patient.

11 Who is vitamin A particularly important for?

Vitamin A is especially important for children. As they are still growing and developing, children should be provided with sufficient vitamin A. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also make sure that they take in enough vitamin A to supply their child. Men and women who want to have children should ensure that they have an adequate supply of vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a part in reproduction by helping to produce testosterone. The vitamin helps in the development of the sperm cells and in the formation of the placenta.

12. when is vitamin A low?

The vitamin A level is low when the vitamin A supply is insufficient. This is also known as hypovitaminosis.

Vitamin A deficiency <100-200 μg/l

13. When is the vitamin A level elevated?

The vitamin A value is elevated in the case of an overdose (hypervitaminosis).

Overdose of vitamin >1000-2000 μg/l

14. Is an overdose of vitamin A possible?

An overdose of fat-soluble vitamins may occur. An overdose of vitamin A can have a harmful effect on the body. An overdose is called hypervitaminosis. However, an overdose only occurs from too much vitamin A from animal foods, not from too much provitamin A. If you take in too much carotenoids, the body automatically converts them into vitamin A. The only consequence of taking too much carotenoids may be a yellowing of the skin.

In the case of an overdose, a distinction is made between chronic and acute hypervitaminosis. In the case of a chronic overdose, the body is supplied with too much vitamin A in the long term, which takes place over a long period of time. In acute hypervitaminosis, too much vitamin A is only taken over a short period of time. People who take high doses of vitamin A over a long period of time can expect serious consequences. High blood pressure, kidney failure and increased cerebral pressure can be the consequences.

15 Side effects of vitamin A

Each person reacts differently to the intake of dietary supplements can react. Side effects do not have to occur, but can happen. In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions can occur when taking vitamin A in the form of food supplements. Those affected then feel a burning sensation on the skin or tongue.

16 How can a vitamin A deficiency develop?

A vitamin A deficiency is called hypovitaminosis. Anyone who does not take vitamin A regularly runs the risk of suffering from a vitamin A deficiency. This can damage vision and growth. A vitamin A deficiency can be caused by an incorrect, unbalanced diet or diet. If you do not have a balanced diet and avoid fruit and vegetables, you will not be able to give your body the vitamins it needs. The vitamin A level drops and the human organism has to fall back on the last stores of the liver, which can also become depleted after some time. People with a one-sided diet often eat fast food. In the same way, the deficiency can be triggered by a diet. By a strong calorie deficit and often liquid food like shakes, vitamins are avoided and the human organism is no longer sufficiently supplied with vitamins. The most common cause of hypovitaminosis is a metabolic disorder, i.e. a disturbance of the fat metabolism. Congenital liver diseases can also cause the level to drop. Vitamin A belongs to the fat-soluble vitamins, which means that they can only be processed in the body in combination with fat. If the fat metabolism does not function, vitamin A is no longer absorbed from food and is no longer used.

17. interactions with vitamin A

When taking certain drugs and vitamin A, interactions can occur in very rare cases. In any case, a doctor should be consulted in advance before taking high-dose vitamin A in combination with prescription drugs. The interactions can vary depending on the type of medicine. In general, one should pay attention to whether the medicine is a tablet, ointment or possibly an injection. Anyone taking tretinoin should know that there is a risk of vitamin A overdose. This is generally true for drugs which contain a drug against acne. An increase in cerebral pressure can be caused by tetrazylines in combination with vitamin A. The absorption of vitamin A can even be inhibited by colestyramine or neomycin sulphate.

18 Symptoms & consequences of a vitamin A deficiency

A vitamin A deficiency can be caused by poor nutrition or diet. It can also be caused by congenital diseases such as a disturbance of the fat metabolism or a disease of the liver. A vitamin A deficiency can have serious consequences. A deficiency can cause hair loss, growth disorders in children and dry skin. Since vitamin A is essential for the eyes, a deficiency can cause night blindness, visual disturbances and a higher risk of infection. As iron is associated with vitamin A, the iron level can also be reduced. A low intake of vitamin A can result in reduced fertility in women.

19 Vitamin A deficiency Risk groups

The risk groups for vitamin A deficiency include very different groups of people. These include pregnant women, as they have to take care of their unborn child. Breastfeeding women also have a higher vitamin A requirement, as their children are fed on breast milk. People who suffer from an unbalanced diet or who have been on a diet for a long period of time also belong to the risk groups.

20 What are the possible causes of vitamin A deficiency?

  • an unbalanced, unbalanced diet
  • an aggravated absorption (e.g. with gastro-intestinal diseases)
  • a poor storage capacity (can be caused by smoking or alcohol)
  • increased demand in certain life situations (such as pregnancy)

21 What causes can elevated vitamin A levels have?

An overdose of vitamin A results in greatly increased vitamin A values. People should not take more than three milligrams of retinol equivalents a day. Excessive amounts of vitamin A can damage the liver in the long term.

22 Typical groups for an increased vitamin A requirement

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding women
  • People with a liver disease
  • Patients with a metabolic disorder
  • Smokers
  • People who are exposed to a lot of stress

23. occurrence of vitamin A

Retinol is found in animal products. However, it is not present in all animal foods. Sea fish and liver are rich in retinol, while dairy products and eggs already contain small amounts. The precursor of vitamin A is beta-carotene. It is found in fruits and vegetables. These include carrots, mango, grapefruit, pumpkin and red peppers.

24 How can I absorb vitamin A through food?

Vitamin A is found in both animal and vegetable products. The actual vitamin A is found in animal foods, whereas in plant foods it is the precursor of the vitamin, provitamin A. Especially high amounts of vitamin A are found in liver, sea fish, dairy products and eggs. Beta-carotene is found in red fruits and vegetables, i.e. carrots, peppers, cherries and grapefruit.

25. prevent vision with vitamin A

Vitamin A is also known as the eye vitamin. It is essential for the visual process. Ointments for treating the eyes often contain vitamin A. Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene, which can be used to treat cataracts and macular degeneration. Rhodopsin is also found in carrots. It is a violet pigment which makes it possible to see in dark surroundings. Without enough Rhodposin we would not be able to see very well at night.

26. the correct intake of vitamin A

Those who would like to take vitamin A in the form of food supplements can choose between vitamin A capsules and vitamin A tablets. These should be taken with sufficient liquid (for example water or juice). It makes no difference whether vitamin A is taken before or after a meal. However, if you have a sensitive stomach and cannot take vitamin A tablets or vitamin A capsules on an empty stomach, you should eat something first and then take the supplements.

Vitamin A Kapseln von Vitamineule

Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Vitamin A Capsules

In our online shop you will find our Vitamin A capsules from Vitamineule®, which are completely free of artificial additives. Vitamineule® Vitamin A contain 3000µg of pure retinyl acetate per capsule. Each can contains 90 capsules. Besides fast & free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.

27. what is important to know about the dosage of vitamin A?

When taking vitamin A in the form of food supplements, it is important that the product was manufactured in Germany. When taking vitamin A, you should pay attention to the correct dosage. You should follow the recommended dosage. Because overdosing on vitamin A can also have serious consequences for the body.

28 What function do vitamin A capsules have?

If you suffer from a vitamin A deficiency or if you find it difficult to eat enough, you can replenish your vitamin A storage with vitamin A in the form of food supplements. Vitamin A capsules are easy to handle and with one capsule per day already cover the daily vitamin A requirement.

29 What is contained in vitamin A capsules?

Our vitamin A capsules contain only pure retinyl acetate and vegetable rice flour. The capsule shell consists of vegetable cellulose. There are no additives such as microcrystalline cellulose or magnesium stearate. Vitamin A capsules are free of preservatives, colourings, aromas, genetic engineering, lactose, gluten and sugar. Of course, our vitamin A capsules are produced in Germany.

30 Which is better: vitamin A capsules or vitamin A tablets?

Vitamin A tablets, which are sold as bulk goods in pharmacies and drugstores, often contain cheap active ingredients and many chemical additives. A variety of fillers and pressing aids are often used to keep the tablet in shape. It is better to buy vitamin A capsules without additives, as the mostly vegetable capsule shells can hold the active ingredient together without artificial additives. Capsules are also generally the most common dosage form. They are easy to handle, are easy to swallow and can release their active ingredient in the stomach very quickly.

31 How can the doctor diagnose a vitamin A deficiency?

If you have symptoms that could indicate a vitamin A deficiency, it is best to see your doctor. A changed vitamin A level has a direct effect on health. As an important vitamin, vitamin A ensures normal vision, a strong immune system and normal skin in the body. If this no longer works, serious consequences can arise. The physician can detect a vitamin A deficiency via the blood. The blood serum determines the vitamin A value.

32 When does the doctor determine the vitamin A value?

In a healthy person, the human organism simply regulates the vitamin A level by itself. The required amount of vitamin A is taken from the daily diet, if there is too much vitamin A in the body, it can easily be stored in the liver. An emergency ration, so to speak, which the human organism can fall back on in case of a deficiency. However, there are still people who suffer from a vitamin A deficiency. They often notice certain symptoms such as impaired vision, sleep problems and headaches. In this case you should definitely see your family doctor. Then the vitamin A level is determined.

33 How can I remedy a vitamin A deficiency?

To correct a vitamin A deficiency, you must know the cause. If you have been on a diet low in vitamins, you can easily change it. Changing your diet with vitamin A-rich foods can be very useful. Those who suffer from a severe vitamin A deficiency should consider taking vitamin A preparations (vitamin A capsules or vitamin A tablets). Vitamin A preparations can help to restore a healthy balance if taken regularly.

34 Food containing vitamin A: Storage

Food containing vitamin A is very sensitive to light. They are also very sensitive to oxygen and acid. If they are stored incorrectly, they can lose their biological effectiveness. If the food is stored incorrectly, up to 50% of its bioavailability can be lost. Food containing vitamin A is best stored dry in the dark. Products such as meat should of course be stored in the refrigerator.

35. conclusion

Vitamin is an essential vitamin for the body. It is particularly important for the visual process, growth and reproduction. Vitamin A is found in both animal and vegetable foods. Fruits and vegetables that contain a particularly high amount of vitamin A are mainly carrots, mango and red peppers. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a daily vitamin requirement of about 1 milligram for men and 0.8 milligrams per day for women. A deficiency of vitamin A is often caused by an unbalanced diet or diet. A vitamin A deficiency can cause hair loss, growth disorders in children and dry skin. However, this deficiency can be compensated by taking vitamin A in the form of vitamin A tablets or vitamin A capsules.

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