The function of vitamin A

Table of contents:

1 What is vitamin A?

2. the function of vitamin A

3. which foods contain a lot of vitamin A?

4. vitamin A as a food supplement

5. conclusion

1. What is vitamin A?

Vitamin is an essential vitamin. It is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. More specifically, vitamin A is a group of compounds responsible for numerous processes in the body. These compounds are retinal, retinol and retinoic acid. In order for all processes in the human organism to be maintained, the body must be regularly supplied with vitamin A. The vitamin is absorbed through the small intestine and stored in the liver. The absorption of vitamin A has a special effect on the human visual process. The function of vitamin A also has an important impact on many other areas of the human body.

According to the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), women should take in approx. 0.8 mg (2.6 i.U.) and men 1.0 mg (3.3 i.U.) of vitamin A per day.

For children the value is approx. 0.6 mg (2 i.U.). However, in some life situations (such as pregnancy), certain diseases or operations, the daily intake may be increased.

2 The function of vitamin A

vitamin A...

• is indispensable for vision
• ensures the maintenance of healthy skin
• promotes the iron metabolism
• plays an essential role in the production of testosterone and thus helps significantly in reproduction with
• is essential for the visual process and ensures, among other things, the differentiation between light and dark
• provides for the regeneration of skin and hair
• fights free radicals
• strengthens the bone structure of children

It is particularly important that vitamin A is taken daily. This can be achieved very well through a varied and balanced diet. Vitamin A is contained in high concentrations in both animal and vegetable products. However, if the body does not have sufficient vitamin A at its disposal, a vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis) can occur. This can be recognised by various symptoms. These are, for example, dryness of skin and hair, deterioration of vision or a disturbance of the light-dark distinction.

3 Which foods contain a lot of vitamin A?

• Animal foods contain particularly large amounts of vitamin A. These include offal such as liver. Smaller amounts of vitamin A are found in eggs, butter, milk or fish.
• Plant products contain the precursor of vitamin A. This is called beta-carotene. With the help of the provitamin, the body is able to produce retinol itself when needed. This is contained in carrots, pumpkin, spinach or kale.

Foods with a high beta-carotene content are (Vitamin A content per 100g) :

Liver approx. 22 mg / 73 i.U.

Green kale approx. 9 mg / 30 i.U.

carrot approx. 9 mg / 30 i.U.

liver sausage approx. 8.5 mg / 28 i.U.

parsley approx. 6 mg / 20 i.s.

Dried apricot approx. 6 mg / 20 i.e.

Savoy cabbage approx. 5 mg / 17 p.m.

Dill approx. 5 mg / 17 i.e.

Palm oil approx. 4.5 mg / 15 i.e.

Lamb's lettuce approx. 4 mg / 13 i.e.

4. vitamin A as food supplement

Vitamin A should normally be absorbed by the body on a daily basis. The best way to do this is naturally through a healthy and balanced diet. However, many people find it very difficult to cover their entire vitamin requirements. In this case, vitamin A should be taken in addition in order to avoid a vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin A is available in the form of dietary supplements in stores. It is available in the form of vitamin A capsules and vitamin A tablets. Both forms are easy to handle and quickly enter the circulation. However, vitamin A tablets are sold in pharmacies, which in many cases have been manufactured with artificial additives or abroad. Vitamin A capsules often contain only the active ingredient in a vegetable cellulose shell and can therefore be produced without fillers.

Vitamin A capsules or vitamin A tablets should be taken with sufficient liquid (for example water or juice). It does not matter 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.

In general, you should always make sure that the product was produced in Germany in order to guarantee a consistently high quality of the preparation. If you buy a preparation from Germany, you can be sure that the product was also produced safely and is of high quality.

5. conclusion: the function of vitamin A

Vitamin A is very important for the human organism. During the visual process, vitamin A ensures that the retina can recognise light-dark contrasts and that the eye sees better at night. During reproduction, it enables the correct development of egg and sperm cells. The right supply of vitamin A is also essential for strong bones, teeth and cartilage. In addition to defending against harmful free radicals, it ensures clean skin and promotes its regeneration. Those who cannot manage to take in sufficient vitamin A have the possibility to take vitamin A in the form of food supplements. These are available as vitamin A capsules and vitamin A tablets in stores. It is important that the product was manufactured in Germany to avoid additives.

Further sources:

• Role of Vitamin A/Retinoic Acid in Regulation of Embryonic and Adult Hematopoiesis
• Vitamin A and Retinol Binding Protein Deficiency Among Chronic Liver Disease Patients
• Prevention of Gentamicin Ototoxicity With N-acetylcysteine and Vitamin A
• A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Vitamin A Intake, Serum Vitamin A, and Risk of Liver Cancer
• Endometriosis Pathoetiology and Pathophysiology: Roles of Vitamin A, Estrogen, Immunity, Adipocytes, Gut Microbiome and Melatonergic Pathway on Mitochondria Regulation
• Vitamin A-deficient Diet Accelerated Atherogenesis in Apolipoprotein E(-/-) Mice and Dietary β-Carotene Prevents This Consequence