Team Vitamineule
1. Vitamin A for the mucous membranes
Vitamin A plays a central role in the health of mucous membranes, which form an important protective barrier in our body. These mucous membranes are found in the respiratory tract, digestive tract, eyes, and urinary tract, among others. Their main role is to act as the first line of defense against harmful microorganisms and environmental factors. An adequate supply of vitamin A is crucial for maintaining the integrity and function of these mucous membranes. Vitamin A promotes the production of mucus, which acts as a protective layer over the mucous membranes and prevents pathogens from entering the body. This mucus also contains antimicrobial substances that actively act against bacteria and viruses. Another important aspect of vitamin A is its role in cell division and differentiation. It supports the renewal of cells in the mucous membranes, which is particularly important because these cells must be constantly renewed to maintain an intact protective barrier. Without enough vitamin A, the mucous membranes can dry out and lose their protective function, which can lead to an increased risk of infection and inflammation. In addition, vitamin A contributes to eye health by supporting the mucous membranes in the conjunctiva and on the cornea. A lack of vitamin A here can lead to reduced production of tear fluid, which can lead to dry eyes and, in the worst case, to serious eye problems such as xerophthalmia and night blindness. Vitamin A is found in animal foods such as liver, fish, egg yolks and dairy products. Plant sources that contain provitamin A (beta-carotene) are also important. These include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and other green leafy vegetables. The body can convert beta-carotene into active vitamin A, which is especially important for people who consume few animal products. Overall, vitamin A is essential for the health of the mucous membranes and thus for general well-being. A sufficient intake of this vitamin helps the body's natural defense mechanisms to function efficiently and protects against a variety of diseases that could be favored by weakened mucous membranes. It is therefore important to maintain a balanced diet to ensure an adequate supply of vitamin A.
2. What is the daily requirement of vitamin A?
Daily vitamin A requirements vary depending on age, gender and living conditions, but there are general guidelines recommended by health organizations. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in various body functions, including maintaining vision, supporting the immune system, cell growth and skin health. It exists in two main forms: retinol, which is found in animal products such as liver, fish, eggs and milk, and provitamin A (beta-carotene), which is found in plant foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. In Germany and many other countries, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily intake of about 0.8 to 1.0 milligrams of retinol equivalents for adults. This amount can be achieved relatively easily through a balanced diet. For women, the recommended daily requirement is about 0.8 milligrams, while men need about 1.0 milligrams per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased need. A daily intake of about 1.1 milligrams is recommended for pregnant women, while breastfeeding women need up to 1.5 milligrams per day to meet both their own and their child's needs. Children require smaller amounts depending on their age. For infants aged 0 to 4 months, the requirement is about 0.5 milligrams, for children aged 1 to 4 years, it is about 0.6 milligrams, and for older children, the recommended intake gradually increases until it meets adult needs by adolescence. It is important to note that both a deficiency and an excess of vitamin A can cause health problems. A lack of vitamin A can lead to vision problems, a weakened immune system, and skin problems. On the other hand, excessive intake, especially in the form of retinol from supplements or liver, can have toxic effects, leading to symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and in extreme cases, severe liver damage. Overall, vitamin A needs should ideally be met by a balanced diet that includes both animal and plant sources of vitamin A. Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, it is stored in the body, meaning that occasional fluctuations in daily intake do not usually have negative effects as part of an overall balanced diet.
3. What forms of vitamin A are there?
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that comes in several forms and plays an important role in numerous body functions, including vision, the immune system, cell growth, and skin health. The two main forms of vitamin A are retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids are the active form of vitamin A and are found primarily in animal foods. Retinoids include retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. Retinol is the most common form of vitamin A in the diet and is converted in the body to retinal and retinoic acid. Retinal is crucial for vision because it is part of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that converts light into nerve signals, enabling vision. Retinoic acid, on the other hand, is important for regulating gene expression and plays a key role in cell growth and differentiation, which is particularly important for skin health and immune function. The second main group are the carotenoids, which act as provitamins. This means that they can be converted into retinol in the body. Carotenoids are found in plant foods, especially colorful fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is the best known and most widely available carotenoid and is an important source of vitamin A. It has antioxidant properties and protects cells from free radical damage. Another important carotenoid is lycopene, which is found primarily in tomatoes and also has antioxidant effects but does not have significant vitamin A activity. There are other carotenoids such as alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin that can also be converted into vitamin A, but with less efficiency than beta-carotene. These carotenoids contribute to the overall vitamin A content in the diet, especially in people who consume few animal products. Overall, vitamin A can be obtained through a balanced diet either directly in the form of retinoids from animal products or indirectly by converting carotenoids from plant sources. Both forms help to meet daily requirements and are crucial for maintaining health. A lack of vitamin A can lead to serious health problems, particularly night blindness and an increased risk of infections, while an overdose, particularly from retinoids, can have toxic effects. Therefore, a balanced intake of vitamin A, adapted to individual needs and living conditions, is of great importance.
4. Vitamin A in the form of dietary supplements
Vitamin A should normally be absorbed by the body every day. The best way to do this is, of course, through a healthy and balanced diet. However, many people find it very difficult to cover their entire vitamin requirement. In this case, vitamin A should be taken in addition to avoid a vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is available in the form of food supplements. It is available in the form of vitamin A capsules and vitamin A tablets. Both forms are easy to use and quickly enter the bloodstream. 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 plant 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 eating. However, if you have a sensitive stomach and cannot take vitamin A tablets or capsules on an empty stomach, you should eat something beforehand and then take the food supplements. In general, you should always make sure that the product was produced in Germany in order to ensure a consistently high quality of the product. If you buy a product from Germany, you can be sure that the product was also produced safely and is of high quality.
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 capsules contain 3,000 µg of pure retinyl acetate per capsule. Each can contains 90 capsules. In addition to fast and free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.
5. Conclusion: Vitamin A for the mucous membranes
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the health of mucous membranes. It promotes the integrity and regeneration of these tissues, which is particularly important for the immune system, as intact mucous membranes serve as a barrier against pathogens. Adequate vitamin A levels help prevent infections and support healing in existing mucous membrane diseases. It is therefore essential to ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamin A or its precursors (such as beta-carotene) to strengthen the mucous membranes and thus the entire immune system.