Let's Talk About: Vitamin A

Did you know that diabetics and people with hypothyroidism don’t always have the ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which is stored in our liver. Being fat soluble means, you need to consume fat in order for it to be absorbed by the body but it also means it could be toxic to our body (depending on the type of vitamin A) if we take too much for a prolonged period of time because unlike water soluble vitamins – excess of fat-soluble vitamins cannot be flushed out of our body.

There are two forms of vitamin A; Active form or retinol which is obtained from animal sources and beta carotene which is obtained from plant sources and is a well-known powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against cancer and other diseases. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver.

The effects of a Vitamin A deficiency in your body may show as symptoms such as: increased susceptibility to colds and infections, dry, rough or itchy skin, hard little bumps around elbows or on back of upper arms, dry eyes that are unable to produce tears, poor night vision or sensitivity to bright light, etc.

So to simplify, Vitamin A helps build a strong immune system, improves vision, makes the bones stronger, gives us healthy skin, is a well-known antioxidant that protects against cancer, among other things.

Best animal sources: animal livers, cod liver oil.

Best plant sources: Green and yellow fruits and vegetables; apricots, peaches, beet greens, dandelion greens, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots.

-K