T here are two dietary forms of vitamin A; Retinol and Beta Carotene. Retinol is fat soluble and is found in animal products, such as fish liver oils, liver, eggs, butter, cheese and milk. Beta Carotene is a water-soluble “precursor” to vitamin A and is found in plant foods such as apricots, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, dandelion greens, collards, Swiss chard, oat flakes, cantaloupe and other green and yellow fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene has antiox- idant properties above and beyond its ability to provide vitamin A. Diabetics and those with low thyroid function may have difficulty converting beta carotene into retinol; therefore, they need to get most of their vitamin A from retinol sources. Vitamin A is critical for vision because it is an essential component of the protein “rhodopsin” (a protein that absorbs light in the retinal receptors), and because it supports the normal functioning of the conjunctival membranes and the cornea. Vitamin A also supports cell growth, playing a critical role in the normal formation and main- tenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. One of the early signs of vitamin A deficiency is “xerophthalmia” or “night blindness” the inabil- ity to see in low light or darkness. People with vitamin A deficiency tend to have low iron status, which can lead to anemia. Vitamin A deficiency also increases the risk and severity of infections. Vitamin A is involved in immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication.
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Dry eyes
Eyelids red, scaly, dry, swollen Eye inflammations, conjunctivitis
Holistic Health Nutrients A to Z: Vitamin A By Janice Buckler
Styes on eyelids
Get colds or respiratory infections easily
Sinus problems
Abscesses in ears, mouth or salivary glands
Brittle or dry hair
Dry, rough or scaly skin
Hard ‘goosebumps’ on back of arms
Acne, pimples or blackheads
Warts
Kidney, urinary or bladder infections, burning or itching when urinating
Supplementary ranges for beta carotene, if no retinol is taken: 30,000 - 180,000 I.U.
Supplementary ranges for beta carotene if taken with retinol: 3,000 - 30,000 I.U.
Other symptoms of low vitamin A are: •
I hope that this information was helpful and remember a healthier you is a more productive you.
Eyes sensitive to glare, sunlight or bright lights
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JUNE 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JUNE 2019 I I I
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