Vitamin A
What Is It?
Vitamin A was the first vitamin to be discovered in 1913 by Elmer McCollum an american biochemist. There are 2 different forms of vitamin A - the first, a form of retinoid acid, retinal and retinol, which is absorbed into the body when eating animal foods, this type is a fat soluble vitamin and can be stored in the body.
The other form, water soluble vitamin (pro-vitamin A) are carotenoids (beta-carotene) which the body converts into retinal (vitamin A) when needed. Carotenoids are found in some fruits and vegetables with the highest concentration found in those coloured orange.
Vitamin A can be destroyed by heat, light, alcohol, coffee and smoking.
Why Do We Need It?
Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant so works at destroying free radicals before they can cause harm in the body. This vitamin can also slow down the ageing process. It helps cell reproduction, growth, appetite, stimulates immunity and is needed in for the formation of some hormones. It helps vision and promotes bone growth, tooth development, whilst helping to maintain healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It has been shown to be an effective preventative against cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and measles.
Without vitamin A protein cannot be utilised by the body.
Deficiency Symptoms
Deficiency is more common in under-developed countries, one of the earliest signs is night blindness which, if left untreated can lead to permanent blindness.
Other symptoms can present as:
- Dry hair and/or skin
- Mouth ulcers
- Thrush
- Cystitis
- Poor bone growth
- Weak tooth enamel
- Itchy eyes
- Poor vision
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Reproductive difficulties
- Pneumonia
- Sinusitis
- Tendency towards colds and infections.
A deficiency in vitamin A can also lead to a loss of vitamin C.
Where Can We Find It?
You can find either beta-carotene (required by the body to make vitamin A as needed) or vitamin A naturally in the following;-
Apples, apricots, asparagus, avocado, banana, blueberry, blackcurrant, cantaloupes, cherries, chestnuts, cranberry, grapefruit, grape, yellow pepper, guava, kiwi, lemon, lime, mango, nectarine, papaya, passion fruit, peaches, watermelons, red pepper, oranges, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, mint, parsley kale, leeks, melon, peas, pecans, pistachio’s pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, squash, swiss chard, tangerine, tomato, watercress and wheatgrass. Eating these raw for maximum vitamin intake.
Be Aware...
You cannot overdose on vitamin A by eating carotenoid rich fruits and vegetables as the body makes only what it needs - so if you are eating a wide range of fruits and vegetables you should not need supplements unless you are aware you are lacking.
Taking high doses of vitamin A from supplements or animal foods which is stored in the liver is not a good idea, as high doses of vitamin A in supplement form can lead to liver problems. However, without the cause for panic this is possible only when taking excessive amounts of this vitamin on a regular basis. The safest way to avoid problems is to ensure you get your RDA from raw fruits and vegetables.
While pregnant it is also best to avoid taking vitamin A by supplements or animal products as excessive doses are known to cause birth defects. During pregnancy vitamin A should be obtained from fruits and vegetables as the better alternative. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
Antibiotics, laxatives and some cholesterol lowering drugs can interfere with the absorption of vitamin A.
If you have diabetes or hypothyroidism there is a possibility your body cannot convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A, so consuming large amounts of beta-carotene may place un-necessary stress on your liver.
If taking cholestyramine or antacids check with your GP as they may impair absorption of Vitamin A.
Because of the possibility of unfavourable reactions Vitamin A supplements should NOT be taken in conjunction with the acne drug Accutane (isotretinoin).
Studies/Research
Clinical studies have found that when combined with alcohol large doses of supplemented vitamin A may hasten the development of liver damage.
Clinical studies have also found that Vitamin A deficiency in celiac disease may be due to the malabsorption of fats.
Please Note
Vitamins are an essential part of maintaining a fully functional, healthy body, they assist in the growth and development of the body. In combination with all the other essential nutrients they play a part in many roles including metabolism, immunity and digestion. The best and natural way to meet your vitamin needs is to eat a balanced diet containing a variety of raw fruits and vegetables. If you can't meet your needs through food alone, then, and only then you may require dietary supplements. If you feel you need help via alternative methods you must seek guidance from your doctor, nutritionist or natural juice therapist before taking supplements.
References
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch CNC
Vitamins & Minerals Demystified - Dr Steve Blake
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Melvyn R Werbach
www.explorevitamins.co.uk
www.ods.od.nih.gov
www.accutaneaction.com
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.