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vitamin A


n.

A fat-soluble vitamin or a mixture of vitamins, especially vitamin A1 or a mixture of vitamins A1 and A2, occurring principally in fish-liver oils, milk, and some yellow and dark green vegetables, and functioning in normal cell growth and development. Its deficiency causes hardening and roughening of the skin, night blindness, and degeneration of mucous membranes. Also called retinol.


 
 

A pale-yellow alcohol, soluble in fat but not in water. In pure form, it is readily destroyed by oxidation and light, which may cause losses during storage. Vitamin A is found in all animal tissues, although it is particularly concentrated in the liver. There are two different dietary sources for the vitamin: animal sources which contain vitamin A itself, mostly in the form of retinyl esters, and plant sources which contain carotenoids that are converted to vitamin A in animal tissues such as the absorptive cells in the intestine. The most vitamin A–enriched animal food source is fish liver oil. Plant carotenoids are found in green and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, asparagus, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables. See also Carotenoid.

In vitamin A deficiency, the epithelial tissues of many organs are affected. Growth failure occurs, and young animals can suffer from neurological symptoms resulting from pressures on the central nervous system. Vitamin A deficiency is also strongly associated with depressed immune function and higher morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases such as diarrhea, measles, and respiratory infections. A severe manifestation of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness and inflammation of the eyes (xerophthalmia), followed by irreversible blindness.

The symptoms seen in vitamin A deficiency reflect the multiple roles of this compound in animals. These roles are fulfilled by two compounds that are synthesized from vitamin A in the body: vitamin A aldehyde (retinaldehyde), which is critical for vision, and vitamin A acid (retinoic acid), which controls many physiological functions in both the embryo and the adult. See also Vision.

Studies of many mammalian species suggested that approximately 20 IU (6 μg) of vitamin A per kilogram of body weight will support growth and prevent symptoms of deficiency. The current intake recommendations of vitamin A in the United States is 3 mg/day and about 1 mg/day in the European Union. See also Vitamin.


 

Essential in the diet either as the preformed vitamin (retinol) found in animal foods or as a precursor, carotene, found in plant foods (usually both are present in the diet). Required for control of growth, cell turnover and fetal development, maintenance of fertility, and maintenance of the epithelial tissues lining the mouth and respiratory and urinary tracts; essential in vision.

Deficiency leads to slow adaptation to see in dim light (poor dark adaptation), an early sign of deficiency, and later to night blindness; then drying of the tear ducts (xerophthalmia) and ulceration of the cornea (keratomalacia) resulting in blindness.  Retinol occurs in animal products, especially liver, kidney, fish liver oils, milk, and butter. Carotene is found in green- and orange-coloured vegetables and fruits; especially rich in red palm oil and carrots.

The vitamin A content of foods is expressed as retinol equivalents, i.e. retinol plus carotene; 1 μg retinol = 6 μg β-carotene = 12 μg other active carotenoids = 3.33 international units.

 
Food and Fitness: vitamin A

retinol; carotene

A fat-soluble vitamin which helps with normal functioning of the mucus membranes of the eye and respiratory tract, and the formation of visual pigments in the eye. It is also essential for normal tissue growth and differentiation. Vitamin A can be manufactured in the body from beta-carotene, found in a variety of foods, particularly green vegetables and carrots. Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of all infections, especially those of the respiratory, digestive, and urinogenital tracts, and causes a number eye disorders, including night blindness. It is the most prevalent vitamin deficiency, affecting more than 200 million people worldwide. It is the commonest preventable cause of blindness in the world. However, in economically developed countries, most people can acquire adequate amounts from a well-balanced diet. There is little evidence to support the use of vitamin A supplements, even for athletes whose demands would be expected to be considerably higher than normal. Excessive intakes of vitamin A can lead to nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headaches, hairlessness, bone and joint pain, and bone fragility. (This toxicity applies only to preformed retinol; carotene is not toxic in excess.) Women who are, or might become, pregnant are advised not to take vitamin A supplements, unless advised to do so by their doctor. The safe upper limit in pregnancy (3300 micrograms per day) is considerably lower than for non-pregnant women (7500 micrograms per day) because there may be a risk to the developing baby.

The US Recommended Daily Allowance is 5000 IU or 750 microgram retinol equivalents (the UK adult Reference Nutrient Intake is 700 micrograms for males and 600 micrograms for females). A footballer, acting on the premise that more is better, attempted to improve his performance by consuming 100 000 IU of vitamin A a day in cod liver oil, liver, milk, and vitamin supplements. The huge amounts of vitamin A taken over a period of more than two months resulted in the footballer's legs swelling and becoming stiff, and his bones changing structure. Fortunately, the changes were reversed within a month of the diet being discontinued.

 
Dental Dictionary: vitamin A

n

(retinal, retinol, retinoic acid), a fatsoluble substance, occurring in several chemical forms in food and function: retinal, an aldehyde; retinol, an alcohol; and retinoic acid, an acid. All three function in calcified and epithelial tissue growth. The aldehyde-alcohol (retinal-retinol) interconversion allows regeneration of rhodopsin (visual purple) in the rod cells of the retina. A deficiency results in hyperkeratinization of non-secretory protective epithelium, deranged secretory function of the mucous membrane, dark dysadaptation (night blindness), and possibly, enamel hypoplasia. Dietary sources include liver, kidney, and lung as well as carotenes (provitamins A) from the plant kingdom.

 
Drug Info: Vitamin A

Brand names: Aquasol A®, Unilife-A™



Vitamin A capsules

What are vitamin A capsules?

VITAMIN A (Aquasol A®) is a naturally occurring vitamin. There are two natural sources of vitamin A. Eggs, butter, milk, meat, and oily fish contain retinol, the primary retinoid of animal origin. Green and yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, a carotenoid of plant origin, that is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is necessary for normal health and growth, especially of the eyes and skin. A deficiency of vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry eyes, eye infections, skin problems, and slowed growth. A normal balanced diet contains a sufficient amount of vitamin A for good health. Only take vitamin A under your prescriber's supervision. Large amounts of vitamin A taken over a long time can cause serious, unwanted effects. Generic vitamin A capsules are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
• an alcohol problem
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• vitamin A toxicity
• an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I take this medicine?

Take vitamin A capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. To reduce upset stomach take vitamin A with food. To make it easier for children to swallow you can open the capsule and mix the contents with jam, applesauce or other foods. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip that dose. Continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not double or take extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with vitamin A?

• cholestyramine
• etretinate
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• isotretinoin
• mineral oil
• orlistat
• porfimer PDT
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking vitamin A?

Make sure you have a proper diet. Taking supplemental vitamin A does not replace the need for a balanced diet.

Do not take vitamin A supplements if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Too much vitamin A can cause birth defects.

What side effects may I notice from taking vitamin A?

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A does not cause any side effects.
Side effects related to overdose include:
• dark yellow or brown urine
• bleeding from gums, sore lips and mouth
• bulging soft spot on the head of babies
• confusion, irritability, unusual excitement
• diarrhea
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry, cracked or peeling of skin
• double vision
• headache (severe)
• joint pains
• nausea, vomiting
• sweating
• unusual tiredness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you think you have taken an overdose and have any of these side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.


Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

 

Description

Vitamin A is one of four fat-soluble vitamins necessary for good health. It serves an important role as an antioxidant by helping to prevent free radicals from causing cellular damage. Adequate levels are important for good eyesight, and poor night vision may be one of the first symptoms of a deficiency. It is also necessary for proper function of the immune, skeletal, respiratory, reproductive, and integumentary (skin) systems.

General Use

An adequate level of vitamin A unquestionably contributes to good health. It is essential for the proper function of the retina, where it can act to prevent night blindness, as well as lower the odds of getting age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly. There is also evidence that good levels of vitamin A in the form of carotenoids may decrease the risk of certain cancers, heart attacks, and strokes. The immune system is also strengthened. It is unclear, however, if supplemental forms of vitamin A have the same benefit as consuming the nutrient in natural foods in the case of a person without deficiency. Taking high levels of vitamin A in any supplemental form is not advisable without the counsel of a healthcare professional.

Preparations

Natural Sources

There are two basic forms of vitamin A. Retinoids, the active types, are contained in animal sources, including meat, whole milk, and eggs. Liver is particularly rich in vitamin A, since it is one of the storage sites for excess. Precursor forms of the vitamin (carotenoids) are found in orange and leafy green produce such as sweet potatoes, carrots, collard greens, spinach, winter squash, kale, and turnip greens. Very fresh foods have the highest levels, followed by frozen foods. Typically, canned produce has little vitamin A. Preparing vegetables by steaming, baking, or grilling helps them to release the carotenes they contain. Alpha and beta carotene, as well as some of the other lesser-known carotenoids, can be converted to vitamin A in the small intestine. This is done by the body on an as-needed basis, so there is no risk of overdose as there is with the active form.

Supplemental Sources

Supplements may contain either the active or precursor forms of vitamin A. The active form may be more desirable for those who may have some difficulty in converting the carotenoids into the active vitamin. This is more often true in those over age 55 or who have a condition that impairs the absorption of fat. There is a water-soluble form of the vitamin, retinyl palmitate, which may be better utilized in the latter case. Carotenes are also available either as oil-based or natural water-based formulas. Be sure to store both away from light and heat, which will destroy them.

Units

There are several units that can express the amount of vitamin A activity in a product. Many supplements are still labeled with the old International Unit (IU), although the more current and most accurate unit is the Retinol Equivalent (RE). The new measurement distinguishes between the differences in absorption of retinol and beta carotene. One RE is equal to one microgram (MICROg) of retinol, or six MICROg of beta carotene.

Dose Limits

Adults should take no more than 25,000 IU (5,000 RE) per day of vitamin A in its active form, except in the case of women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. The latter group should not exceed 10,000 IU (2,000 RE) per day in order to avoid potential toxic effects to the fetus. The best way to get vitamins is in the natural food form, as the complexities are not always either known or reproducible in a supplement. A diet rich in foods containing carotenoids is optimal, but in the event of nutritional deficiencies, supplements may be needed. Mixed carotenoids are preferable to either large doses of vitamin A or pure beta carotene supplements to avoid toxicity and maximize healthful benefits. Some of the minor carotenoids appear to have beneficial effects that are still being explored. A good mixture will contain alpha and beta carotene, as well as lycopene and xanthophylls. Eating foods high in many carotenoids may confer some benefits—such as a lower risk of cancer, heart attacks, and strokes—which a supplement may not.

Deficiency

Levels of vitamin A low enough to cause symptomatic deficiency are uncommon in people of normal health in industrialized nations. Symptoms of deficiency may include, but are not limited to, loss of appetite, poor immune function causing frequent infections (especially respiratory), hair loss, rashes, dry skin and eyes, visual difficulties including night blindness, poor growth, and fatigue. Generally symptoms are not manifested unless the deficiency has existed for a period of months. Deficiencies are more likely in people who are malnourished, including alcoholics, the chronically ill, and those with impaired fat absorption. Another group at increased risk of vitamin A deficiency are persons with type 1 diabetes whose disorder is poorly controlled. People with normal health and nutritional status have a considerable vitamin A reserve.

In countries where nutritional status tends to be poor and deficiency is more common, vitamin A has been found to reduce the mortality rate of children suffering from a number of different viral infections.

Experts in plant genetics have been working on a strain of rice that contains beta carotene, hoping to help people in developing countries avoid the risk of vitamin A deficiency. Known as Golden Rice, the new strain is being sent to research institutes in developing countries for further study.

Risk Factors for Deficiency

Taking the RDA level of a nutrient will prevent a deficiency in most people, but under certain circumstances, an individual may require higher doses of vitamin A. Those who consume alcoholic beverages may be more prone to vitamin A deficiency. People taking some medications, including birth control pills, methotrexate, cholestyramine, colestipol, and drugs that act to sequester bile will also need larger amounts. Those who are malnourished, chronically ill, or recovering from surgery or other injuries may also benefit from a higher than average dose. Patients undergoing treatments for cancer, including radiation and chemotherapy, typically have compromised immune systems that may be boosted by judicious supplementation with vitamin A. Other conditions that may impair vitamin A balance include chronic diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, and kidney or liver disease. Diabetics are often deficient in vitamin A, but may also be more susceptible to toxicity. Any supplementation for these conditions should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Supplements are best taken in the form of carotenoids to avoid any potential for toxicity. There is not an established RDA for beta carotene. Recommendations for how much to take vary between 6 and 30 mg a day, but the middle range—around 15 mg—is a reasonable average.

Precautions

Overdose can occur when taking megadoses of the active form of this vitamin. Amounts above what is being utilized by the body accumulate in the liver and fatty tissues. Symptoms may include dry lips and skin, bone and joint pain, liver and spleen enlargement, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, blurry or double vision, confusion, irritability, fatigue, and bulging fontanel (soft spot on the head) in infants; these are most often reversible, but a doctor should be contacted if a known overdose occurs. Very high levels of vitamin A may also create deficiencies of vitamins C, E, and K. Symptoms will generally appear within six hours following an acute overdose, and take a few weeks to resolve after ceasing the supplement. Children are more sensitive to high levels of vitamin A than adults are, so instructions on products designed for children should be followed with particular care. Vitamin supplements should always be kept out of reach of children.

It is especially important to avoid overdoses in pregnancy, as it may cause miscarriage or fetal malformations. Using supplements that provide carotenoids will avoid the potential of overdose. Those with kidney disease are also at higher risk for toxicity due to either vitamin A or beta carotene, and should not take these supplements without professional healthcare advice.

There is some evidence that taking beta carotene supplements puts smokers at a higher risk of lung cancers. The CARET (Beta Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial) study is one that demonstrated this effect. Clarification through more study is needed, as evidence also exists showing that beta carotene, along with other antioxidants, can be a factor in cancer prevention. For example, a team of American researchers has recently reviewed evidence that vitamin A protects against bladder cancer, and a group in Germany is testing an aerosol form of vitamin A to prevent lung cancer. Some of the lesser-known carotenoids may be key factors in the relationship between vitamin intake and cancer. Whole sources of vitamin A are better obtained from foods than from supplements. Smokers should consult with a healthcare provider before taking supplemental beta carotene.

Side Effects

Very high levels of carotenoids (carotenemia) may cause an orange discoloration of the skin, which is harmless and transient.

Interactions

Vitamin A supplements should not be taken in conjunction with any retinoid medications, including isotretinoin (Accutane), a drug used to treat acne. There is a higher risk of toxicity.

A very low fat diet or use of fat substitutes impairs absorption of all the fat-soluble vitamins, including A. Mineral oil and aluminum-containing antacids may also inhibit absorption, as do the cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine and colestipol. Vitamin A reserves of the body are depleted by a number of substances, including alcohol, barbiturates, caffeine, cortisone, tobacco, and very high levels of vitamin E. Overuse of alcohol and vitamin A together may increase the possibility of liver damage.

Taking appropriate doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium optimizes absorption and use of vitamin A and carotenoids. As vitamin A is fat-soluble, a small amount of dietary fat is also helpful.

Studies of both children and pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia show that this condition is better treated with a combination of iron supplements and vitamin A than with iron alone.

Resources

Books

Bratman, Steven, and David Kroll. Natural Health Bible. Prima Publishing, 1999.

Feinstein, Alice. Prevention's Healing with Vitamins. Rodale Press, 1996.

Griffith, H. Winter. Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements: The Complete Guide. Fisher Books, 1998.

Jellin, Jeff, Forrest Batz, and Kathy Hitchens. Pharmacist's letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty, 1999.

Periodicals

Baena, R. M., C. Campoy, R. Bayes, et al. "Vitamin A, Retinol-Binding Protein and Lipids in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus." European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 56 (January 2002): 44–50.

Beyer, P., S. Al-Babili, X. Ye, et al. "Golden Rice: Introducing the Beta-Carotene Biosynthesis Pathway Into Rice Endosperm by Genetic Engineering to Defeat Vitamin A Deficiency." Journal of Nutrition 132 (March 2002): 506S–510S.

Kamat, A. M., and D. L. Lamm. "Chemoprevention of Bladder Cancer." Urology Clinics of North America 29 (February 2002): 157–168.

Kohlhaufl, M., K. Haussinger, F. Stanzel, et al. "Inhalation of Aerosolized Vitamin A: Reversibility of Metaplasia and Dysplasia of Human Respiratory Epithelia—A Prospective Pilot Study." European Journal of Medical Research 7 (February 21, 2002): 72–78.

Miksad, R., V. de Ledinghen, C. McDougall, et al. "Hepatic Hydrothorax Associated with Vitamin A Toxicity." Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 34 (March 2002): 275–279.

van den Berg, H., M. van der Gaag, and H. Hendriks. "Influence of Lifestyle on Vitamin Bioavailability." International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research 72 (January 2002): 53–59.

Yeum, K. J., and R. M. Russell. "Carotenoid Bioavailability and Bioconversion." Annual Review of Nutrition 22 (2002): 483–504.

[Article by: Judith Turner; Rebecca J. Frey, PhD]

 

Fat-soluble alcohol, most abundant in fatty fish and especially in fish-liver oils. It is not found in plants, but many vegetables and fruits contain beta-carotene (see carotene), which is readily converted in the body to vitamin A. It functions directly in vision, especially night vision. A derivative, retinaldehyde, is a component of the visual pigments, including rhodopsin, in the retina. Humans require vitamin A in very small amounts. Unlike carotenes, it is toxic in large amounts and is readily destroyed by exposure to heat, light, or air.

For more information on vitamin A, visit Britannica.com.

 

retinol

A fat-soluble vitamin which helps with normal functioning of the mucous membranes of the eye and respiratory tract, and the formation of visual pigments in the eye. Vitamin A can be manufactured in the body from beta carotene, found in a variety of foods particularly green vegetables and carrots. Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of infections of the respiratory, digestive, and urinogenital tracts, and causes a number eye disorders, including night blindness. Although it is the most prevalent vitamin deficiency in the world, most people can acquire adequate amounts from a well-balanced diet. There is little evidence to support the use of vitamin A supplements, even for athletes whose demands would be expected to be considerably higher than normal. Excessive intakes of vitamin A can lead to nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headaches, hairlessness, bone and joint pain, and bone fragility.

 

A fat-soluble, organic alcohol formed in animal tissues from carotenoids found in plants. Called also retinol. It is formed from carotenoids, principally carotene, in the intestinal epithelium, except by cats, and stored in the liver. It is essential for the proper growth and maintenance of surface epithelium, for the accurate sculpting and proper growth of bones, and for the maintenance of light-sensitive pigments in the eye.
Nutritional deficiency due to lack of carotene in the diet in herbivores and to lack of carotene and preformed vitamin A in the diet in omnivores and carnivores causes hypovitaminosis A. The resulting clinical syndrome varies with species and age. In young animals there is compression of the brain and spinal cord caused by faulty bone growth and characterized by convulsions, blindness and posterior paralysis. In other animals there is night blindness, corneal keratinization, pityriasis, hoof defects, infertility and possibly congenital defects.
Hypovitaminosis in birds is manifested by poor egg production, ocular discharge at first watery then thick and caseous, a nasal discharge and pustular lesions and accumulations of caseous material in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and trachea.

  • v. A2 — called also dehydroretinol and found in fish livers. Has the same effects and efficiency as retinol; it is absorbed unchanged and is immediately metabolically active.
  • v. A excess — see hypervitaminosis A.
  • v. A poisoning — see hypervitaminosis A.
  • v. A-responsive dermatosis — seborrhea, particularly in Cocker spaniels, is sometimes found to be responsive to vitamin A.
  • teratogenic v. A — causes abnormalities in closure of the neural tube in the developing fetus causing defects in the brain, eye and heart.
 
Wikipedia: Vitamin A
The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A
Enlarge
The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient. It exists not as a single compound, but in several forms. In foods of animal origin, the major form of vitamin A is an alcohol (retinol), but can also exist as an aldehyde (retinal), or as an acid (retinoic acid). Precursors to the vitamin (a provitamin) are present in foods of plant origin as some of the members of the carotenoid family of compounds.[1]

All forms of Vitamin A have a Beta-ionone ring to which an isoprenoid chain is attached. This structure is essential for vitamin activity.[1]

  • retinol, the animal form of Vitamin A, is a yellow, fat-soluble, vitamin with importance in vision and bone growth.
  • other retinoids, a class of chemical compounds that are related chemically to Vitamin A, are used in medicine.[2]

Discovery of Vitamin A

The discovery of Vitamin A stemmed from research dating back to 1906, indicating that factors other than carbohydrates, proteins, and fats were necessary to keep cattle healthy.[3] By 1917 one of these substances was independently discovered by Elmer McCollum at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Lafayette Mendel and Thomas Osborne at Yale University. Since "water-soluble factor B" (Vitamin B) had recently been discovered, the researchers chose the name "fat-soluble factor A".[3]

Sources

Vitamin A is found naturally in many foods. Each of the following contains at least 0.15 mg of Vitamin A or beta carotene per 1.75-7 oz. (50-200 g): butter, lemon, sweet potatoes, carrots, collard greens, milk, beetroot, pumpkin, spinach, beef, apple, winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe melon, mango, liver, (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish) eggs, broccoli, and leafy vegetables.

Recommended daily intake

Vitamin A US Dietary Reference Intake:

  • 900 micrograms for men
  • 700 for women.
  • Upper limit - 3,000 micrograms.

(Note that the limit refers to retinoid forms of vitamin A. Carotene forms from dietary sources are not toxic.[4])

Equivalencies of retinoids and carotenoids

Vitamin A intake is often expressed in international units (IU) or as retinol equivalents (RE), with 1 IU = 0.3 micrograms retinol. Because the production of retinol from provitamins by the human body is regulated by the amount of retinol available to the body, the conversions apply strictly only for Vitamin A deficient humans. The absorption of provitamins also depends greatly on the amount of lipids ingested with the provitamin; lipids increase the uptake of the provitamin.[5]

Substance and its chemical environment Micrograms of retinol equivalent per microgram of the substance
retinol 1
beta-carotene, dissolved in oil 1/2
beta-carotene, common dietary 1/12
alpha-carotene, common dietary 1/24
beta-cryptoxanthin, common dietary 1/24

Conversion of carotenoids into retinol relies on adequate intake of vitamin C, zinc and protein.[citation needed]

Symptoms of deficiency

Night blindness, corneal drying (xerosis), triangular gray spots on eye (Bitot's spots), corneal degeneration and blindness (xerophthalmia)[6], impaired immunity, hypokeratosis (white lumps at hair follicles), softening of the cornea (keratomalacia).

Symptoms of overdose


Main article: Hypervitaminosis A

As vitamin A is fat-soluble, disposing of any excesses taken in through diet is a lot harder than with water-soluble vitamins B and C. As such, vitamin A toxicity can result. This can lead to nausea, jaundice, irritability, anorexia (not to be confused with anorexia nervosa, the eating disorder), vomiting, blurry vision, headaches, muscle and abdominal pain and weakness, drowsiness and altered mentality.

In chronic cases, hair loss, drying of the mucous membranes, fever, insomnia, fatigue, weight loss, bone fractures, anemia, and diarrhea can all be evident on top of the symptoms associated with less serious toxicity.[7]

See also

External links

References

  1. ^ a b Carolyn Berdanier. 1997. Advanced Nutrition Micronutrients. pp 22-39
  2. ^ American Cancer Society: Retinoid Therapy
  3. ^ a b Wolf, George (2001-04-19). "Discovery of Vitamin A". Encyclopedia of Life Sciences. doi:10.1038/npg.els.0003419. Retrieved on 2007-07-21. 
  4. ^ Sources of vitamin A. Retrieved on 2007-08-27.
  5. ^ NW Solomons, M Orozco. Alleviation of Vitamin A deficiency with palm fruit and its products. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2003
  6. ^ Roncone DP (2006). "Xerophthalmia secondary to alcohol-induced malnutrition". Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.) 77 (3): 124-33. DOI:10.1016/j.optm.2006.01.005. PMID 16513513. Retrieved on 2007-08-18. 
  7. ^ http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2382.htm

 
 

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