This fat-soluble vitamin A belongs to a whole group of substances with diverse biological functions. In its pure form it is only contained in animal products. As provitamin A (beta-carotene), however, it is present in plant food and is then partially converted to retinol in the body.
Retinal, which belongs to the group of substances of vitamin A, is important, especially for the eyes, as it influences the formation of various visual dyes, which is important for contrast vision, for example, i.e. the perception of light and dark contrast. A deficiency is then the so-called night blindness.
Furthermore, vitamin A is good for the skin because it provides elasticity by converting the retinol in the skin into vitamin A acid. It stimulates cell growth in the skin and in the mucous membranes. Vitamin A is often used in cosmetic products as an anti-aging agent, as it is said to slow down cell aging.
Beta-carotene can be processed better if it is eaten together with fat. Because only as much of it is converted into vitamin A as the body needs.
One should be careful not to take too much vitamin A, because an overdose cannot be processed by the body. It can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, high blood pressure and hair loss. Such hypervitaminosis A, however, develops only after a prolonged intake with a high intake.
Important for:
the health and structure of the skin and mucous membranes
bone healing and bone formation
the production of antibodies and for the function of the immune system
the maintenance of healthy nerve cells
the production of sex hormones
a good eyesight
an antioxidant effect through beta-carotene
Signs of deficiency:
higher susceptibility to infections
dry skin
Night vision weakness and reduced visual acuity
brittle nails
Growth disorders
Tiredness
Iron Deficiency
Contained in: As vitamin A only in animal products, as precursor beta-carotene in fruit and vegetables.
FOOD
VITAMIN-A-CONTENT in mg/100 g
Butter
0,65 mg
Eggs
0,28 mg
Liver
17,9 mg
Cod Liver Oil
30 mg
Cheese
200 μg
Milk
0,03 mg
Lamb's lettuce
0,5 mg
Carrots
1,2 mg
Pumpkin
0,23 mg
Recommended daily dosage: Vitamin A mg/day
Infants
0,5 - 0,6 mg
Children and Teenagers
0,6 - 1,0 mg
Women
0,9 mg
Men
1 mg
Pregnant women
1,1 mg
in the nursing period
1,5 mg
VITAMIN A is contained in the following products from mySUPERFOOD: