| Major dietary sources of vitamin A include liver,
egg yolk, fortified milk, cream and cheese. Major dietary sources of beta carotene include
dark green leafy vegetables, deep orange or yellow fruits and vegetables, and fortified
cereals. Vitamin A is composed of compounds called retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids
and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are precursors of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is measured
in Retinol Equivalents (RE's). Retinol Equivalents measure the vitamin A activity of a
food. Major Body Functions:
>Helps in the formation and maintenance of
healthy skin and hair
>Promotes proper bone growth and tooth development
>Needed to maintain good vision
>Fortifies the immune system
>Maintains protective lining of lungs, intestine, urinary tract and other organs
Deficiency Symptoms:
>Night blindness
>Xerophthalmia (abnormal dryness and thickening of the cornea)
>Hyperkeratosis (plugging of hair follicles with keratin, forming white clumps)
>Depression of immune reactions
Excessive Intake and Toxicity Symptoms of Vitamin
A:
>Liver Damage
>Nausea and vomiting
>Alopecia (hair can be easily plucked)
>Headache
>Joint pain
>Dry skin and hair, cracked lips
>Loss of appetite
>Birth defects
Excessive Intake and Toxicity Symptoms of Beta
Carotene:
>Yellow/orange skin color, especially on palms of
the hands and soles of the feet |
