Nutri News September 2022

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and heart disease.1 Most significantly, Vitamin A is
recognized for its major purpose in eye health and
vision since it is vital in maintaining and protecting
your cornea (the outer layer of the eye) as well as
the thin membrane or conjunctiva that covers the
exterior of your eyes and inside your eyelids. This
occurs because a protein called opsin combines
with the active form of vitamin A or retinal, to form
a molecule that aids in low light and color vision
called rhodopsin.2
These are all crucial, which is why it is critical to
ensure that you are getting the proper quantity.
Unfortunately, because vitamin A is a fat-soluble
vitamin, it can cause both deficiency and toxicity.
If you are deficient or consume less than 700 mcg
per day, you may have a higher risk of infection,
skin difficulties, pregnancy troubles, and blindness.
Vitamin A insufficiency is the leading cause of
avoidable blindness (in children) worldwide. Due to
restricted dietary sources, deficiency is especially
common in infants, those with cystic fibrosis, and
vegans. However, if you consume too much vitamin
A and exceed the tolerated upper limit of 3,000
mcg, you may have nausea, vomiting, joint/bone
pain, eyesight abnormalities, and liver damage,
among other symptoms. Toxicity is uncommon,
although it can occur as a result of high vitamin A
consumption, such as liver and supplements.2 As a
result, it is critical to consult with your doctor or a
dietitian to ensure that you are getting adequate
vitamins and minerals.
Remember that Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin,
and your body is quite good at storing what it
requires to function properly. In general, a healthy,
well-balanced diet provides adequate Vitamin A,
but if you believe you require more or less, consult
your doctor or a local dietician!
Resources:
1. Vitamin A. Mayo Clinic. Published 2020.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplementsvitamin-a/art-20365945
Accessed July 23, 2022.
2. Kubala J. Vitamin A: Benefits, Deficiency, Toxicity,
and More. Healthline. Published April 5, 2022.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a
Accessed July 23, 2022.