Vitamin A: Everything You Need to Know

Vitamin A – we need it for that

In particular, the antioxidants that destroy free radicals in our body have earned vitamin A the reputation of being a beauty vitamin.

• However, vitamin A not only destroys the free radicals that, among other things, cause our skin to age faster. The beauty vitamin is also involved in the regeneration and development of the skin.
• Vitamin A is particularly important for our eyes. Among other things, it protects us from night blindness.
• Vitamin A is also involved in the formation of blood cells and antibodies.
• Vitamin A is also essential for a stable nervous system.
• In order for the immune system to protect the body efficiently, it also needs vitamin A.
• Although our body urgently needs vitamin A for essential functions, you should be careful not to overdose on it. Vitamin A is one of the fat-soluble vitamins that our body stores. In contrast to the water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, which is excreted relatively quickly by our body.
• Vitamin A is mainly stored in the liver, so an overdose can, in the worst case, lead to liver damage. There is also a risk of developing osteoporosis. In the short term, an increased vitamin A content in the body can manifest itself, for example, as headaches or nausea.

Vitamin A – that’s where you’ll find it

The daily requirement of vitamin A depends on the respective living conditions. As an adult, you need around 0.8 to 1 mg of vitamin A. If you are pregnant, you should consult your gynecologist because you have a particularly high vitamin A requirement.

• Vitamin A is one of the vitamins that our body cannot produce itself, such as vitamin D. A healthy diet is therefore important.
• Strictly speaking, vitamin A does not include one substance, but a whole group of substances. Vitamin A, also known as the retinyl ester, is found exclusively in animal foods.
• Fatty fish such as salmon and innards such as liver contains a particularly large amount of vitamin A. Animal products such as eggs or milk products also contain the vitamin in larger quantities.
• Vegans can also take vitamin A with their daily diet and do not have to rely on dietary supplements. So-called provitamins, a kind of precursor of the A vitamin, are found in many plant-based foods. This is often beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
• Carrots in particular are known for their high beta-carotene content. But carotenes are also found in other vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spring onions, kale, and tomatoes. Basically, you’re always safe by eating red, orange, and dark green veggies.
• In order for the body to better utilize the beta-carotene, it is beneficial to cook the carrots before eating the vegetables. Incidentally, the same applies to tomatoes.
• Tip: By adding some vegetable oil, you also support the body in using the A vitamin.