SUPPLEMENT SCRIBBLES

VITAMIN A

What is it?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, that exists in two forms. Vitamin A, retinol, is found in fish. eggs and dairy. The second type is provitamin A carotenoids, also fat soluble, found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach and is the type used in skin products

Most of the population of the US does not need additional Vitamin A. They get it from their diet. Nonetheless, patients with Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis cannot absorb fat correctly and those in lower income countries may need supplementation.

What does it do?

Retinal: It pairs up with opsins form rhodopsin, a pigment type is necessary for low light and color vision. It is a part of the biochemical process that allows us to see light.
Immunity; Vitamin A helps keep the skin and mucosal cells intact which helps to protect the skin from infection.
Embryonic development: Vitamin A is crucial in cell growth, differentiation, and communication. It promotes cell turnover and repair
Antioxidant: Retinol, Beta-carotene, helps to protect cells from damage from free radicals. It can also be converted into retinal for visual purposes when needed.

Why do I need it?

Without enough vitamin A problems like night blindness, infections, and skin development issues in children may develop. If severe it can cause xerophthalmia, This condition can lead to blindness.

Can I take too much?

Absolutely. Continued ingestion of large amount of Vitamin A may cause hair loss, liver problems like fibrosis or cirrhosis. Skin issues such as dry itchy skin and cracked lips. Bone and joint pain, a higher risk of fractures and skull softening in children vision disturbances. Birth defects could be the result if high doses are taken during pregnancy. Visual changes like blurred vision may occur. Additionally, loss off appetite, fatigue, dizziness and enlarged spleen may happen if excess consumption continues.

Beta-carotene does not cause the same type of problems. It is plant based; however, if taken in high doses is may cause jaundice and lung cancer in smokers.

How much should I take?

According to the National Institutes of Health, men need 900 mcg and women need 700 mcg daily.

Vitamin A is fat soluble so it should be taken with a meal containing some fat for the best absorption. If anemia is a problem for you taking Vitamin A with iron may make them more powerful. More studies are needed but it does not hurt to take them together. It should not be taken with Vitamin D because they bind to the same type of receptors. Vitamin A can block the action of Vitamin D.

There are so many to choose from. Which one should I take?

As always. consult your health care provider before starting this or any other vitamin/supplement. Furthermore make sure the vitamins/supplements you are taking are of good quality. Vitamins/supplements are not regulated by the FDA. What you find in the grocery/drug store may just be a waste of your money. The best way to make sure of this is to purchase pharmaceutical grade vitamins/supplements from your health care provider. My favorite company is Xymogen. Their products are made here in the USA and are certified to have in them what they say they do. I will place a link at the bottom of this page for your convivence.

To contact Xymogen

http://www.wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas

For any comments or questions you may contact me at

SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com

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