Importance Of Vitamin A

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Vitamin A This micronutrient is an essential for our bodies. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which is stored in the liver. The main function of the vitamin is to maintain healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissues and mucous membranes, cell division, production of white blood cells, good vision, reproduction and breastfeeding. There are 3 forms of vitamin A: retinols, beta carotenes, and carotenoids. They are further classified as preformed vitamins and provitamins. Retinol is a preformed Vitamin A often in animal based products whereas, beta carotene is a pro-vitamin A often in plant based products. Vitamin A intake is a necessity and varies with the age groups and sex. Infants from 0 to 6 months should intake 400 micrograms per day and 7 to 12 months should intake 500 micrograms/day. The recommended dietary …show more content…

The main reason we eat is to nourish our bodies so we can convert it to the energy we need on a daily basis. Macronutrients and micronutrients are an essential to get us through our day however, our diet may lack either or. You can improve your nutritional health by eating a variety of foods from the food pyramid. For example eating a variety of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, dairy products, legumes and lentils. Food sources that are rich in Vitamin A are eggs, beef liver, fish, cheese, dark green often leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale), orange and yellow vegetables and fruits (carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, sweet potatoes, papaya, pumpkin, mangoes) and bell peppers (red). Adding on, these foods may be high in saturated fat as well as cholesterol. In my opinion, this is the best way to fulfill the daily requirement of vitamins recommended for your age group and sex. A balanced diet of including something from every food group will be beneficial towards your health. Furthermore, dietary supplements are not necessary unless you’re deficient of this Vitamin

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