The importance of Vitamin A
Discover the importance of vitamin A for a healthy body and radiant skin. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is essential for various bodily functions and is obtained naturally from dietary sources. Read on to discover how vitamin A plays a crucial role in various aspects of your health.
Types of vitamin A:
Vitamin A comes in different forms, of which retinol is the variant mainly found in animal products such as milk, meat and eggs. Plants provide carotenoids, of which beta-carotene is the best known. An average carrot contains 15 milligrams of beta-carotene, which is sufficient to meet the daily requirement of vitamin A.Important functions:
- Skin structure: Vitamin A is essential for building healthy skin.
- Eye Health: It plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the eyes.
- Immune System: Vitamin A supports the growth and functioning of the immune system.
- Blood corpuscles: It is involved in the production of new red blood cells.
- Bone production: Indispensable for growth and repair of bone fractures.
- Protein metabolism: Plays a role in protein production, especially in stressful situations.
- Growth of various organs: Supports the growth of skin, eyes, mucous membranes, lymphatic system, sex cells, teeth and bones.
Vitamin A and your health:
- Skin and mucous membranes: Essential for healthy cell growth in the skin and mucous membranes.
- Reproduction: Plays a role in the production of sex hormones and sperm quality.
- Resistance: Supports healthy skin and mucous membranes as a barrier against pathogens.
- Nervous System: Nourishes nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord and nerve pathways.
- Visibility: Crucial for the conversion of light into nerve impulses and essential for night vision.
Food rich in vitamin A:
Vitamin A (retinol) occurs naturally in foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. Liver is an excellent source, and butter is often fortified with vitamin A. Vegetables and fruits with a yellow or orange color, such as carrots, contain beta-carotene.Vitamin A in foods (Amount per 100g or serving):
- Liver (beef): 9.000 micrograms
- Egg (medium): 120 micrograms
- Cheese (30g): 102 micrograms
- Butter (10g): 60 micrograms
- Milk (full, 1 dl): 30 micrograms
