Vitamin A

Deficiencies

A lack of Vitamin A in the body can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. A deficiency, however, can be devastating. The most common result of a Vitamin A deficiency is known as night blindness. Night blindness affects the ability to see well in low light, sometimes rendering the sufferer virtually blind during the night. Complete blindness can also occur, and is common in third world countries where malnourishment is prevalent.

Vitamin A deficiencies also reduce the body’s ability to prevent and fight infections. Common ailments may have a longer recovery time, while more serious, but not usually deadly, illnesses may prove fatal. In children, the risk of respiratory infection is increased even when only a mild Vitamin A deficiency is present. Vitamin A is essential during pregnancy as well. A deficiency can lead to poor fetal health or mortality, and even maternal mortality in rare cases.

Benefits

Vitamin A plays many roles within the body. It creates antioxidants and boosts the immune system, thereby enabling the body to more efficiently fight of illnesses. Ample Vitamin A also increases the white blood cell count, meaning a shorter period of time is spend suffering from common infections. Vitamin A strengthens bones and teeth, by enabling the body to replace soft tissues within the skeletal structure with harder tissue.

It also allows the eyes to efficiently adjust to light and dark, resulting in better night vision. Overall eye health is improved with adequate Vitamin A within the body. Age or disease related eye conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes can also show improvement with increased Vitamin A intake.

While Vitamin A is essential to health and wellness, it’s important to remember that too much Vitamin A can be toxic. Before beginning any supplemental regimen, consult a physician to learn the proper daily intake needed.

Nutra Source offers a wide variety of ways to ensure adequate intake of Vitamin A. Most daily multivitamins contain Vitamin A in adequate amounts. If a multivitamin isn’t the right choice, a supplement of only Vitamin A is also available.