Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in growth, reproduction, and cell division. It is important for skin and eye health, boosts immunity, and maintains the integrity of the immune system. Vitamin A deficiency impairs the immune function and increases the risk of infections.
Health benefits of vitamin A supplements
Vitamin A is important to keep skin healthy, especially in young individuals. It can be used topically (tretinoin) to manage mild to moderate acne and orally (isotretinoin) for severe acne. Vitamin A creams and serums are available to address skin-related issues. Retinoids are used for managing acne because of their -inflammatory properties.
Dry eye formulas contain vitamin A in the form of retinyl palmitate. Vitamin A supports the functioning of the conjunctival membranes and cornea. It is also important for rhodopsin synthesis, a pigment that helps us to see at night.
Vitamin A protects us from infections by improving the functioning of WBCs and the mucus membranes in the lungs, intestines, and urinary tract.
Vitamin A is important to reduce the severity of childhood illness and promote children's overall health and well-being. It also plays a vital role in developing healthy immunity. Vitamin A supplements are given to children to overcome deficiency. According to WHO, vitamin A supplements should be given to children aged 6-59 months if they belong to a community where vitamin A deficiency and night blindness are prevalent.
Vitamin A Supplements for Eyes
1) Vitamin A 10000 iu by pure encapsulations
2) Vitamin A + Carotenoids
3) Natures way Vitamin A
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is vitamin A good for?
Vitamin A promotes:
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Eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration.
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Healthy skin and used in conditions like acne and photoaging.
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Immunity
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Reproductive health or fertility.
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Oral health.
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Wound healing.
2. Do vitamin A supplements help acne?
Yes, vitamin A helps to reduce acne issues. Depending on the acne's severity, these can be applied topically or taken orally.
3. How much vitamin A is safe during pregnancy?
Vitamin A supplements are not recommended in pregnancy. Vitamin A deficiency may occur during pregnancy but supplements are not given because high doses harm the developing baby. Instead eating vitamin A-rich foods are recommended which are unlikely to cause harm.
For pregnant women living in areas where vitamin A deficiency is a severe public health problem, vitamin A supplements are given in low doses to prevent deficiency. For 12 weeks during pregnancy until delivery, oral liquid, oil-based retinyl palmitate/ retinyl acetate preparation is provided in a dosage of 10,000 IU vitamin A. Another option includes 25,000 IU of vitamin A in a weekly dose.
4. How can inadequate Vitamin A impact your health, and why is supplementation necessary?
Vitamin A deficiency negatively impacts health and that leads to:
Myopia at a very young age (by age 20).
If dietary intake of vitamin A is inadequate, due to health issues and dietary limitations, supplements may be considered after consulting a healthcare provider to bridge the nutritional gap.