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VITAMIN A (RETINOL) - For Better Eyesight Vitamin A or Retinol is found in foods of animal origin, while carotene is provided by foods of both plant and animal origin. Vitamin A is stored in the liver. About 80% of it is absorbed in the human system and the rest is thrown out of the body. When taken along with Fats, absorption of Vitamin A increases. However, absorption is poor in cases of abdominal disorders, diarrhea and jaundice. Functions in the Body
Maintenance of good vision is one of the major roles it plays.
It prevents infections of the eyes, intestines, lungs, skin and stomach and promotes in the formation of healthy gums, hair and teeth. It helps in extending youthfulness (by preventing premature ageing) and life expectancy.Sources
Vegetables such as beet, carrot, colocasia, spinach, greens, drumsticks and turnip contain a lot of carotene. Fruits like apricots, gooseberries, mangoes, oranges and raspberries are rich in carotene. Foods of animal origin, which are rich in Vitamin A, are butter, clarified butter, egg yolk, whole milk and liver.
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance – Men – 600mcg, Women – 600mcg, Children – 600mcg and Infant – 350 mcg) Deficiency Symptoms
Poor vision, inflammation of the eyes, night blindness; frequent common colds, disorders of the skin like acne, boils, premature wrinkles and loss of appetite and vigor. The body degenerates rapidly as the mucous membrane of the entire body lose their ability to protect the organs from irritation. There is excess hair loss, dandruff, dull dry hair, poor sense of taste and smell, ridged nails and stunted growth in children. Healing and Therapeutic Properties
When taken in correct dosage of 7,500mcg to 15,000mcg a day, you can treat infectious diseases like influenza, common cold and sinus problems. Asthma, Arthritis, B.P, Kidney disorders, Night blindness and other eye diseases like mild conjunctivitis, corneal damage, xerophthalmia (dry conjunctivitis) in very small children are cured. Stubborn cases of Acne can be cured by generous intake of Vitamin A. Other skin disorders like boils, carbuncles, corns and warts are also cured. Precautions
If taken in excess for a long time Vitamin A may produce toxic effects, which include blurred vision, diarrhea, hair loss, headache, rashes, scaly skin, liver enlargement, nausea, vomiting.
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