Although vitamin A is perceived as a single micronutrient, it is actually a term that generally refers to a group of fat-soluble substances. Retinol, retinal and retinyl esters are among the substances evaluated in the expression of vitamin A. There are 2 forms of vitamin A taken with food. Ready-made vitamins A (retinol and retinyl esters) can be taken into the body by consuming foods of animal origin, especially dairy products, liver meat and fish. Carotenoids, which form the precursor form of vitamin A, are found in fruits, vegetables and vegetable oils. 

The human body must first convert these two types of vitamin A to their active form in order to be used. Retinol and retinoic acid make up these active forms of vitamin A. Because it is fat-soluble, vitamin A can be stored in the body for later use. 

What is Vitamin A?

It is a term that encompasses all of its various fat-soluble substances such as vitamin A, retinol, retinyl palmitate, and beta-carotene. These substances can be effective in many aspects such as vision, cell differentiation and barrier function or immune system functions. Vitamin A contributes to the support of normal body defense functions by regulating various normal functions of both acquired immunity and natural immunity. Apart from this contribution, if vitamin A, which also supports normal vision functions, cannot be reached sufficiently through nutrition, the use of supplementary food products containing this vitamin can provide support.

There are basically two forms of vitamin A taken into the body through nutrition. Vitamin A in ready-made form, such as retinol and retinyl esters, is taken into the body through foods of animal origin such as red meat, dairy products and fish. Beta-carotenoids, which are precursor vitamins, can be obtained by consuming colorful fruits and vegetables. All forms of vitamin A taken into the body by the digestive system in this way must first be converted to retinal and retinoic acid so that they can be used in biological processes. This conversion process takes place in the liver. Retinol is primarily converted to retinyl esters in various cells in the liver. Retinol and beta carotene are used by oxidizing in cells where vision or genetic arrangements are made. 

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a very important vitamin for body functions related to vision. This vitamin, which is responsible for focusing the light through the structures in the eye and then converting it into electrical signals that the brain can perceive, is also one of the basic structural elements of the pigment called rhodopsin. Rhodopsin pigment is found in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. Therefore, adequate vitamin A consumption is very important in terms of maintaining normal visual functions. 

Vitamin A supports the normal functions of the immune system. Mucosal layers, which are within the body’s natural barriers, are found in structures such as eyes, lungs, intestines and sex organs and prevent the passage of organisms that have the potential to cause disease, such as batteries. Vitamin A, which contributes to the protection of the normal mucosa, performs its immune system support feature by making various contributions to the production of white blood cells responsible for the elimination of harmful organisms. Vitamin A also plays various roles in the development of some T and B lymphocyte cells. Therefore, the expression may contribute to the support of the acquired immune response for vitamin A can be used. Vitamin A, neutrophils, with its support for the regeneration of mucosal epithelial cells, 

Vitamin A, which is a fat-soluble vitamin, also takes part in cell specialization. Thanks to this feature, vitamin A, which plays a role in the growth of many different tissues, also contributes to the protection of normal skin. 

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency?

Vitamin A is an important vitamin for many normal functions of the body, such as normal vision, reproduction, immune system and skin health. Although vitamin A deficiency is a rare condition in developed countries, individuals in some developing countries may not have a chance to reach adequate levels of vitamin A. Cystic fibrosis patients, individuals with chronic diarrhea complaints, pregnant women and women in the breastfeeding period are in the risk group for the development of vitamin A deficiency. 

There are many symptoms that can occur with vitamin A deficiency. Complaints such as dryness, itching and irritation on the skin are among the problems that may occur as a result of the deficiency of this vitamin. Although there are many different conditions that can cause these complaints, it should be kept in mind that one of the causes of skin dryness may be vitamin A deficiency. Apart from dry skin, some individuals may also experience dry eyes as a result of vitamin A deficiency. A vision problem called night blindness may occur in individuals with severe vitamin A deficiency. 

Vitamin A is also a vitamin that supports the normal functions of the immune system. Therefore, people with vitamin A deficiency may have a predisposition to respiratory tract infections, especially in the throat and chest region, due to the inability of this system to fully perform its functions. There are various scientific studies on this subject, and it should be noted that these studies do not yet have results to support this theory sufficiently. 

What Causes Vitamin A Deficiency?

Vitamin A deficiency is a rare condition in developed countries. However, there may be a predisposition to the development of a deficiency of this vitamin in individuals from various groups, especially in developing countries. Preterm infants, pregnant women in developing or underdeveloped countries, breastfeeding women, infants and young children, and individuals with cystic fibrosis are at increased risk for the development of vitamin A deficiency.  

In these individuals, it is recommended to be careful because deficiencies in the levels of fat-soluble vitamins may occur due to the effects of these drugs on fat absorption in people who use some weight loss drugs. Supplementary food products containing vitamin A can be effective in providing the necessary support for people who cannot fully take this vitamin from the digestive system.

What Happens in an Excess of Vitamin A?

Care should be taken as it can play a role in the development of various problems, such as in the deficiency of excess vitamin A. The recommended daily intake of vitamin A for healthy individuals aged four and over is 800 micrograms. If vitamin A is taken at a level of 4-5 times the daily nutritional reference value, the situation expressed as vitamin A toxicity (poisoning) may occur. Excess vitamin A can also occur after the time when the vitamin is consumed excessively, since this vitamin can be stored in the adipose tissue. In case of excessive consumption of vitamin A at one time, acute (sudden onset) vitamin A poisoning may occur and may lead to the development of various important complaints.  

Chronic (long-term) vitamin A toxicity is also called hypervitaminosis. Complaints that may occur with the development of this situation are as follows:

• vision problems

• Joint and bone pain

• decreased appetite

• nausea vomiting

• sensitivity to sunlight

• Hair loss

• Headache

• skin dryness, itching

• liver damage

• Jaundice

• growth retardation

• clouding of consciousness

Although acute poisonings of this vitamin are rarer than chronic poisonings, it should be conscious as it may pave the way for life-threatening conditions such as severe liver damage and increased intracranial pressure if it occurs.

Vitamin A may have a teratogenic effect during pregnancy. Teratogenic effect means that it may pass to the fetus and trigger the development of various abnormalities. Vitamin A, which causes differentiation in the head region of the embryo, may adversely affect the development of skull, face, heart and central nervous system structures. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid the use of vitamin A during pregnancy, unless there is any vitamin A deficiency in general people living in that region. 

What Foods Have Vitamin A?

Compliance with a balanced and regular nutrition program is among the sine qua non of a healthy life. A diet program prepared in this way can enable a person to achieve the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Liver meats are among the foods richest in vitamin A. This is due to the fact that animals, like humans, can store vitamin A in the liver. A beef liver meat served as 100 grams contains approximately 6.5 micrograms of vitamin A, and this value is more than 7 times the recommended reference value for daily consumption. As an organ meat, liver meat is also rich in protein. In addition to vitamin A and protein, copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, iron, Substances such as folate and choline can also be found in liver meat. Delicatessen products produced using this meat constitute another vitamin A source food.

Apart from animal sources, various plant foods also have a rich content of vitamin A. Carrot is a vegetable with a high content of beta carotene. About half a cup of raw carrots can contain 450 micrograms of vitamin A, which is half the recommended daily intake. The fact that this vegetable is a low-calorie food also makes it a healthy snack. 

Kidney bean, another plant-based source of vitamin A, is also a food rich in fiber content. This multi-purpose legume can be consumed by making a salad or meal. 

Spinach is a very tasty green leafy vegetable with a high content of micronutrients. Half a glass of boiled spinach contains about 570 micrograms of vitamin A. Spinach is also an important source of magnesium and iron. Broccoli, another very healthy vegetable, contains 60 micrograms of vitamin A if served as a half-cup portion. At the same time, half a glass of broccoli, which has a very low amount of energy with 15 calories, is also a very good source of vitamins C and K. 

Contribute to the Normal Function of Your Immune System with Vitamin A in Pharmaton Vitality Capsule

Vitamin A supports the normal functions of the immune system. Pharmaton® Vitality capsule contains vitamin A; Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system. The immune system is a complex structure made up of various cells and organs. The main task of the immune system is to distinguish between what belongs to the body and what is foreign. This system is a complex structure consisting of various cells and organs. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and Iron, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Folic Acid in Pharmaton® Vitality contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin A in Pharmaton® Vitality also contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and normal vision.