Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver. It is involved in a range of important functions, including:
Immune system: Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system and can help to protect against infections.
Eye health: Vitamin A is needed for normal eyesight and can help to prevent night blindness.
Skin health: Vitamin A helps to keep skin healthy and can help to heal wounds.
Growth and development: Vitamin A is needed for normal growth and development.
Cancer: Vitamin A may help to protect against some types of cancer.
Vitamin A can be found in a variety of foods, including:
Liver and fish liver oils
Eggs
Butter
Cheese
Milk
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
Spinach
Pumpkin
Mango
Peas
Most people should be able to get all the vitamin A they need from their diet. However, some people may need to take supplements, including:
Pregnant women: Pregnant women need higher amounts of vitamin A to help support the developing baby. The best way to get enough vitamin A is to take a supplement that contains both retinol (the active form of vitamin A) and beta-carotene.
Breastfeeding women: Breastfeeding women need higher amounts of vitamin A to help support the developing baby. The best way to get enough vitamin A is to take a supplement that contains both retinol (the active form of vitamin A) and beta-carotene.
People with liver disease: People with liver disease may not be able to store or use vitamin A effectively. They may need to take supplements.