{vision, gene expression, reproduction, embryonic development, growth, immune function}
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin obtained through diet. It includes retinol, retinyl palmitate, and beta-carotene.
There are two forms: Preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl ester) is derived from animal sources such as meat, dairy products, and fish. Provitamin A (beta-carotenoid) is derived from colorful fruits and vegetables.
Required for:
- cell growth
- immune function
- Eye health
- fetal development
- skin health
- response to inflammation
- Helps reduce oxidative stress
- protection against disease
- male and female re-productivity
Toxicity
Toxicity can occur because of the long half-life of Vitamin A in the body. Toxicity symptoms include dry skin, headaches, anorexia, nausea, bone pain, and cerebral edema. Toxicity occurs when a very high dose of Vitamin A has been taken. Therefore you should always consult with your health care provider before taking Vitamin A supplementation for correct dosage.
Deficiency symptoms:
- night blindness
- xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
- severely reduced immune competence
- delayed growth
- inflamed skin
- infertility and trouble conceiving
- respiratory infections
- slow wound healing
Good Food sources
Food sources include: sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin and carrots, squash, watermelon, asparagus and broccoli amongst others.
DNA TESTING:
The DNA Health Skin and DNA Core tests will tell you how well your body metabolises Vitamin A