Vitamin A discovered back in 1912, by a Polish biochemist named Casimir Funk. He came up with the word vitamine, which was later changed to vitamin. Funk discovered vitamins as we know them today. Vitamin A was actually the first one discovered, hence the letter “A” in the title of the vitamin.
You can find vitamin A in natural foods such as oranges and yellow fruits. It can also be found in vegetables as well, such as spinach and fats. When found in vegetables, vitamin A is water soluble, coming in the form of beta carotene. The beta carotene form of vitamin A can be eliminated from your body through natural processes, making it an excellent way to get vitamin A.
Vitamin A is required by the body on an every day basis to maintain healthy skin and keep your eyesight on track. There are many people who say that carrots provide enough vitamin A to prevent you from getting night blindness. The fact is, ancient Egyptian doctors prescribed liver in their time, which they said contained enough vitamin A to combat night blindness. Vitamin A is also known as an antioxidant, which makes it ideal to prevent cancer and anti aging. Along with these benefits, it also helps with your immune system as well.
To get the necessary absorption of vitamin A, you’ll need to consume fat. On a low fat or restricted diet? You may not be getting the right amounts of vitamin A from your supplements that you may think. To get the correct absorption of vitamin A in your diet, you’ll need to consume a high enough level of protein. Protein works with vitamin A to make it stronger, and help it move through your body.
On a typical day, you should be consuming around 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A. Depending on your age and your health, you may need to consume more or less. The safest form of vitamin A is beta carotene. This is because it can be taken in much larger doses. No matter how old you are, you can feel safe to consume large amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene.
If you don’t consume enough vitamin A in your diet, you’ll end up with a deficiency. A deficiency is never a good thing, as it normally results in skin problems, increased infections, and even night blindness as well. A prolonged deficiency in vitamin A can put you at a risk for cancer as well, and you’ll also miss out on any effects of anti aging that the vitamin might have. Although you should begin taking it immediately if you have a deficiency, the effects wouldn’t be the same as they would be if you stayed up to date with the right amount on a daily basis.
If you are getting way too much vitamin A, you’re put yourself at risk for pain in your joints, abdomen, and your bones. Even though too much or not enough can cause you serious side effects, you should always add the necessary amount to your diet. Vitamin A is very important, and should always be included in your diet. It can be found in many foods, or you can take supplements that include the well needed vitamin. If you are going to take supplements, make sure that they provide the right portions – with no side effects.