The functions of vitamin A are not limited to help you see in the dark. It participates in the production of white blood cells. It stimulates bone remodelling. It helps maintain the health of cells lining the interior surfaces of the body. It is a crucial ingredient in cell growth and division. Researchers have been looking into the effects of vitamin A on cancer for many years. They have been particularly interested in finding out if they can reduce the risk of cancer in people through supplements containing beta-carotene.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that men need 900 micrograms, or 3,000 IU (international units) of vitamin A every day. The healthy amount for women is 700 micrograms, or 2,300 IU. It can jeopardise the health of a person who takes more than 3,000 IU of vitamin A every day. Very high amounts of this vitamin can lead to hip fracture. Extremely high amounts of vitamin A inhibit vitamin D from doing its functions.
Breakfast cereals, dairy products, juices, and eatables fortified with retinol are rich sources of vitamin A. This substance is also found in many vegetables and fruits. There are some excellent supplements, that contain beta-carotene, and participate in the production of vitamin A. It is always smart to buy from recognised vendors, such as Nutrition Formulators.
The risk of getting too little vitamin A is lesser than the risk of consuming too much preformed vitamin A. The risk is severe if a person eats very large amounts of vitamin A-rich foods. Although an occasional increase to 3,000 IU does not do much of a harm; consistent high amounts can lead to hip fracture, birth defects, and it can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin D.
There is a second type of vitamin A, known as beta-carotene. Unlike retinol (preformed vitamin A), there is no risk associated with taking very high amounts of beta-carotene. The body has been designed in such a way, so that it extracts the required vitamin A and discards the rest. It is advisable to plump for those vitamin A supplements, in which there is more beta-carotene than retinol.