Vitamin A was the first vitamin to be discovered, so that's why it has the letter "A".
Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat soluble vitamin, that is, soluble in fat. It is found in foods of animal origin as retinol. It can also be absorbed in the form of beta-carotene or provitamin A (precursors of vitamin A), which are found, for their part, exclusively in plants.
* Note: Plant-based vitamin A needs a source of fat to be absorbed, whether it's a little olive oil, or a few nuts, for example.
Benefits of Vitamin A:
- important role in vision, especially in the adaptation of the eyes to night vision.
- It is essential for growth because it is involved in the differentiation of cells. It is also involved in cell renewal. It therefore contributes to the health of the skin and mucous membranes, such as those of the eyes, respiratory tract and urinary system and that of the intestines.
- Is a powerful antioxidant, therefore contributes to the regulation of the immune system.
- Beta-carotene has an antioxidant action when in synergy with other micronutrients, such as vitamin E, C, selenium, etc.
Vitamin A deficiency:
In industrialized countries, vitamin A deficiency is very rare, and more caused by a disease that causes poor assimilation of nutrients. You don't really see any symptoms, except for impaired night vision which can lead to blindness, or even greater susceptibility to infections.
Danger of overconsumption:
The danger is more to consume too much in the form of supplementation. In too large a quantity, the surplus is stored in the liver. Too much of it can be dangerous for the liver.
Symptoms of too much vitamin A are hair loss, chapped lips, dry skin, dry skin, weakened bones, headache, increased calcium levels in the blood, and a rare disorder characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure called idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Long-term supplementation is strongly discouraged, and in the short term, it should be recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Reference:
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/accueil/troubles-de-la-nutrition/vitamines/exc%C3%A8s-de-vitamine-aquery=vitamine%20aa