| Vitamin A is the first vitamin discovered. This is a | | | | excreted from the body - it is stored in the fat |
| fat-soluble vitamin. | | | | tissues. Excess amount stored in the liver can lead to |
| Some of the benefits of Vitamin A: | | | | health problems. |
| - It helps maintain our vision; it especially affects our | | | | Carotenoids are chemicals with nutritive properties |
| ability to see in the dark. Vitamin A has metabolites | | | | and are commonly known as the red, yellow and |
| that help our eyes to adjust themselves from bright | | | | orange pigments in fruits and vegetables. They are |
| light to dim light or darkness. | | | | fat-soluble like Vitamin A. Carotenoids are also |
| - It helps the body to maintain healthy skin, hair, | | | | important anti-oxidants. Some examples of |
| teeth and bones. | | | | carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and |
| - It is necessary for the proper functioning of the | | | | zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene can be converted into |
| reproductive system. | | | | Vitamin A when the body needs it. Unlike vitamin A it |
| - It promotes a healthy immune system. | | | | is not toxic in excess. |
| - It is considered as an essential nutrient for the | | | | However beta-carotene is not recommended for |
| overall growth and development of the body. | | | | smokers for the adverse reactions it might have |
| - It is known to have antioxidant properties that help | | | | according to recent clinical trials. It has also shown an |
| to counterbalance free radicals in the body. Free | | | | adverse reaction in people with excessive alcohol |
| radicals can cause tissue and cellular damage. | | | | consumption. |
| Some tests like Symptomatology Analysis can help | | | | Sufficient intake of carotenoids can help prevent cell, |
| determine the Vitamin A deficiency in the body. | | | | tissue and even genetic damage. This in turn enables |
| One should use caution not to take an overdose of | | | | the body to enhance the immune system and |
| Vitamin A, neither from the food nor from the | | | | reduces the risk of cancer and heart diseases. |
| supplements, because the excess of Vitamin A is not | | | | |