Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient
mainly stored in the liver and a little in kidneys,
lungs and subcutis. Generally, vitamin A is found in fruits
and vegetables which are red, yellow or orange such
as carrot, pumpkin, ripe papaya and mango. Moreover,
we can find this nutrient in dark green vegetables
like coccinia grandis, morning glory and Chinese
cabbage. As vitamin A is fat-soluble, we should have
vitamin A diet with another fatty foods to help nutrient
absobtion system.
Vitamin A has many functions in the body such as vision
improvement. In addition, vitamin A plays an important role
in creation of erythrocyte and leukocyte, bone growth,
tooth development, reproduction, cell division, gene expression,
tracheobronchial tract and immune system. According to
some studies, lack of vitamin A is a cause of eye symptoms
such as dried conjuctiva that can make you to be blind.
The recommended vitamin A intake depends on age and
physical condition of each person.
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For infants, recommended
intake is 1,000 units/day since their birth before increasing to
2,000 units/day for their growth. 2,500 units/day is appropriate
dose for adults whilst the new mom should take
4,000 units/day.
Even though most people nowadays are interested
in their health, busy lifetime makes them have to use
instant vitamin instead of having nutrient from real
food. This can help them from lacking of vitamin,
but this nutrient intake should be recommended
by doctor because long-term high vitamin
A will have serious side effect to your health.
Many researches have shown that excessive vitamin
A can be cause of death because it can be accumulated
in our body. Once, Eskimo was drowsy, had a headache,
vomited and sloughed after eating liver of polar bear.
The researchers did the study and found that 100 g.
of polar bear liver contain 2 millions units of vitamin A.
In another case, it is found that children whose
parents buy them vitamin A for 100,000 – 500,000
units/day will be bored with food, fidgety, hair fall,
joint swell, have dried and rough skin, and may be died.
In fact, it is not necessary to take instant vitamin.
Just fulfill your meal with 5 groups of nutrients and
increase the consumption of red, orange and yellow
vegetables and fruits in each meal, you will get enough
vitamin A.
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