Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage and long-term illnesses like cancer. It also helps protect the body against viral, bacterial, and parasitic illnesses. There are several types of Vitamin A labeled according to their sources. The two main types are "retinol" (animal sources) or carotenoids/beta-carotenes (vitamin A precursors from plants) - see common sources below.

Excess vitamin A is not eliminated through the urine but is stored in the liver which can cause problems if taken in excess.

Respiratory: May help lower risk of respiratory infection

Eyes: Good for night vision, general vision and eye health

GI: May decrease leukoplakia (white patches on tongue)

Cardiovascular: Helps lower risk of heart disease

Skin: Supports healthy skin as well as mucus membranes (inner lining of mouth, nose, some organs and stomach), scleroderma. Promotes healthy hair, bones and teeth.

Male/Female: Helps in reproduction

Immunity: Vitamin A helps build immunity

Cancer: May help prevent cancer

Other: May help prevent metabolic syndrome (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, obesity factors), may slow aging skin (helps build collagen) - helps maintain firmness, tone and elasticity

Sources: 

• Retinol: Fatty fish esp salmon, organ meats, oils, meat, dairy

• Beta Carotine: Red and orange fruits like mangoes, canteloupes, apricots, nectarines and papaya. Red and orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, winter squash and some green vegetables like broccoli and green leafy vegetables.

Signs and Symptoms of Excess: Loose stools, yellow discoloration of skin, anemia, nose bleed, arthralgia (joint pain) and fractures, bruising, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mucus membranes, headache, blurred vision, changes in mental status, dry and/or rough skin with possible peeling and/or itchiness, cracked lips, coarse hair, hair loss - especially in eyebrow area and menstrual irregularities. Excessive use for long periods can cause kidney problems, hepatotoxicity/liver damage, jaundice, elevated liver function tests, high cholesterol LDL (may increase triglycerides and LDL and may decrease the good cholesterol HDL) , may increase calcium levels in the blood but decrease calcium in bones resulting in bone loss and occasional fracture.

C‌auses of Vitamin A Excess:

• Celiac disease

• Cirrhosis of the liver

• Pancreatic insufficiency

• Bile duct disorder

• Giardiasis

• Duodenal bypass

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

Night blindness, xerophthalmia (yellow tinted vision), excessive eye dryness (xerophthalmia) and/or bitot spots (long term build up of keratin in eyes creates blurred vision), frequent illness, sun sensitivity, dermatitis (itching, irritation, scaling of skin), gastroenteritis, stunted growth, infertility issues, immune deficiency (frequent illness), may decrease production of red blood cells (important cells that carry oxygen to the rest of your body).

Causes of Vitamin A Deficiency:

• Inadequate intake of vitamin A

• Malnutrition

• Liver disease/Cirrhosis

• Duodenal Bypass

• Giardiasis

• Pancreatic insufficiency

• Bile Duct obstruction

• Cystic fibrosis

• Chronic Diarrhea

Cautions and Contraindications: Smokers should not take beta carotene supplements - Increases risks of lung cancer. Taking with statins and niacin may make those medications less effective. Orlistat (for weight loss), Cholestyramine and Colestipol  and mineral oil may reduce beta-carotene levels. Possible increase of liver damage if taking with alcohol.

• Sources of vitamin A: Green leafy vegetables (for example spinach), yellow and orange vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, peppers for example) and fruits (such as papayas and oranges), meat, fish, dairy, hard boiled , ricotta, beef liver, watermelon, cod liver oil