You get much more than an A for effort with Vitamin A.  

You get much more than an A for effort with Vitamin A. It’s so essential for your health as it’s involved in many functions in our bodies including cell growth, immune function, fetal development, and surface tissue maintenance.

Vitamin A also plays an extremely important role in vision and eye health. Retinal, the active form of vitamin A, helps to form a molecule necessary for color vision and low light vision. It also helps protect and maintain the cornea, and the conjunctiva.

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods, both plant and animal. That means that those fat-soluble vitamins are stored in your body tissue for later use. The other fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. And, FYI, although vitamin A is often considered a singular nutrient, it’s really a group of fat-soluble compounds, including retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters.

More about fat-soluble vitamins

The fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K are present in foods containing fats. Your body absorbs these vitamins as it does dietary fats. They, unlike Vitamins B and C, don't dissolve in water.

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed with the other fats from the food you eat. When they’re absorbed in this way, they follow the fats and get stored in your body’s fat tissue and liver. They can actually be stored for up to 6 months until your body needs them. These fat-soluble vitamins are important for a wide range of our biological processes and we require the micronutrients they provide. Vitamin A and Vitamin E are considered "essential" vitamins because the body cannot make them and we have to get them from dietary sources.

Dietary Sources for Vitamin A

There are two different sources for Vitamin A:
Preformed Vitamin A is found in fish, organ meats (such as liver), dairy products, and eggs.
Provitamin A carotenoids are turned into Vitamin A by your body. They are found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based products. The most common provitamin A carotenoid in foods and dietary supplements is beta-carotene.

Carotenoids are pigments that give yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables their color. Your body is able to convert some carotenoids into vitamin A. In order for your body to use both of these forms of vitamin A, it must convert them to retinal and retinoic acid, which are the active forms of the vitamin.

There are plenty of dietary sources of both preformed Vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids.

Preformed Vitamin A is more readily absorbed and utilized by your body than plant-based sources of provitamin A carotenoids. Foods highest in preformed vitamin A include some of our favorites like:

   •   Salmon
   •   Cheddar cheese
   •   Butter
   •   Trout

Other sources include

   •   Egg yolks
   •   Beef liver
   •   Chicken liver
   •   Cod liver oil

Any of your favorites on either list?
   
Foods high in provitamin A carotenoids like beta carotene include many orange, red, and yellow vegetables and green leafy vegetables:

   •   Sweet potato
   •   Pumpkin
   •   Cantaloupe
   •   Papaya
   •   Red peppers

   •   Kale
   •   Spinach
   •   Dandelion greens
   •   Collard greens
   •   Winter squash
   •   Swiss chard
   •   Romaine lettuce

Why is Vitamin A Important?

Vitamin A deficiencies may show up in various ways. People most commonly use vitamin A for treating vitamin A deficiency. It is also used for aging skin, acne, cataracts, child development, infections, and many other conditions.

Eating adequate amounts of vitamin A has been known to help prevent the development of night blindness and may help slow the age-related decline of your eyesight.

Vitamin A helps support a healthy immune system as it plays a vital role in maintaining your body’s natural defenses. It’s also involved in the production and function of white blood cells, which help capture and clear bacteria and other pathogens from your bloodstream.

Vitamin A also helps to support bone health and promotes healthy growth and reproduction. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy reproductive system in both men and women, as well as ensuring the normal growth and development of embryos during pregnancy.

Getting adequate amounts of vitamin A from your diet should help prevent the symptoms of deficiency, which include hair loss, skin problems, dry eyes, night blindness and increased susceptibility to infections.

A Most Excellent Supplement Containing Vitamin A

That would be Znac by Professional Botanicals.

You’re probably asking yourself what a Znac is. Simple answer. It’s a combo of Zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin C (and more!) that has been doctor-formulated to support the body’s ability to build and maintain healthy immune defense and function. It's common for Vitamin C to be used in supporting the immune system, but combining Zinc and Vitamin C is an important combination of mineral/vitamin that supports and maintains the body’s strong healthy immune system.

This complex formula of Zinc and other nutrients like Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate), Calcium (Ascorbate), are all associated with immune response. The mineral Zinc (Chelate) is mixed with supporting ingredients, including Citrus Bioflavonoids and Rutin, for a quick immune boost and is also important for gland function, protein synthesis for energy and promotes healthy hair, skin and nails. This natural formula contains a powerful blend of interactive ingredients which support both a primary organ or body system and also a related secondary organ or body system.

Benefits of Znac:
•  Packed with Zinc + Vitamin C & A
•  Supports Immune System
•  Supports Overall Healthy Metabolism
•  Supports Reproductive Organs
•  Supports Healthy Tissue Regeneration
•  Supports Prostate Health

As we've said before, we support your goal of being and staying healthy, with time-tested quality products, designed and used by doctors worldwide for 40 years. The formulas created by Professional Botanicals (one of only three trusted product lines that we offer) are a scientific combination of target (ingredients that work together for a specific outcome) and tonic (ingredients that support a specific area) ingredients formulated for maximum impact and effectiveness.

Feel better the natural way...with Naturally Botanicals.

Note: The content of this article, and additional content on this website, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking help because of something you read here on this website.