Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. As such, vitamin A is absorbed by fat cells. This means that it does not have to be replenished as often as water soluble vitamins. In fact, too much vitamin A can even be toxic to the human body. For this reason, it is recommended that those individuals that decide to take vitamin A supplements consult their physicians and follow any directions supplied to them.
Why would someone need to take vitamin A supplements? Well, if a person has a condition that affects the absorption of vitamin A from through their fat cells, may need to use a vitamin A supplement. You see, there are vitamin A supplements that are in a form that does not require the vitamin to be absorbed by fat cells. This allows the individual another way to absorb the vitamin.
Why do we need a healthy supply of vitamin A? Well one reason includes the benefits vitamin A offers our eyes. In fact, the rods and cones, parts of our eyes that allow us to see, are nourished by molecules derived from vitamin A. These rods and cones help the eye to receive different types of light necessary to translate the picture to the brain. Vision testing should be done regularly to catch any low vision conditions such as macular degeneration and more.
Vitamin A also helps maintain healthy skin, hair and other body tissues. In addition, vitamin A is an antioxidant. This means that it protects the body’s cells from free radicals. Free radicals are highly charged particles that can damage cells and can cause cancer. Vitamin A also protects our bodies by keeping the immunes system strong and healthy.
Results of vitamin A deficiency includes skin problems such as xeroderma and follicular keratosis, blindness or night blindness, poor growth or weightloss, hardening of the taste buds, and crooked teeth due to bone and teeth deformities.
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