Is vitamin A necessary for maintaining good vision and a healthy reproductive system?

Question

Hello doctor,

My friend is 25 years old, and she was recently diagnosed with a vitamin A deficiency. Please provide an overview of what vitamin A is, including:

What are the different forms of vitamin A?
What is the role of vitamin A in the human body?
What are the primary health benefits linked with vitamin A?
What is the recommended daily intake of vitamin A for adults and specific age groups?
Are there discrepancies in the recommended levels of vitamin A for men and women?
What are the dietary sources of vitamin A and strategies to ensure adequate intake of this nutrient through diet?
What are the signs and symptoms indicative of vitamin A deficiency?
How can one identify these symptoms?
Under what circumstances is vitamin A supplementation advisable?
Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with vitamin A supplementation?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Vitamin A is not synthesized by our body, so we need to obtain it from external sources, including both plant and animal origins. Vegetables that are yellow, red, and green are rich sources of this vitamin in the form of beta-carotene. Animal sources, such as beef and cod liver oil, mostly contain vitamin A as retinol or retinyl esters. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining good vision, a healthy reproductive system, and a robust immune system, among other functions. The daily requirement for all age groups is measured in micrograms. The demand for toddlers and breastfeeding individuals increases.

I hope I have answered your questions.

Thank you.