Vitamin A: Do You Get Enough?

Vitamin A: Do You Get Enough?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in immune health, cell growth, reproduction and vision. Vitamin A is especially important for the function of the heart, lungs and eyes. How much vitamin A we need depends on lifestage.

There are two forms of vitamin A. Preformed vitamin A is found in fish, dairy products and eggs. Provitamin A carotenoids, found in fruits and vegetables, are converted by the body into vitamin A. Carotenoids, which give fruits and vegetables their orange, red and yellow colors, act as antioxidants in the body. 

Food sources of vitamin A include:

• Red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as winter squash, sweet potatoes, mango, cantaloupe, peppers, apricots and carrots

• Salmon

• Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli

• Dairy products (milk and cheese)

• Eggs

To reach vitamin A needs, eat a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods. Vitamin A is also available in supplements, including most multivitamins. Talk to your personal practitioner about reaching your vitamin A needs. Take supplements as prescribed by your practitioner. 

Reference

National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin A Fact Sheet for Consumers. August 2022. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/