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What Vitamin A Does For The Body

It has been shown in recent US government surveys that the majority of people do not consume enough Vitamin A in their normal diets. This is a negative for a healthy body, because Vitamin A is essential to good health. Without sufficient Vitamin A, people are vulnerable to health problems.

What in particular is Vitamin A required for? Here are the parts of the body most in need of Vitamin A:

Vitamin A In The Immune System

When it comes to the quality and functioning of the body’s immune system, Vitamin A has a significant part to play. One facet of this significance has to do with the skin and body’s mucus membranes, which serve a very practical purpose in the human body. These membranes operate as barriers against bacteria and viruses, thus protecting against infection and disease. Vitamin A helps to keep these skin and mucus membranes healthy, and able to serve their primary, and very important, purpose.

Vitamin A And Eyesight

I can remember well over 40 years ago being told that carrots are good for the eyes. Why should that be? Well, carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, which is essential to vision. In fact, blindness could result from a serious deficiency in Vitamin A. Such blindness still happens today in poor nations where malnutrition is commonplace, simply because of the shortage of Vitamin A in the diets of the poorest people.

Vitamin A In Pregnancy

Pregnant women are particularly advised to consume sufficient amounts of Vitamin A, as it is needed for the healthy growth of the baby. Vitamin A helps to promote proper cell differentiation. This is the ability of cells, upon division, to take over certain tasks. For example, cells for the heart take on their characteristics, those for the liver take on theirs, those for the brain take on their own characteristics and functions, and so on. Vitamin A also has a role in bone growth and development, as well as in the general growth and development of the body.

Vitamin A And Tract Linings

The surface linings of the intestinal, urinary and respiratory tracts provide protection from bacteria, as well has contributing to the proper functioning of the tracts. Vitamin A serves to keep these tracts in a healthy state, thereby becoming an essential nutrient to this part of the body.

How Vitamin A Is Measured

The most common unit of measure for Vitamin A, which is widely found on packaging labels of food and dietary supplements, is the International Unit, or IU for short.

When it comes to Vitamin A, the recommended intake per day of Vitamin A, for adult and teenaged males, is 3,000 IU of Vitamin A per day. Adult women and teenaged females should have 2,310 IU per day. For pregnant women, though the recommended daily allowance is 2,565 IU per day, and 4,300 IU per day if breastfeeding. For children aged 9 to 13, 2,000 IU is the recommended daily intake, with 1,320 IU being enough for those aged 4 to 8 years. From the first year to age 3, 1,000 IU is the recommended intake for Vitamin A. 

Using dietary supplements to complete a healthy diet can ensure that the body receives the nutrients it needs for optimum health and performance. However, it is important to heed label and doctor recommendations for the best amount to be taken for your dietary needs.