- Vitamin A can be stored in the body.
- Vitamin A is stored in the liver.
- Food is the best way to get vitamin A, however, supplements are another good source as well.
Yes, vitamin A can be stored in the body. In fact, all fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body.
In the case of vitamin A, it is stored in the liver; other vitamins can be stored in different organs. When the body needs the vitamin, it is released from the liver and “sent” to where it can do the most good.
Vitamin A is a semi-essential vitamin. What this means is that the body cannot synthesize this vitamin on its own so it must be obtained through other methods.
Food is the best way to get vitamin A, however, supplements are another good source as well.
Vitamin A can be manufactured in the body if you eat carotene. Many people actually think that vitamin A is a carotene, but that isn’t the case. Carotene is simply the precursor to vitamin A. You can get vitamin A into the body without carotene being present via foods that have vitamin A.
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What Kinds of Foods Have Vitamin A?
There are many foods with vitamin A. It can be acquired through meat, fruits, veggies, roots and more. In addition, foods high in beta carotene are excellent ways to get vitamin A because it allows for the conversion to vitamin A in the body.
The truth is that only animal products actually contain a direct source of vitamin A. All other sources come from foods that are high in beta carotene, which will also provide you with an excellent source of vitamin A.
Foods high in vitamin A or beta carotene include:
- Raw carrots
- Beef
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Kale
- Squash
- Red bell peppers
- Liver
- Mangoes
- Milk
- Mozzarella cheese
Is It Possible to Have a Vitamin A Deficiency?
Because vitamin A and carotene both come directly from foods, it is very possible to have a deficiency of this vitamin. A vitamin A deficiency is usually the result of not getting enough vitamin A in the diet.
However, other reasons for vitamin A deprivation include cystic fibrosis, chronic diarrhea, cirrhosis, other liver diseases, pancreatic insufficiency, and other diseases that can interfere with vitamin A absorption. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor should be monitoring you for vitamin A deficiency.
Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include:
- Night blindness
- Thickening of the corneas
- Spots on the corneas
- Hazy corneas
- Blindness
- Scaly skin
- Thickening of the skin
- Respiratory tract infections
- Reduced immunity
- Growth retardation in the young
- Inability to fight infection in the young
- 50% mortality rate in children when a severe deficiency occurs
It is very important to ensure that you get enough vitamin A on a daily basis, especially for the protection of your eyes.
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Sign UpIs It Possible to Consume Too Much Vitamin A?
There is such a thing as too much vitamin A. When too much vitamin A is consumed there is a chance that toxicity will occur. If someone takes too much vitamin A on a daily basis, they can be prone to chronic toxicity.
Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- General stomach pain
- Liver problems
- Birth defects in a fetus
- Brittle hair and nails
- Dry hair
- Peeling skin
- Rash
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes
- Brittle bones (after years of chronic toxicity)
In most cases, with the exception of birth defects, when normal doses of vitamin A are taken then the symptoms of vitamin A toxicity will reverse. There are no long term side effects of vitamin A overdose.
What Is an Appropriate Dose of a Vitamin a Supplement?
According to WebMD, there are different RDA dosing requirements for children, men and women:
- Children under 3 years old – 300 mcg
- Children 4 to 8 years old – 400 mcg
- Children 9 to 13 years old – 600 mcg
- Males 14 years and older – 900 mcg
- Females 14 years and older – 700 mcg
When it comes to taking more than your RDA of vitamin A, you need to talk to your doctor. If you experience any of the symptoms of toxicity, contact your physician right away. It’s important to ensure whether you are experiencing vitamin A toxicity or some other medical issue.
Is It Okay to Take Vitamin A With My Prescribed Medications?
Most medications don’t interact with vitamin A, but there are a few that do. If you are taking antibiotics, hepatotoxic drugs, retinoids or Coumadin, you should not take vitamin A supplements before speaking to your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
– Do I have to take supplements?
Unless your doctor has instructed you to take certain supplements, you do not have to take them.
– Are supplements safe?
Whether or not dietary supplements are safe to take depends on a number of factors. Learn more about the safety of supplements here.
– What supplements do I need to take?
No one can answer that aside from your doctor. To learn more about the various supplements that doctors commonly recommend, check out this article.
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