Vitamin A

Category:
Vitamins

Type:
Fat Soluble

Forms/Names:
Beta-carotene or Retinol

Functions:
Vision, reproduction, growth, tissue repair, bone formation, hormone synthesis, antioxidant (in beta-carotene form)

Deficiencies:
Night blindness, impaired bone growth, susceptibility to infection, rough skin

Toxicity:
Red Blood Cell damage, abdominal cramps, blurred vision, irritability, bone pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nosebleeds, growth retardation, hair loss, skin rashes, dry skin, liver disease, nausea, vomiting, headache and increased cerebrospinal pressure

Recommended Intakes:
RDAs:
1000 ?g Retinol Equivalents (RE)/day for adult males
800 ?g RE for adult females
1300 ?g RE and 1200 ?g RE for adult females during the 1st and 2nd six months of lactation
375 ?g RE for infants
400 ?g RE for children ages 1-3
500 ?g RE for children ages 4-6
700 ?g RE for children ages 7-10

Food Sources:
Dairy, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables, oranges and red fruits and vegetables