Food rich in vitamin A, Vitamin A sources

Vitamin A is known as anti-ophthalmic. It is essential for normal body growth and vitality. It is necessary for good sight and healthy skin. It protects body from diseases. The respiratory tract diseases in particular are associated with improper intake of vitamin A. Vitamin A also prevents eye disease and nourishes hairs and skin. It also helps to delay ageing and increases life expectancy.

The daily intake of Vitamin A should be in the range of 5000 IU for adults and 2600 to 4000 IU for adults. With doctor’s prescription if the dose is increased to 25000 to 50000 IU a day, it helps in treatment of colds, sinus problem and other diseases caused by infections. A maximum of 100,000 IU could be taken per day. Consult your doctor compulsorily before taking vitamins in higher doses.

Food rich in vitamin A are cod liver oil, whole milk, curd, butter, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrots, mango, melon, tomato, orange, lettuce, cheese, cabbage, mangoes, prunes, apricots, papaya, peaches, dry fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin A deficiency:
Vitamin A deficiency is characterized by following symptoms:

1. Eye infection.
2. Poor vision
3. Night blindness
4. Frequent colds
5. Lack of appetite
6. Sleep disorders

Side effects of Vitamin A or overdose of Vitamin A
Symptoms for overdose of this vitamin A:

1. Loss or appetite
2. Vomiting
3. Headache
4. Hair loss
5. Dryness of skin