YOU know how important vitamin A is for the eyes. But did you know that vitamin A plays an important role in the growth and development of the foetus as well?
Look for colours
What are the sources of Vitamin A? Dr Bhuvaneshwari Shankar, Chief Consultant Dietician, Apollo Hospital, Chennai Division says, "Look for the colours yellow, green and orange in your fruits and vegetables."
Munira Jawadwala, Nutritionist, Gold's Gym says that the best sources of Vitamin A are all yellow or orange coloured fruits and vegetables like carrots, papaya, mangoes, beetroot, sweet potato, spinach, red and green bell peppers, apricot, milk, tomato, orange, broccoli and organ meats. Egg yolk, milk are the good sources of Vitamin A as well.
Planning to have a baby?
Do not miss out on your daily dose of vitamin A as it plays an important role in the reproduction system. Dr Shankar, "Vitamin A is important for the reproductive system as it helps in development of the sperm production and the growth of the foetus."
For your kid
Your child needs his/her proper dose of nutrients as he is growing and developing. Vitamin A is imperative for the growth of bones and tissues of your baby. Dr Shankar explains that vitamin A is also a protective nutrient for it develops immunity against diseases.
Protein synthesis
While Vitamin A comes with its own set of nutrient value, it ensures that your body benefits from other nutrients as well. It is an integral part of the protein synthesis in your body.
Cell damage
Vitamin A is also required for repairing the cells that are worn out or damaged.
Skin and organs
It plays a part in your overall cell integrity and for the development of the lining of the organs.
Vitamin A and skin
Want a healthy glow on your skin? Vitamin A is a good source for it. Vandhana Punjabi, Dermatologist and Cosmetologist says, "Vitamin A retains the moisture of the skin it also gives your skin a natural glow."
However she also mentions that in case of major skin problems such as acne, your daily intake will be insufficient to get rid of your skin ailments.
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You may also wonder if all the creams and moisturisers that claim to have Vitamin A in them can be of any help. Dr Punjabi says, "The dose of Vitamin A in these creams is not sufficient to really bring about a change in your skin."
So what will help? Dr Punjabi says that more than applying Vitamin A directly on the skin, the derivatives of Vitamin A are more helpful, since your skin might not absorb vitamin A directly. Derivatives like Retinol A cream is really helpful in reducing acne. However it should be used in consultation with a dermatologist as it can cause an allergy and leave your skin dry.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants flush out the toxins from your body making you healthier. It also slows downs the process of aging. Vitamin A does have a little dose of antioxidants to them.
Dr Punjabi explains that a combination of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E would be more effective than only Vitamin A. You can get that dose from nuts and citrus fruits along with colourful fruits.
Deficiency
Make sure that you do not miss out on your dose as the lack of vitamin a can lead to the following
* An increased risk of cancer
* Skin disorder
* Night blindness. It can also cause vision problems during the day.
* Stomach problems
Supplements?
You may be tempted to have Vitamin A supplements. However, Munira cautions against it. She says that they should only be had when you have a deficiency.
Overdose
Vitamin A comes with a lot of benifits but make sure you do not go overboard with it. Dr Shankar says that an overdose of vitamin A can affect your liver.
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