vitamin a plays a crucial role in the quality of vision. It also regulates gene expression (activation, repression) and is thus involved in many functions of the body: embryo development, cell growth, tissue renewal (skin, intestinal mucosa), immunity, etc. It is known for its healing action: beauty and health of the skin and mucous membranes. It is also used in the treatment of certain dermatological conditions (acne).
In addition to the properties of vitamin a, beta-carotene derived from provitamin a is part of the antioxidant family and more specifically carotenoids which act as an antidote by regulating excess free radicals.
Recommended Nutritional Intake (per day)
Infants: 350 µg - Children aged 1 to 3 years: 400 µg - Adolescents: 600 to 800 µg - Men: 800 µg - Women: 600 µg - Pregnant women: 700 µg - Breastfeeding women: 950 µg
Natural Sources of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is present in food in the form of retinol in animal products. However, provitamin a, found in fruits and vegetables, allows the body to produce vitamin a. Note: 6 µg of provitamin a is equivalent to 1 µg of retinol (vitamin a).
Sources of Vitamin A per 100 g: Cod liver oil: 30 mg, Poultry liver: 4 mg, Foie gras: 1 mg, Fatty fish (eel, bluefin tuna): 1 mg, Butter: 700 µg, Egg yolk: 600 µg, Cheese: 200 to 400 µg.
Sources of Provitamin A per 100 g: Raw carrot: 11,500 µg, Cooked carrot, dandelion: 9,000 µg, Chervil, parsley: 6,000 µg, Dried apricot, pumpkin, lamb's lettuce, spinach: 4,000 µg, Fresh apricot, melon, persimmon, passion fruit, chicory: 2,000 to 1,000 µg, Tomato, papaya, dried prune, pickles: 500 to 1,000 µg.
Increased Needs for Vitamin A
Smoking, alcoholism, cancer, HIV positivity, diabetes, old age, exposure to pollution, oral contraception, eczema, acne. Supplementation under medical treatment only. Absolutely avoid multivitamin supplements that contain vitamin A associated with other vitamins and minerals. This combination is pro-oxidant.