What is Vitamin A (Retinol)? Role and source of vitamin A for the body

Vitamin A is one of the vitamins that are extremely important to the body, along with calcium and vitamin D, vitamin A is an important component for bone development, good for the eyes and effective in the beauty process. Read more about Vitamin A and its benefits in the article below.

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A , also known as retinol , is a yellow, fat-soluble substance that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Has the effect of supporting eyes, developing vision, strengthening the immune system, treating acne , included in the ingredients of skin care products, formula milk, vitamin A supplements, liver (cow, pig, chicken). , fish), egg yolks (chicken, duck), butter, cheese.

The role of vitamin A in health

For ordinary people

• Vitamin A is necessary for vision, maintaining the function of columnar epithelial cells.
• In the blood, Vitamin A is converted to retinal, which helps support the retina.
• It also contributes to bone growth.
• Retinol also gives good skin care effects. It helps to fight skin aging, improve sun damage, treat acne…
• Some other manifestations of the body when retinol deficiency: weakened immune system, reduced thickness of skin scales (small white bumps in hair follicles), skin disease, keratinization of the epithelial layer of the respiratory system respiratory tract, bladder…

Vitamin A is necessary for vision, maintaining the function of columnar epithelial cells

For pregnant and lactating women

Vitamin A helps strengthen the immune system and promote metabolism.

Without vitamin A, babies are born susceptible to respiratory diseases.

Pregnant women need to be careful because it can cause liver toxicity and birth defects.

Avoid high doses of vitamin A (retinol) or synthetic products such as isotretinoin in pregnant women.

Vitamin A is present in breast milk. When breastfeeding, to increase vitamin A, mothers need to take daily 4000 – 4330 IU of vitamin A.

Vitamin A helps strengthen the immune system and promote metabolism.

For children

The role of vitamin A for children is very important. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to eye defects, respiratory health and even a weakened immune system.

Infants under 1 year of age need about 350-500 mcg/day of vitamin A daily. The source of vitamin A (retinol) in breast milk can meet the vitamin A requirements of an infant when exclusively breastfed for at least the first 6 months of life (breast milk contains about 400-700 mcg/liter of vitamin A).

Source of Vitamin A for the body

Vitamin A is found in foods such as liver (beef, pig, chicken, fish), egg yolk (chicken, duck), butter, cheese, and carrots.

Milk is also a good source of retinol, including raw milk and formula.

Breast milk is an effective and safe source of retinol for infants, especially infants.

Source of Vitamin A for the body

Necessary notes when supplementing with vitamin A

Unlike beta carotenoids, which are quite safe for the body when supplemented, Vitamin A can cause toxicity if taken in high doses . Vitamin supplements are only applicable to people with vitamin A deficiency.

Overdose can lead to vitamin A poisoning causing nausea, jaundice, allergies, anorexia, vomiting, blurred vision, headache, muscle and abdominal damage, lethargy, mood changes…

If you are taking any other medications and want to take a vitamin A (retinol) supplement, consult your doctor.

Necessary notes when supplementing with vitamin A

Vitamin A is an important vitamin for the body, has many uses for the eyes, strengthens the immune system, but it is not allowed to be arbitrarily supplemented or overdosed to avoid poisoning. Understanding and correctly recognizing retinol, we will better apply vitamin A for personal and family health!

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