Vitamin A Deficiency is Rare
Vitamin A Deficiency is Rare
Vitamin A includes a group of several fat-soluble vitamins. Retinol is
the most usable form in this group. When ingested, retinol is converted
to other active forms of vitamin A in the body. It can be found in animal
foods, such as whole milk, eggs, and liver. It may also be found in fortified
foods such as breakfast cereals. Other forms of vitamin A include retinal,
retinoic acid, and provitamin A carotenoids. Provitamin A carotenoids
are dark pigments that are found in many plant foods such as spinach
and in vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. About 30% of the
vitamin A consumed by adults in the U.S. is provided by these provitamin
A carotenoids.
Vitamin A serves many functions in the human body. It is important
for bone growth, vision, skin integrity, and immune system function.
While Vitamin A deficiency is rare in this country, it may occur in the
presence of chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. Deficiency of this vitamin
can lessen a person’s ability to fight infections. The recommended daily
intake for vitamin A for adult women and men is 700 micrograms and 900
micrograms, respectively.