Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is available to the body in two forms: pre-formed vitamin A (retinol) and the precursor of vitamin A, also known as provitamin A (i.e. beta-carotene).
Our body converts both types into active forms and is able to store vitamin A in fat tissues or the liver for future use.
Supports a healthy immune system
Essential for the functioning of the eye
Helps to maintain healthy skin and mucus membranes
Supports growth and reproduction
Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s natural defenses. This includes maintaining the integrity of skin, mucus barriers of lungs, gut, eyes, genitals that help to trap bacteria and viruses.
Vitamin A is involved in production and function of immune cells that capture and clean out infectious agents from body tissues.
Vitamin A is essential for preserving your eyesight. It is needed to convert light that hits your eye into an electrical signal that can be sent to your brain. So, vitamin A is responsible for color vision and low light vision.
Vitamin A is also helps maintain a healthy reproductive system in both men and women, as well as ensures the normal growth and development of embryos during pregnancy.
Age group | Vitamin A (mcg/day) |
|---|---|
1-<3 years | 250 |
3- <7 years | 300 |
7-<10 years | 400 |
10-<12 years | 575 |
12-<16 years | 725 |
16-18 years and adults | 750 |
Pregnant Woman | 750 |
Lactating Woman | 1200 |
NOTE: Vitamin A needs increase during lactation to 1200 mcg/day, as mother needs to provide for the current vitamin A needs of her growing little one plus have some extra amount to build reserves in liver and fat tissue.
Vitamin A is also available in dietary supplements, usually in the form of retinol variants (like vitamin A palmitate) or beta-carotene, or both.
Breastmilk is the source of vitamin A in early life, so mom should consume a well-balanced diet to get an adequate amount of all nutrients including vitamin A. Maternal milk for pregnant and lactating moms that is rich in vitamins and minerals, when used as a part of the diet, may help to achieve the daily recommended intake with ease.
Pro Vitamin A (beta-carotene) found in plant-based foods
Vitamin A (retinol) come from animal products
Vitamin A deficiency is quite rare in developed countries, but if it happens it may lead to:
People prone to vitamin A deficiency often are those who have problems with fat absorption (e.g. bariatric surgery, pancreatic insufficiency, short bowl syndrome).
Vitamin A impacts immune health by stimulating responses that protect your body from illnesses and infections.
References:
1 Singapore Health Promotion Board https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/192/recommended_dietary_allowances Assessed on October 28, 2022.
2 Christopher Hodge; Christopher Taylor. National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567744/ Assessed on October 28, 2022.
SG.2022.32504.AND -PND.1 (v1.0)
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