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Vitamin A

Retinoids (Retinol)

Fat Soluble Stores: Months
Stored in:
LiverAdipose tissue
Forms:
Retinol (Preformed Vitamin A)

Found in animal products. Readily used by the body.

Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A)

Found in plants. Converted into Vitamin A by the body as needed.

Summary

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. It is important for normal vision, the immune system, and reproduction. Vitamin A also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs work properly.

Vitamin A is a collective term for a group of substances that exhibit Vitamin A activity. Retinol is the biologically active form of Vitamin A, found in animal foods such as liver and dairy products. Additionally, there are inactive precursors like beta-carotene, present in plant foods, which the body can convert into retinol.

Key Benefits

1

Maintains healthy vision, especially in low light.

2

Supports the immune system and helps fight infections.

3

Keeps skin and mucous membranes healthy.

4

Promotes proper growth and development.

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Top Food Sources

Information per 100g

Plant-Based

  • Carrots 835 µg
  • Sweet potatoes 709 µg
  • Spinach 469 µg
  • Romaine lettuce 436 µg
  • Pumpkin 400 µg
  • Rose hips 400 µg
  • Kale 241 µg
  • Honeydew melon 169 µg
  • Red pepper 157 µg
  • Apricots 96 µg
  • Mango 54 µg

Animal-Based

  • Fish oils 30000 µg
  • Beef liver 9442 µg
  • Liverwurst 8300 µg
  • Eel 980 µg
  • Tuna 757 µg
  • Mascarpone 400 µg
  • Cheddar 265 µg
  • Eggs 149 µg
  • Milk 46 µg
  • Mackerel 45 µg

The "Smart Assistant" Tip

Fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A are best absorbed when eaten with some fat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to your carrots!

Signs of Deficiency

1

Night blindness

2

Dry skin

3

Frequent infections

Vitamin A: Forms & Metabolic Pathways

Dietary Sources

Plant Sources (Provitamin A)
Carotenoids
Beta-carotene Alpha-carotene Beta-cryptoxanthin
Cleavage &
Conversion
(Intestine/Liver)
Retinal (Retinaldehyde)
👁️
Vision(Visual Cycle)
Retinoic Acid
🧬
Gene Expression,
Cell Differentiation,
Growth
Reversible Oxidation
/ Reduction
Retinol (Vitamin A Alcohol)
Animal Sources (Preformed Vitamin A)
Retinyl Esters
Hydrolysis
Esterification