Contributes to normal iron absorption, the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, skin, vision, the normal function of the immune system and has a role in the process of cell specialisation.
Good food sources include cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk and liver. Other good sources is to consume foods rich in beta-carotene which gets converted to vitamin A. Such foods include carrots, spinach, peppers and sweet potato. Also fruits like mango and apricots.
Daily requirements are 700mcg for men and 600mcg for women.
Deficiency can lead to more infections, infertility, miscarriage, dry eyes, night blindness, dry hair and itching.
Tips;
- Avoid supplements that contain Vitamin A and liver or liver pate because this can be dangerous to an unborn baby. Only take supplements that contain beta-carotene to be safe like our Pregnancy supplement.
Other;
- Some supplements like our pregnancy formula do not contain Vitamin A but instead include Betacarotene which gives fruit and vegetables their red-orange pigment. Betacarotene is converted to Vitamin A only if the body requires it, hence making it safe for during pregnancy
