Understanding Vitamin A

Now let’s take a closer look of the advantages and disadvantages of taking these supplements:

Vitamin A

The control for vitamin A deficiency is one of the most cost effective child health and child survival strategies governments can pursue. In 1984 WHO gave all possible support to member states in the prevention and control of vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia. Vitamin A plays a central role in many essential biological processes. Vitamin A is required at different stages of vertebrae development. This requirement remains crucial even with adults.

Vitamin A known as retinol is a fat soluble substance that supports one’s eyesight and prevents night blindness. This is not advisable to be taken everyday because it can be stored in body fat and may become toxic. It needs body fat for its absorption. This substance is being stored in the body organs. A large part of it can be stored in the liver. This substance is released into the bloodstream as needed for use by cells throughout the body especially the eyes. Periodic high dose supplementation is needed to build up reserve at times of reduced dietary intake or increase need. But there is a great possibility that large quantities could get accumulated which may proved harmful or toxic to the body considering that this is not lost or being discharged from the body through the urine. Vitamin A toxicity is a real problem.