Food & NutritionYour Health

Vitamin A – Health Benefits & Risks

Vitamin A plays an essential role in many body functions. These include immunity, reproduction, cell division, growth, and vision. You can find this nutrient in many foods, such as liver, dairy products, cantaloupe, carrots, green leafy veggies, and more. The recommended daily intake of vitamin A for men and women is 900 mcg and 700 mcg, respectively. Below are some important health benefits and risks that you should know about this vitamin.

Vitamin A and Eyesight

Vitamin A plays an important role in preserving eyesight. It is necessary for the body to convert light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain. That’s why an early sign of vitamin A deficiency may be nyctalopia, often known as night blindness. This vitamin is the main part of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina of the eye. Taking sufficient vitamin A can help you slow down the decline in eyesight, especially in aging people. [1]