Vitamin A: Everything You Need To Know About Its Benefits, Food Sources, And Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency: The body needs enough amount of vitamin A for healthy functioning. It supports cell growth, immune function, eyesight and foetal development. Vitamin A also supports skin health, nails and hair growth. You can get Vitamin A by eating certain foods like cod liver oil, eggs, broccoli, spinach and other dark leafy green vegetables. It is advised to consume a healthy and balanced diet with all necessary vitamins and minerals. You should ensure that you add vitamin A sources as well. Here's everything you need to know about vitamin A including benefits, deficiency and food sources.

Vitamin A: Benefits, deficiency symptoms and food sources

Benefits of vitamin A

1. The most important function of vitamin A is that it supports vision and helps prevent night blindness. Adding enough amount of Vitamin A to your diet can also slow down age-related decline of eyesight.

Vitamin A is extremely important for healthy eyesight
Photo Credit: iStock

2. A strong immune system is required to fight the risk of several diseases. Diet plays a major role in maintaining a strong immune system. Vitamin A also helps you boost immunity.

3. Vitamin A is also good for your skin. It can help prevent acne and reduces inflammation. Vitamin A also supports cell growth which can result in better nails and hair growth.

Also read: Is Dry Skin A Sign Of Vitamin D Deficiency? Know How It Can Affect Your Skin

4. An optimum amount of vitamin A in your diet also promotes bone health.

5. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties that can help reduce oxidative stress resulting in a controlled risk of cancer, heart disease and cognitive decline.

Also read: Vitamin E For Hair Growth: Here's How It Works

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency

One may experience several signs and symptoms due to vitamin A deficiency including-

1. Dry skin
2. Night blindness
3. Trouble conceiving
4. Cheat or throat infection
5. Acne
6. Delayed wound healing
7. Weak bones

Vitamin A deficiency can result in dry skin
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Do Not Take These 5 Vitamin Supplements!

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.