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Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene

CalorieKing.com Staff


 

It’s not just a myth; carrots really do help you see in the dark. At least, the beta-carotene in carrots that converts to vitamin A helps you see in the dark. Vitamin A also plays many other important roles in your body.

Find out more here.


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What is vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a family of fat-soluble vitamins. Retinol is one of the most usable forms of vitamin A and is found in animal foods such as liver and eggs and in some fortified food products.

Beta-Carotene is the most abundant form of provitamin A and converts to vitamin A as required by the body. 1mg of B-carotene is equivalent to 166 mcg retinol. (A provitamin is a substance that turns into a vitamin via a natural reaction in the body).

 

Food source Vitamin A

Liver, fried, 1 slice, 1.5 oz 

Cod liver oil, 1 Tbsp

Butter/Margarine, 1 Tbsp, 0.7 oz

Cheese, cheddar, 1 oz

Egg, 1 large 

Milk, whole, 1 cup, 8 fl. oz

14000 mcg

3600  mcg

240  mcg

120  mcg

100  mcg

80  mcg




Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)


750 mcg (micrograms)
or 750 RE (Retinol Equivalents)
or 2500 IU (International Units)
or 4.5 mg Beta-carotene


The role of vitamin A in the body

Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy
  • Necessary for night vision
  • Maintains healthy skin and eyes
  • Keeps body linings of lungs and intestines healthy
  • Supports sperm production
  • May protect against cancer
  • Boosts resistance to infection
  • Helps bone growth

Deficiency symptoms

Signs that you are not getting enough vitamin A include: trouble seeing at night; dry eyes; rough skin; and impaired bone growth. Deficiency also makes linings of digestive and respiratory tracts more vulnerable to infection.


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