Although the investigations into and discoveries of vitamins began a bit earlier, Casimir Funk, a Polish biochemist, was the first to formulate the concept of vitamins in 1912. Funk then coined the word vitamine, but it was later modified to vitamin. How does vitamin A help your body? Great question. Vitamin A helps you to maintain healthy skin, strong eyesight, and strengthen your immune system—among other things. Vitamin A is known to possess antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are substances which prevent or slow down damage caused by “by-products” of “oxygen use” by body cells. They are known for cancer prevention and anti-aging. Where can you find vitamin A? Natural foods such as oranges and yellow fruits are known to contain substantial doses of vitamin A. Vitamin A has also been found to be largely available in vegetables such as Spinach, and fats. The vitamin in the vegetables is water soluble. What that means is that it is not stored in the body and must be replaced each day. Because vitamin A in vegetables comes in the form of beta carotene, it is an excellent way for your body to get it. Fat in the food you consume accounts for the majority of vitamin A needed for your survival. People on low fat or restricted diet may not be getting an adequate amount of vitamin A needed for their bodies to function properly. Persons suffering from vitamin A deficiency are also advised to consume a high level of protein as protein helps your body absorb vitamin A, combines with vitamin A to make it stronger, and help it move through your body. How much vitamin A should you really consume daily? To keep your body in optimum health, consuming around 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A daily is recommended. To put things into perspective, one medium orange gives you approximately 269 IU of vitamin A. A medium avocado contains approximately 1230 IU of vitamin A. A medium sized banana contains approximately 95 IU of vitamin A. A slice of cantaloupe contains approximately 2225 IU of vitamin A. A medium mango without peel contains approximately 8060 IU of vitamin A. A medium peach contains 524 IU of vitamin A. Your recommended daily intake of vitamin A may vary depending on age and health. So what happens if you don’t get an adequate daily intake of vitamin A? The symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are worth avoiding. People with vitamin A deficiency may have skin problems, increased infections, night blindness and accelerated aging processes. As recovering from a vitamin A deficiency is difficult and complicated, you’re advised to always stay up to date with your vitamins intake. On the other hand, some symptoms of an overdose of vitamin A are pain in the joints, abdomen and bones. However, these symptoms are rare and you should always strive to get an adequate vitamin intake. If your lifestyle is one that inhibits your ability to indulge in vitamin enriched or natural foods, you may want to consider vitamin supplements—the ones with no side effects.

There are many different Vitamins in foods. Vitamins are essential to life, but most of us do not get the amount of vitamins we need in our every day diet. Certain foods are high not only in one vitamin, but many. Let us take Broccoli, for example.

Broccoli is probably one of the most nutritional foods on the face of the planet, yet many people dislike this green vegetable . Broccoli is high in most of the B vitamins and is both an antioxidant as well as an energy booster. Consumption of certain vitamins in food, such as broccoli, have been found to stave off cancer and even fight the disease. In addition to fighting off cancer and other illnesses, vitamins in food such as broccoli can alleviate depression, help with anxiety and can improve cardiovascular health.

Oranges are high in Vitamin C. Vitamins in food that protect us from colds and boost our immune system can be found in those foods high in vitamin C. In addition to oranges, most citrus fruits contain high quantities of Vitamin C as do strawberries, cherries, pineapple and tomatoes. Vegetables that are also high in vitamin C include broccoli, asparagus, potatoes and cauliflower. Melons and cabbage are also found to have substantial amounts of this valuable vitamin.

Vitamins in food are the most natural way to take the essential nutrients that we need to sustain good health. Most of us, however, do not get the amount of vegetables and other foods that are high in certain vitamins on a daily basis. For this reason, many people choose to take vitamin supplements to make up for any deficiencies they are experiencing by not consuming vitamins in food.

Remember when your mother told you to drink your milk so you could get strong bones and teeth? She was not lying. Milk is high in vitamin D that promotes strong bones and teeth. While children need this essential vitamin to grow, older people can also benefit from vitamin D as it is shown to stave off the effects of osteoporosis. Other foods that are also high in vitamin D include fish liver oils, egg yolks, shrimp and fish.

Another one of the many vitamins in food is Vitamin E, which is also a powerful antioxidant. In addition to preventing cancer and actually making cancer treatments more effective, Vitamin E can reduce damage to lungs caused by smoking. It protects the body from toxic chemicals. Vitamins in foods containing the E vitamin include most oils, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, peanut butter and soy beans.

Vitamins in foods that help your eyesight include Vitamin A that can be found in carrots. It is not an old wives tale that eating carrots helps your eyesight. Carrots contain Vitamin A that is actually shown to protect against night blindness and can even reverse cornea damage. While eating carrots does not guarantee having 20/20 vision, other benefits of eating carrots containing vitamin A include protection against cancer as well as the common cold and flu. Vitamin A is also known to combat certain infections and aid in the care of skin disorders.

Other foods that are high in vitamin A include liver, parsley, mint, spinach, carrots, dairy products, greens, cherries, sweet potatoes, greens, peaches, cantaloupe, apricots, squash and our old friend, broccoli.

Vitamins in foods such as fish can help control cholesterol and improve memory. Many people are taking fish oil supplements to stave off diseases such as Alzheimers disease and improve their concentration. People call fish brain food because the vitamins in food such as fish are proven to help with concentration and memory.

Liver is not one of the most favorite substances people can eat and many shy away from this food. But liver contains iron. Iron is essential for stamina, although you do not want to get too much iron in your blood. Women who are pregnant or those with anemia, however, can benefit greatly from this food.

Vitamins in food come in many different varieties. In order to make certain that you are getting the proper amount of vitamins in food you should eat seven different fruits and vegetables each day, drink orange juice and consume milk or dairy products and make sure you get whole grains as well as protein in your diet. To many people, this seems as if it is a daunting task. This is why so many people prefer to take vitamin supplements.

While vitamin supplements are an excellent way to get your daily requirements of certain vitamins, vitamins in food is one way to be sure that you are keeping your body healthy. If nothing else, at least try to consume broccoli as much as you can, in addition to taking your multivitamins. Of all the vitamins in food, broccoli contains the most beneficial supplements.

Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substance essential in small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body needs them to work properly, so that we can grow and develop just like we should. Their deficiency results in many serious disorders. 

Vitamins are divided into two major groups: the ‘fat-soluble vitamins’ designated as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and the ‘water-soluble vitamins’ which include vitamin C and the group of molecules referred to as the vitamin B complex. Each of them has its own special role in the development of human body. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a really big part in eyesight and helps us to see in dim light and also at night. “Vitamin A” is also involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. In addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, reproduction and for the development of epithelial cells (that line any opening to the body e.g.; nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines and urinary tract). Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish oil, liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef), butter, broccoli, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange or yellow vegetables or fruits. The deficiency of vitamin A can cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of skin. 

Vitamin B

Vitamin B itself is a complex of different vitamins like: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid. These B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cell (which carry oxygen throughout your body). They also help your body make protein and energy. 

The sources of “vitamin B” are leafy green vegetables seafood, beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains (such as wheat and oats), poultry, meats, eggs and dairy products (like milk and yogurt). Some bacteria in our large intestine also prepare some type of B-vitamins. The deficiency of vitamin B can cause the disease “Beri Beri”, cracked lips, weak muscles, malformation of red blood cells, affects normal growth and disturbs the nervous system. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is vital to the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It is important for keeping body tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape and it helps in quick healing of wounds. In addition, it helps protecting the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. 

The “vitamin C” can be found in citrus fruits (like lemon & orange), cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and in other fresh fruits and vegetables. The deficiency of vitamin C affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a disease called “Scurvy” which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa. It is this vitamin you need for strong bones and teeth. In addition it helps your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs. 

Vitamin D can be found in fish liver oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy products fortified with “vitamin D”. It is also produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet light and sunlight. 

The deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in children). And its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, formation of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air. This vitamin can be found in whole grains (such as wheat and oat), wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds. The deficiency of this “vitamin E” can cause many diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin A or Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays an important role in vision, development and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, mucous membranes; immune functions; and reproduction. Vitamin A or retinol, helps your eyes to adjust to light alteration when you come in from outside and also helps keep your eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist.

Vitamin A is essential for the utilization of protein and the production of testosterone and other development factors.

Vitamin A is found in any of these forms:

* Retinol

* Other retinoids – retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and compounds of similar nature.

* Carotenoids – organic pigments that are naturally found in plants.

what is the Daily requirement of Vitamin A-

Quantity of the amount of vitamin A is measured in retinol activity equivalents (RAE).

The suggested daily requirement for vitamin A is 700 RAE (retinol activity equivalent) per day for women and 900 RAE per day for men. But the requirements may be different from one person to another. The requirements may differ for growing children, during puberty, and for women who are pregnant or lactating; therefore, it is necessary to consult doctor for differences.

what are the Benefits of Vitamin A -

1) Vitamin A supports healthy surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts.

2) It Helps the skin and mucous membranes function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses.

3) It can also help boost the power of your white blood cells

4) It also keeps the mucus membranes, like the ones in your nose, moist.

Food sources of Vitamin A

Eating a range of foods that include vitamin A (and carotenes) is the finest method to get a sufficient amount.

Alcohol, coffee, or excessive iron can all reduce the body’s supply of Vitamin A. But, the good information is that vitamin A is readily obtainable from numerous food sources.

Vitamin A can be obtained from food in two dissimilar forms -

1. Pro-vitamin A (also called beta-carotene). This is obtained from plant sources. It is mostly found in fruits and vegetables.

2. Pre-formed vitamin A (also called retinol or retinal) . This is obtained through animal sources. Main sources consist of liver, whole milk, and some equipped food products.

The top most vitamin A-rich foods consist of:

1) Sweet potato
2) Mango
3) Carrots
4) Spinach
5) Dried apricots
6) Cantaloupe
7) Egg yolk
Milk
9) Mozzarella cheese
10) Liver

Skimmed milk is often equipped with vitamin A because it is removed from milk with the fat.

What can happen with vitamin A deficiency?

1) Night blindness is one of the first Vitamin A Deficiency symptom

2) Vitamin A deficiency reduces the capability to fight infections, such as pneumonia.

3) Vitamin A Deficiency may increase a child’s threat of developing respiratory infections, diarrhea, decreased growth rate and slow bone. development.

Vegans who do not consume eggs and dairy foods need pro vitamin A carotenoids to fulfill their requirement for vitamin A. They should include at least of five servings of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet and habitually choose dark green leafy vegetables and orange and yellow fruits to fulfill suggested amounts of vitamin A.

Storage of Vitamin A -

Vitamins are simply destroyed during food preparation and storage.

1) To get the maximum vitamin possible from food, refrigerate and store milk and grains away from strong light.

2) To retain vitamin A try to supply fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible.

3) Steam vegetables, roast or bake meats in place of frying.

4) If you take vitamin supplements, keep them at room temperature in a dry place that is moisture free.

Vitamin A Overdose

Overdose of vitamin A cause tiredness, sluggishness, severe headache, vomiting, peeling of skinand  hair loss.

Research recommends that having more than an average of 1.5mg per day of vitamin A over a lot of years may affect bones and make them more liable to fracture when grow older.

Older people, especially women, are already at danger of osteoporosis. This is where bone compactness reduces and so the risk of fractures grows.

If pregnant, having overdose of Vitamin A can harm your unborn baby. Therefore, if you are pregnant or thinking of having a baby, you should avoid eating liver products because these are very high in vitamin A quantity.