Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble retinoids required for maintaining healthy vision and immune system function. It is known for regulating/supporting cell communication, growth, and differentiation; this is key for healthy formation, function, and upkeep of vital organs, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Because of its role in immune system support and differentiation of immune system cells, Vitamin A may provide anti-inflammatory benefits and aid in fighting infectious diseases.1,2,3
Vitamin A can be split into two groups – Preformed Vitamin A and Provitamin A Carotenoids. Preformed Vitamin A is found in animal sources, while Carotenoids, such as β-Caroteneβ-Carotene, an antioxidant associated with deep yellow pigments in plants, is arguably one of the most important and we..., are found in green, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables.1,2
Evidence suggests that diets rich in Carotenoids may be associated with lower incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease because of their antioxidative properties.2
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Vitamin A: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved August 6, 2020, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/
- The Nutrition Society. (2009). The Vitamins: 8.2 Vitamin A. In Introduction to Human Nutrition, 2nd ed., pp. 133-141. Blackwell Publishing.
- Huang, Z., Liu, Y., Qi, G., Brand, D., Zheng ,S. G. (2018). Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System. J. Clin. Med., 7(9), 258. DOI: 10.3390/jcm7090258