Vitamin of the Month-VITAMIN A

VITAMIN A IS ESSENTIAL TO SIGHT:

The most critical function and of most interest to us; vitamin A is involved in the maintenance of healthy vision.  Acting in two ways, vitamin A allows us to react to changes in brightness and distinguish between different wavelengths of light (see different colours)!

Vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of worldwide blindness. Night blindness (nyctalopia), impaired vision and dry eyes (progressing to corneal ulceration, descemetocele and perforation) are visual signs of hypovitaminosis A.   

IMPORTANT SOURCES OF VITAMIN A:

Vitamin A can be obtained through both animal and plant sources.  In animal sources, the vitamin A is preformed, where as in plant sources, beta-carotene and other carotenoids are converted into vitamin A.

Animal Sources	Plant Sources
-Beef Liver -Chicken Liver -Eggs -Whole-Fat Dairy Products *Vitamin A is also found in fortified reduced -fat milks and margarines	-Dark green, orange, red and deep yellow fruits and vegetables -eg. Carrots, Spinach, Mango, Cataloupe and Tomato Juice

 

For more information on Vitamin A please visit: http://www.vindicomeded.com/cmelc/pcon_ce0809.asp or http://www.eyecaresource.com/health/healthy-eyes/