Vitamin A

is a fat soluble vitamin, requiring fats, minerals (especially zine) and enzymes for absorption.  Available in both plants and animals, plants contain the beta carotene form while animal sources contain retinol.

Vitamin A counteracts night blindness, weak eyesight, and strengthens the optical system.  Supplementation lowers risk of many types of cancer.  Retinoids inhibit malignant transformation, and reverse pre-malignant changes in tissue.  Vitamin A is particularly effective against lung cancer.  It is also an anti-infective that builds immune resistance.  It helps develop strong bone cells, a major factor in the health of skin, hair, teeth and gums.  Deficiency results in eye dryness and the inability to tear, night blindness, rough, itchy skin, poor bone growth, weak tooth enamel, chronic diarrhea and frequent respiratory infection.  Vitamin A is critical to adrenal and steroid hormone synthesis, and is a key to preventing premature aging. 

Good food sources: fish liver oils, seafood, sea greens, dairy foods, yellow fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, yams, sweet potatoes, liver, watermelon and cantaloupe, and eggs.

Healthy Healing--  Linda Page