Vitamins in the body: Their Importance and Effects

Vitamins in the body: Their Importance and Effects

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for body as it enhances healthy skin, beautiful hair, healthy nails, sharp vision and strong bones.

There are two types of vitamin A

1. Retinoids: This type of vitamin A comes from animal products. 
2. Beta-carotene: This is vitamin A which comes from plants.

 High doses of antioxidants (including vitamin A) may actually do more harm than good. Vitamin A supplementation alone, or in combination with other antioxidants, is associated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes, according to an analysis of multiple studies.

Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include dry skin, joint pain , vomiting, headaches, and confusion.

Important note: Always ask your doctor if vitamin A supplements are safe. Vitamin A supplements may interact with some birth control pills, blood thinners ( Coumadin), acne medicines (isotretinoin), cancer treatments, and many other drugs. 

Risks: Don’t take more than the RDA of vitamin A unless your doctor recommends it. High doses of vitamin A have been associated with birth defects, lower bone density, and liver problems. People who drink heavily or have kidney or liver disease shouldn’t take vitamin A supplements without talking to a doctor.