Here are 5 reasons why your body just can’t do without vitamin A

Your mom has, in all probability, forced you to include more carrots in your diet to ensure you face no vision problems. This is because carrots are rich in vitamin A which supports eye health. However, not many know that this vitamin is essential for other functions such as growth, immunity, and cell recognition. 

Primarily found in meat, fish, and vegetable, vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that promotes proper functioning of various organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Hence, being deficient in vitamin A can cause a host of health problems.

 Here are five reasons why you should keep an eye on your vitamin A levels:

1. For promoting healthy growth and fertility

Vitamin A is one of the key vitamins needed to maintain a healthy reproductive system. In a study published in the journal Nutrients, it was noted that a lack of vitamin A can not only impact the quality of eggs but also affect its implantation in the womb.

Vitamin A is also involved in the development and normal growth of the embryo. However, taken in excess, it can prove to be harmful to the unborn baby. Hence, it is recommended that you reach out to your doctor before the consumption of any supplement.

2. For maintaining good vision

You might be aware of the fact the deficiency of vitamin A causes night blindness. This is because vitamin A is needed for converting the light hitting your retina into a signal for the brain to process it. When you lack vitamin A, the conversion does not take place efficiently which has a negative impact on the eyesight.

3. For supporting the immune system

Vitamin A is essential for the production and function of white blood cells in your body which are responsible for fighting against the pathogens in your blood.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was noted that the deficiency of vitamin A can not only increase the chances of you catching an infection but can also delay the recovery time.

4. For better bone health

If you thought that only calcium and vitamin D are necessary for maintaining good bone health, you are wrong. In a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the researchers found that people who had lower levels of vitamin A had more chances of bone fractures than those who had healthier levels of vitamin A.

5. For lowering the risk of cancer

Healthy levels of vitamin A in the body can help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Consuming beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A, has shown to reduce the risk of cervical, lung and bladder cancer.

So, make sure you’re including enough vitamin A in your diet in the form of carrots, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables.