Essential Vitamin A
Vitamins are essential to our health, regardless of age, but they are especially important for developing babies and young children.1 Without adequate vitamins, proper development can be very challenging.
Vitamin A is one of the most basic vitamins, but the body can’t produce it on its own.2 Unfortunately, vitamin A can be an overlooked nutrient. Most people know a lot more about vitamins C or D. Typically, it isn’t difficult to get adequate amounts of vitamin A; it’s found in many vegetables and leafy greens, liver, eggs and more.
There are two types of vitamin A. First is the active form known as retinol.3 This form of vitamin A is found in animal products like liver, eggs, fatty fish and milk.
Second is beta-carotene and other carotenoids that the body can convert into vitamin A.4 These are potent antioxidants found in orange and dark green plants like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale.
There are hundreds of different carotenoids in nature, but our bodies can only convert a few (like beta-carotene) to an active form of vitamin A.
Vitamin A is extremely important for overall health and development. It’s particularly essential for expectant mothers, as it helps maintain the mother's vision health while also supporting the baby’s embryonic growth and the development of the baby's eyes, skeleton, immune system and many major organs.5
Benefits of Vitamin A for Children
- Vitamin A is a powerful sources of antioxidant protection for the whole body Antioxidants protect against free radicals to keep the body functioning well6
- Vitamin A promotes growth and respiratory health in young children7
- Vitamin A is essential for the development of healthy eyes and normal vision It plays a key role in the formation of the eyes in the womb5
- Vitamin A supports overall skin health8
- Vitamin A promotes immune system health.8 A strong immune system helps keep you healthy, which is especially important for children
With these benefits in mind, it's a good idea to consider how a vitamin A supplement may help plug any nutritional gaps in your and your child's diets.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
1. Vitamins for children. National Health Service (UK). Read source
2. What is Vitamin A? Community Eye Health Journal. Read source
3. Retinol. Cleveland Clinic. Read source
4. What is Beta-Carotene? Medical News Today. Read source
5. Vitamin A. Nutrients. Read source
6. Vitamin A. Mayo Clinic. Read source
7. Vitamin A Supplementation. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. Read source
8. Health Benefits of Vitamin A. HealthLine. Read source
