Back to knowledge libraryVitamin A
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a fat soluble vitamin which has an important role in healthy bodily functions. Carotenoids are pigments found in food and some of these can be converted by the body into vitamin A. The UK government recommends an Vitamin A intake of 700µg per day for males and 600µg per day for female. For example consuming one baked sweet potato will meet the daily Vitamin A target.
What is the role of Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is needed for normal vision, immune system function, reproduction, growth and development. This vitamin supports the body’s immune system to defend against illness and infection. It also helps to maintain healthy skin and some bodily linings, like the lining of the nose as well as supporting vision in dim lighting.
What foods contain Vitamin A?
Foods rich in vitamin A include cheese, eggs, oily fish, fortified spreads, milk, yogurt, and liver. Foods rich in beta-carotene (which is converted vitamin A by the body) include yellow, red and green leafy vegetables like spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and red peppers, plus yellow fruit like mango, papaya and apricots.
Further Resources:
References:
National Institute of Health (2022). Vitamin A and Carotenoids. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/ [Accessed 02 September 2024].
National Health Service (2020). Vitamin A. Available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-a/ [Accessed 02 September 2024].
Public Health England (2016). Government Dietary Recommendations: Government recommendations for energy and nutrients for males and females aged 1–18 years and 19+ years. Available at:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a749fece5274a44083b82d8/government_dietary_recommendations.pdf [Accessed 21 Aug 2024]
Written By:
Lucy Clarkson, SENR Nutritionist and Database Support, myfood24.