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Carotenoids such as Beta
Carotene are molecules that are converted to Vitamin A easily by the
body. Most health professionals will recommend beta carotene be used as
the main source of Vitamin A consumed even though the term used on
nutrition labels is a recommended amount of Vitamin A. Beta carotene and
other carotenoids are mainly found in vegetables and fruits that contain a
variety other minerals and vitamins in addition to having a low fat
content. Beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A once the small intestines absorb it.
Vitamin A in its final form is mainly found in eggs and butter. in most
situations, getting the recommended amount of Vitamin A in its final
form would require also eating large amounts of saturated fats.
A large number of metabolic functions require
Vitamin A in the same way that other vitamins are required. The role
vitamin A plays in vision, especially dim-light vision, is one of
the unique functions of the vitamin. The leading cause of blindness in
children in third world countries where vegetables and fruits are not
easily obtained is a deficiency of Vitamin A. This type of blindness can
easily be prevented since it is relatively cheap to produce beta
carotene.
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Normal cell division
and cell growth also require Vitamin A that is converted from Beta
Carotene. Vitamin A has to be present for DNA replication to properly
function; this means that the first Vitamin A deficiency signs are often
present in rapidly dividing cells. Brittle hair, poor skin quality and
nausea resulting from stomach lining problems are all symptoms
associated with a Vitamin A deficiency. The development of teeth and
bone also require Vitamin A. The abnormal growth of extremities can
occur when the levels of Vitamin A are not adequate during a
child´s early years when growth occurs.
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Vitamin A also has the important function of being
an antioxidant in the body. The body blocks harmful chemical reactions
with the molecules known as antioxidants. Free radicals interfere with
DNA replication which is one of many harmful reactions. Free radicals
are prevented from disrupting the division of cells by Vitamin A and
other antioxidants binding with them. Plaque formation by cholesterol is
another important action blocked by Vitamin A and antioxidants. Blood
flow is restricted when the binding of cholesterol forms plaques in the
blood stream that attach to the artery wall. Cholesterol is prevented
from binding together and attaching to artery walls by Vitamin A and
other antioxidants.
Vitamin A is a required nutrient, but can be consumed in either its
final form, or in a precursor form such as Beta Carotene. The most
important reason to consume Beta Carotene rather than Vitamin A
directly are the other things that come along with them. Beta
Carotene is found in fruits and vegetables that also contain many other
nutrients, especially other vitamins and minerals. The final form of
Vitamin A is found in foods that are usually also high in bad saturated
fats. While either form will prevent a deficiency of Vitamin A,
foods high in Beta Carotene will also provide other useful health
benefits.
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