Why Do I Need Vitamin A?

Well, maybe You don't "need" vitamin A. However, there's been a lot of research in the news lately showing that an improved lifestyle - including healthier eating, exercise and proper nutrient levels can help nutritionally support your body in many ways.

For example, according to a report on the website -vitamins- , the main antioxidants are known as the 4 "ACES" for provitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and Selenium. The site goes on to say that vitamin A has been shown to nutritionally support the proper functioning of the eyes.

This report is similar to one on MSN Health and Fitness - health which said that carrots are like eye candy. "Are carrots really good for your eyes? Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which the retina needs," says Dr. Lylas Mogk.

And according to a special report by Prevention Magazine, vitamin A is needed for normal vision in dim light; another benefit of the A vitamin is that it maintains normal structure and function of the mucous membranes; and, it aids the growth of bones, teeth, and skin.

Food sources for vitamin A include carrots, as mentioned earlier, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, butternut squash, tuna, cantaloupe, mangoes, apricots, broccoli and watermelon.

Right now you might be wondering...

What's wrong with getting all of my vitamins from the food I eat? Why take a supplement? There are several reasons why we should take vitamins...
-the vitamins in the food we eat are not sufficient to prevent the "long-latency deficiency diseases" that the American Heart Association often speaks of
-As a result of processing, the length of time it takes for food to get to us, and also the storage conditions - the nutrients in our food are not stable.
Taking a multi-vitamin every day is the easiest lifestyle change you can make for your health. I've been doing it for over 20 years.

In an article on the site Vitamin-Nutrition.org - entitled "Why Take Vitamins" (by Elmer M. Cranton, M.D., of the Mount Rainier Clinic in Yelm, Washington)
Dr. Cranton states that..."Nutrional supplements have their greatest benefit by preserving health and preventing future illness. This is accomplished with a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and antioxidants that, in combination, provide optimum levels for long life and to slow the aging process. Taking a daily multiple vitamin supplement, with generous amounts of vitamin C increases average life span by 6 years."

And according to the Vitamins Diary website: "The best defined function of vitamin A is its role in vision. It provides the required stimulation for vision in the retina. In addition, vitamin A is required for growth, reproduction, and the maintenance of life. It builds up resistance to respiratory and other infections, and keeps the mucous linings and membranes of the body, especially those of the eyes, lungs, stomach, and intestines in a healthy condition. It prevents eye diseases, aids in the secretion of gastric juices, and the digestion of protein. It also plays a vital role in preventing and clearing up infections of the skin, and in promoting healthy hair, teeth, and gums. Vitamin A increases the permeability of blood capillaries, thereby contributing to better tissue oxygenation. It also helps prevent premature ageing and senility, increases life expectancy, and extends youthfulness."

So, if the above is not important to you, then - as you say - I'll give you a break. Perhaps YOU don't "need" vitamin A - so just pass this along to someone else, they MAY need it!