Vitamin A plays an important role in our body’s immune system and can help the everyday and long-term quality of our vision. We can get vitamin A through our diet from liver (beef, lamb, cod), dairy products (milk, cheese, butter), and from fish. If you prefer veggies, our bodies can make vitamin A from carotenoids in sweet potatoes, squashes, and carrots.

In order for our body to be able to use vitamin A, it converts it to a pure form of the vitamin called Retinol. We include vitamin A in Future Proof for its potential benefits for supporting cell growth and function in the immune system as well as its role in vision health.

Essential fuel for important immune functions

Vitamin A helps the “garbage men” in our immune system. There is a certain type of immune cell that basically bags up and removes cells from our body that are compromised by viruses or other ailments. These immune trash collectors require vitamin A for their production and function (1). After these problematic cells are removed, vitamin A can also help our body make new, healthy cells, to replace the old ones. It also helps your body produce mucus to protect your eyes, lungs, and gut to trap bacteria.

Good for the eyes now and down the road

When light hits our eyes, a chemical process takes place so our brain can understand exactly what it is we are seeing. Vitamin A is essential in this process. It is beneficial for vision during the daytime, and particularly important for your night vision. In fact, one of the signs of vitamin A deficiency is having difficulty seeing when it’s dark (2). Vitamin A may also play a role in maintaining the quality of our vision as we age (3). So, this vitamin may support the everyday, and on-going health of our eyes.

100% of the daily dose

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin A for adults is 900 micrograms (mcg) (4). This is the amount we include in Future Proof, which is 100 percent of your daily value.

Taking too much vitamin A for an extended period of time can have very serious health consequences that may manifest in different forms. This could cause issues with your liver, central nervous system, bones, and skin.

Disclaimer: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you take any type of supplement. And if you experience any negative side effects when you are taking one, contact a healthcare expert immediately.

References

1. Role of Vitamin A in the Immune System - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information 
2. Vitamin deficiency and night blindness - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information 
3. Intakes of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Other Carotenoids and Age-Related Macular Degeneration During 2 Decades of Prospective Follow Up - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information 
4. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information