Vitamins are essential to the daily operations of our bodies. Vitamin A is actually a group of different compounds that come together to help almost every part of the body function. According to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, vitamin A is an essential nutrient that should be consumed through eating a well-balanced healthy diet (see Resources below). Though vitamin A can be found in supplements, it is recommended to get it through its natural form by eating foods such as eggs and dairy, as well as vegetables like carrots and dark green leafy vegetables.
Step Two
Growth and Maintenance - Vitamin A also helps to grow and maintain healthy bones and skin tissue. It also helps in the formation of new teeth. Vitamin A also plays a significant role in the development of a fetus during the pregnancy. Vitamin A additionally helps in the development of mucous membranes.
Step Three
Blood Cells - Vitamin A helps with the development of both white and red blood cells. It is used to help stem cells differentiate into red and white blood cells when needed. It also helps with the mobilization of iron to help in the process of using the red blood cells to create hemoglobin to transport oxygen.
Step Four
Immunity - Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for maintaining a healthy immune system. Largely this is because it takes vitamin A to keep your skin and mucous membranes healthy, and these barriers are the first line of defense against disease and infection. Vitamin A also helps with the production of white blood cells, which help fight off invading substances in the body.