Vitamin A is an antioxidant and thereby helps in the body's defense mechanisms. It also promotes healthy eye sight, the respiratory system and the urinary system. Our aging baby boomer bodies causes us to be concerned with all of the above and more.

The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states "Vitamin A is commonly known as the anti-infective vitamin, because it is required for normal functioning of the immune system. The skin and mucosal cells (cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract) function as a barrier and form the body's first line of defense against infection."

There is a normal range that the level of the vitamin must be maintained within. The recommended daily allowance is 5000 IU. There can be negative effects if too much or too little is taken into the body. Proper care must be taken if it is used in the form of a supplement.

The vitamin is found primarily in animal foods such as milk, kidney, and fish oil, with liver having the best source.

A Note Of Interest: Aulus Cornelius Celsus wrote in 30 AD "There is besides a weakness of the eyes, owing to which people see well enough indeed in the daytime but not at all at night; in women whose menstruation is regular this does not happen. But success sufferers should anoint their eyeballs with the stuff dripping from a liver whilst roasting, preferably of a he-goat, or failing that of a she-goat; and as well they should eat some of the liver itself."

Plants do not contain vitamin A but they contain a substance called carotenoid, a form of which is beta-carotene. The Beta-carotene when ingested is converted to vitamin A within the small intestines. The best source of plants for the vitamin are the dark green or yellow ones such as carrots, romaine lettuce and spinach just to mention a few.

Specific to the Baby Boomers

Vitamin A deficiency concerns for us the baby boomers are:

Night Blindness (Nyctalopia) is the condition where, under low light conditions, the vision becomes impaired making it more difficult to see. In some cases, dryness of the cornea occurs as well.

Infections may be more frequent and more severe in nature. Pneumonia, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections are some of the more notable.

Skin may also show a deficiency by becoming dry and scaly.

Toxicity may occur if it is taken as a supplement in excess of 25000 IU for a prolonged period of time. Symtoms may include depression, fatigue, dry skin, and even bouts of fever.

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