Vitamin A
(retinol)
Food Sources: Liver, dark green vegetables, yellow-orange vegetables, cod liver oil.
Adult Female ( RDA ): 4,000 IU or 800 Retinol equivalents.
Types Available: Natural vitamin A, generally from cod liver oil is the most common supplement. Sometimes emulsified for marginally better absorption. Beta carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A. This is sometimes referred to, as it's provitamin function. Other carotenes such as Lycopene are also available.
Beneficial Effects: Vitamin A plays a roll in maintaining normal vision, skin, reproductive function, and protection against infection. Carotenes are antioxidants and Lycopene is being studied for it's possible role in preventing cancer. One study showed that women with recurrent vaginal yeast infections had low levels of beta carotene and when they took supplemental beta carotene the infections resolved. Cows fed diets low in beta carotene developed ovarian cysts, irregular menses and infertility. There may be a connection between beta carotene and ovarian function. Do these findings apply to women? We don't know, but the antioxidant effect alone is worth the extra effort to be sure you are getting enough beta carotene.
