Immune System Benefits of Vitamin A
The benefits of vitamin A are often overshadowed by the highly publicized vitamin C.
However, the facts about vitamin A show that it is also important when it comes to fighting off infections and boosting the immune system.
Care needs to be taken though. This is because vitamin A overdose/toxicity will occur if high doses are taken for a prolonged period of time. The idea of "if some is good, than more is better" does NOT apply to vitamins. You need to do your research!
For example, pregnant women should not take more than 8000 IU per day because of possible birth defects.
Also keep in mind that since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, the body has a harder time getting rid of all the excess (as opposed to water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C).
If you are worried about vitamin A toxicity, use the much safer mycellized version of vitamin A, or consider beta-carotene. Neither have caused any documented side effects even at higher doses.
On the other end of the spectrum is vitamin A deficiency. If you do not get enough of this nutrient, germs will see big "open-season" signs all over you.
A standard maintenance dose to receive the benefits of vitamin a would be anywhere from 2000-5000 IU.
Try to skip the daily pill though and fulfill your requirement through food. Whole foods are always better than synthesized vitamins.
The best vitamin A food sources are cod liver oil and liver.
Turning your nose up?! Can't blame you...
The next best vitamin A foods are butter, egg yolks, cream, and whole milk. From grass-fed cows and free-range chickens when possible.
Notice that the food sources of vitamin A are packaged with some fat? This isn't a coincidence. Remember, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, and thus better absorbed when eaten with fat.
It's just nature's way of doing her thing!
And remember, the benefits of vitamin A go well beyond boosting the immune system. This important vitamin is also needed for ensuring healthy reproduction, curing skin and digestive ailments, easing blood sugar disorders, curing night blindness, preventing heart disease, balancing women's hormones and much more.
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