Vitamin A: Benefits, Sources & Importance for Health

According to the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin A is an essential nutrient needed by all individuals. Vitamin A can be found in foods such as eggs, milk, liver, dark or orange-colored fruits and vegetables, and in fortified products such as cereals. Vitamin A helps the body perform a number of activities.

Cell Function

• Vitamin A is needed for cell division and cell differentiation.

Immune System

• Vitamin A is needed to build a strong immune system to fight off infection. Vitamin A regulates the immune system and helps lymphocytes to fight infections.

Helps Protect Organs

• Vitamin A helps to keep the linings of certain organs strong in order to keep the organ free from infection. The organs affected by vitamin A are the eyes, organs in the respiratory and urinary systems, and the digestive system.

Healthy Skin

• Vitamin A helps keep skin healthy and helps protect mucous membranes.

Serves as an Antioxidant

• Vitamin A can serve as an antioxidant. This helps protect cells from free radicals that damage cells.