Functions and Mechanisms

1. Vitamin A (retinol, retinyl palmitate) is fat-soluble. and has a water-soluble friendly cousin known as the carotenoids (alpha and beta). Thanks to Bugs Bunny, we probably all associate beta-carotene (as found in carrots) as being essential for night vision. Also, vitamin A/carotenoids are essential for normal growth, development and maintenance of skin and the linings of the GI tract. They also help provide for normal bone and tooth development and formation. Keep in mind, though, that the fat-soluble form of Vitamin A is toxic in large amounts.
2. Pure vitamin A can be teratogenic in females (cause harm to the fetus).
3. The plant source carotenoids need a certain amount of vitamin E to aid in its metabolism, but excess vitamin E can also inhibit beta-carotene absorption.
4. Excess vitamin A interferes with vitamin K absorption.
5. Zinc deficiency interferes with vitamin A absorption.
6. Vitamin A deficiency may result in microcyctic anemia.
7. Some recommend rather than taking the fat-soluble vitamin A, look for mixed carotenoids (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). However some people convert them to Vitamin A poorly.

Treats

Testing:

Supplementation: