Vitamin A is an important vitamin for strong overall health, but it specifically targets the vision and immune system. Animal sources of vitamin A include eggs, milk, cheese and liver, and vitamin A is found in plant sources that are high in the antioxidant beta carotene. Fruits and vegetables with high amounts of beta carotene include carrots, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, broccoli, pink grapefruit and spinach. Vitamin A is an important element of any healthy diet, and deficiencies of vitamin A can cause significant health problems.
Vitamin A is most commonly known for its role in promoting good vision and eye health. The vitamin also helps maintain healthy skin, teeth, bones and mucous membranes. Vitamin A also has many cancer-fighting properties and has been proven to help prevent breast cancer in women. Finally, in some cases vitamin A can be used to treat and prevent skin conditions such as eczema, acne, cold sores and psoriasis.
A slight deficiency of vitamin A may lead to some health complications, but a severe vitamin A deficiency leads to blindness, which is a problem among malnourished children in the developing world. A lack of vitamin A also makes an individual more susceptible to sickness and disease.
Despite the great benefits of taking vitamin A, it is unhealthy to take more than the recommended amount. Nutritionists suggest that adults keep their vitamin A intake below 10,000 units per day. Minor complications of a vitamin A overdose are temporary sickness and a feeling of fatigue. Babies and children are especially susceptible to sickness from an overdose of vitamin A.
Long term effects of exceeding the recommended amount of vitamin A are more severe. Individuals who have too much of the vitamin may suffer from chronic fatigue, irritability and stomach pains. Too much vitamin A is also associated with birth defects, so pregnant women should be very careful about their intake. However, in safe doses, vitamin A is an important element that helps to maintain good health and prevent disease.