Description

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the health of epithelial tissue, the second most common tissue in the body after connective tissue. Epithelial tissue is the tissue that forms the covering of all internal and external surfaces of the body, lines body cavities and is a major tissue in glands. We find it in the lining of stomach, intestines, respiratory tract (airways, lungs), urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, urethra), reproductive tract (ovaries, uterus, vagina, prostate, testes, penis), and blood vessels. It is also necessary for immune function and heart health.

Deficiency symptoms of this critical vitamin include acne, allergies, skin blemishes, frequent colds, dry hair, eye sties, fatigue, insomnia, itching/burning eyes, loss of smell, night blindness, rough dry skin, sinus trouble, gum disorders and susceptibility to infections.

Vitamin A is measured in either micrograms (mcg) or International Units (IU). Vitamin A can be toxic if taken in excessive amounts over a prolonged period, since excess can accumulate in the body. It is recommended not to take more than 3,000 mcg daily (equivalent to 10,000 IU). Often vitamin formulas contain Beta Carotene as a substitute for vitamin A, since the body can convert it to vitamin A. But it takes 12 mcg of Beta Carotene for the body to produce 1 mcg of vitamin A and some people cannot convert it at all, so it is best to choose vitamin A itself.

Most cancers affecting your skin, breasts, kidney, liver, lungs, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, esophagus, head and neck are cancers of epithelial tissue (called carcinomas). In fact, carcinomas account for 80% to 90% of all cancers! So, avoiding vitamin A deficiency and maintaining the health and proper functioning of epithelial tissue is critical for your wellbeing.