(BETA CAROTENE, RETINOL)
Recommended Dietary Intakes
Men – 750 mcg
Women – 750 mcg
This vitamin is essential for:
- eyes – vision (especially at night), inflammation.
- skin – acne, psoriasis, dry or scaly skin, boils and other skin problems.
- Hair – dandruff, dry or unhealthy hair
- nails – peeling
- mucous membranes – nose, throat, respiratory system, and digestive system, vagina, urinary tract and bladder.
- bones and teeth – proper growth and development.
- immune system – stimulates wound healing and is useful to ward off colds and flu.
- youth – slows the aging process.
- counteracts the toxic effects of smoking.
- may help prevent some types of cancer.
Beta carotene which is related to vitamin A, acts either as a precursor to vitamin A or as an antioxidant. It is a natural food substance.
Your skin stores beta carotene and your body metabolises it to produce vitamin A as needed.
It is reported that beta carotene increases your resistance to infection and may help prevent some cancers and vision problems. Beta carotene may also reduce the risk of heart disease.
Sources
Orange and yellow vegetables and fruits; dark-green leafy vegetables; whole milk, cream, egg yolks and butter; and animal livers, fish liver oils, garlic, and alfalfa.
More in Vitamins and Minerals