Vitamin A

Functions of Vitamin A

One of the most important functions of this vitamin is that it maintains the health and well-being of the epithelial tissues of the body. These are generally the tissues that line the body's openings, skin, and mucous membranes. All glands and their duct systems come under the protection of vitamin A. Since these areas are the first potential sites for bodily invasion by outside microbes, we must maintain these sites in optimal health.
Vitmin A aids in the growth and repair of body tissues, especially bones.
Proper formation and maintenance of tooth enamel and gums are a vitamin A process.
Vitamin A prompts the secretion of gastric juices necessary for proper digestion of proteins.
Vitamin A maintains the proper health of sex glands and the uterus.
Night vision and the general maintenance of the eye is a function of vitamin A.
Vitamin A aids in the synthesis of RNA.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin A

The eyes are obvious indicators of vitamin A deficiency. One of the first symptoms is night blindness. Other eye indicators of vitamin A deficiency include dry, itchy and inflamed eyeballs.
Susceptibility to colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections, especially of the respiratory and urinary tract, are indicators of vitamin A deficiency. Sinusitis and abscesses in ears and mouth are also common symptoms, as well as general repeated infections.
Acne.
Rough, dry, scaly, prematurely aged skin.
Sensitivity to light.
Reproductive difficulties.