Vitamin A

Benefits of Vitamin A

– It is crucial for the proper utilization of protein.
– It is stored in the liver and it helps purify the bloodstream.
– It helps maintain healthy skin and is used in the treatment of acne.
– It prevents night blindness and is prescribed for eye disorders.
– It protects the body from bacterial and viral infections.
– It keeps skin and tissues healthy.
– It is thought to be of value in retarding cancer growth.
– It helps to maintain healthy thyroid balance.

Best Absorbed Form

Retinol; retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate.

Take With

B complex, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium and zinc (since zinc gets vitamin A out of its storage deposits)

Don’t Take With

Iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium or calcium

When zinc is combined with certain foods it may not be absorbed into your body. Avoid the following foods for approx 2 hours after you take zinc: bran, fiber-containing foods, whole-grain breads and cereals, and phosphorus-containing foods such as milk or poultry.

Information on Vitamin A

Two of the most common vit A sources are retinol and beta-carotene.
Retinol is sometimes called “true” vit A because it is nearly ready for the body to use. Principle forms of retinol in supplements are retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate.
Beta-carotene is a precursor for vit A. The body needs to convert it to retinol for use so as a result it is preferable to supplement with retinol sources.
According to the AACE/TOS/ASMBS Guidelines [55] for post-op Duodenal Switch patients with deficiency symptoms, aggressive oral supplementation, up to 65,000 IU/day of vitamin A, can normalize dark adaptation and the serum vitamin A level after 2-3 months.
Check with your surgeon for the suggested post-op daily supplementation.

For more information on Vitamin A

Vitamin A: The Vitamin That Helps Reduce Sun-Related Skin Damage