Vitamin A – improve the body’s resistance

Vitamins and minerals play an important role and are one of the main substances that help improve the immune system and body health. Micronutrient deficiency is like “hidden hunger”, reducing resistance. Besides vitamin C, vitamin A is also considered an immune “shield” for the body, contributing to reducing the risk of infections.

Vitamin A is involved in the visual function of the eyes, helping to keep the eyes healthy. This vitamin also contributes to maintaining youthful, bright skin. The antioxidant properties of vitamin A also protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which contribute to cardiovascular disease and other diseases.

Some people may not know that vitamin A is also known as “antibacterial and anti-viral micronutrients”, supporting the body’s immune system. The role of vitamin A in the immune response is shown in epithelial integrity; if the epithelium is lacking, it will be keratinized, the exocrine glands will reduce secretion, and the ability to prevent the invasion of bacteria will decrease.

Vitamin A deficiency is associated with malnutrition and an increased risk of infections and other infectious agents. Severe cases lead to damage to the eyes, if not treated promptly can cause permanent blindness. The manifestations of deficiency of this micronutrient such as impaired vision, dry skin; prone to infections, bacterial infections… When there is enough vitamin A, the eyes will be sharp, the skin is smooth, the immune system works more effectively.

Because the body cannot synthesize vitamin A on its own, in order to absorb and synthesize vitamin A, we can actively look for foods that contain a lot of vitamin A.

According to the Institute of Nutrition, adding vitamin A to food is considered a long-term solution to prevent micronutrients in general and prevent vitamin A deficiency in particular. This solution has been successful in many countries such as adding vitamin A to sugar (Central American countries), cooking oil (Philippines, Indonesia), instant noodles, fast food (Thailand).

Vitamin A is found in many foods, most commonly retinol and beta-carotene. Foods containing vitamin A of animal origin (retinol) such as liver, eel, eggs, milk …, especially in the liver – where the body stores the most vitamin A. Liver types such as chicken liver contain 6,960 mcg, pig liver is 6,000 mcg, beef liver has 5,000 mcg in 100 grams of food. Fats from meat and eggs also contain significant amounts of vitamin A.

Common foods are rich in vitamin A.  Source of nutrition.

Common foods are high in beta-carotene. Nutritional resources.

Provitamin A (beta-carotene) is usually from certain animal products such as milk, cream, butter, and eggs. Plant-based foods such as fruit often contain beta carotene (precursor vitamin A) and will convert to this vitamin in the body. Yellow, red, and dark green tubers contain a lot of beta-carotene such as gac, carrots, bell peppers, amaranth…

The reason why the body lacks the necessary amount of vitamin A is largely due to an inappropriate and scientific diet. The daily diet should have about 15-20 foods, full of groups of substances (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals).

To better absorb vitamin A into the body, one of the simple ways is to provide a solvent such as cooking oil. Some people may not know that vitamin A is also soluble in oil and fat solvents. Fats transport fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K). Therefore, when vitamin A is introduced into the body largely depends on the content of fat in the food.

According to the Institute of Nutrition, a meal lacking in fat also reduces the absorption of vitamin A because vitamin A is fat-soluble. Not only adults, children’s food needs oil and fat to support better absorption of vitamin A. Many modern housewives today prioritize choosing vegetable oils rich in vitamin A to promote the effect of supporting resistance.

Theo: báo vnexpress