Summary: <p>Let’s talk about vitamin A—the benefits of vitamin A and the dark side. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Vitamin A is a non-keratinizing vitamin. Keratinization is a condition that causes skin issues. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Both a vitamin A deficiency and excess vitamin A can affect the internal and external skin in many ways. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Vitamin A is involved in supporting the immune system as well. There is an association between vitamin A deficiency and autoimmune conditions like Graves’ and Hashimoto’s. Vitamin A also allows iodine to be absorbed. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Signs of vitamin A deficiency: </p> <p> • Poor night vision </p> <p> • Blindness </p> <p> • Dry eyes </p> <p> • Poor immunity </p> <p> • Skin problems</p> <p> • Bone issues </p> <p><br></p> <p>Signs of too much vitamin A:</p> <p> • Abnormal bone formation </p> <p> • Dry lips </p> <p> • Dry skin </p> <p> • Double vision </p> <p> • Alopecia </p> <p> • Oily skin </p> <p> • Peeling skin </p> <p> • Heart valve calcification </p> <p> • Hypercalcemia </p> <p> • Intracranial pressure </p> <p><br></p> <p>Vitamin A toxicity is rare, but taking a synthetic vitamin A supplement may increase your risk. Synthetic vitamin A may also increase the risk of lung cancer. Accutane, a form of synthetic vitamin A, has serious potential side effects. </p> <p> </p> <p>I suggest getting your vitamin A from food sources or natural food-based supplements. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Foods high in vitamin A (retinol): </p> <p> • Cod liver oil </p> <p> • Egg yolks </p> <p> • Grass-fed butter </p> <p> • Grass-fed cheese </p> <p> • Liver </p> <p><br></p> <p>Beta carotene is the precursor to the active form of vitamin A (retinol). Beta carotene is in foods like carrots and spinach. </p> <p><br></p> <p>But, if you’re relying on beta carotene alone to get your vitamin A or if you have a liver or gallbladder issue, you could be deficient in vitamin A. </p>
