vitamin A

12 videos

Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Linda

Getting the right amount of vitamin A in one’s diet is important, since a deficiency can have very serious effects—such as childhood blindness. Many Americans do not get enough vitamin A, and other vital nutrients, in their daily diet. However, taking supplements may not be the right approach, since vitamin A supplements may decrease one’s lifespan.

Foods high in vitamin A include red, orange, and yellow vegetables, as well as dark green leafy vegetables and boiled sweet potatoes. Some foods and supplements may lead to toxic levels of vitamin A, including cod liver oil, red snapper, and Herbalife supplements.

All Videos for Vitamin A

Are Avocados Good for You?

The nutritional benefits of guacamole extend beyond just the nutrients avocados themselves contain.

How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?

The safe dose of vitamin D supplementation to get most of the population to the optimal level is 2,000 IU a day, but the elderly and overweight may need more.

What Are the Healthiest Foods?

Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which foods best supply shortfall nutrients while avoiding disease-promoting components?

Treating Dry Eye Disease with Diet: Just Add Water?

Causes of dry eye disease include LASIK laser eye surgery, but there are dietary approaches to prevention and treatment.

The Safety of Heme vs. Non-Heme Iron

Heme iron, the type found predominantly in blood and muscle, is absorbed better than the non-heme iron that predominates in plants, but may increase the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.

PCBs in Children’s Fish Oil Supplements

A study of 13 over-the-counter children’s fish oil supplements found that all were contaminated with PCB pollutants.

The Best Way to Cook Sweet Potatoes

How does sweet potato baking compare to boiling and steaming, and should we eat the skin?

Nutrient-Dense Approach to Weight Management

Americans eating meat-free diets average higher intakes of nearly every nutrient, while maintaining a lower body weight—perhaps due, in part, to their higher resting metabolic rates.

Is Vitamin D the New Vitamin E?

The Institute of Medicine’s conservative position on vitamin D is understandable, given the history of hyped vitamin supplements (vitamin A, beta carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E) that turned out worthless—or worse.