Vitamin A: Sources, Functions, and Deficiencies

In this video, we’re going to cover vitamin A functions, sources, and vitamin A deficiencies.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means it has the ability to travel through fat, and it can be stored in fat longer. Fat-soluble vitamins can go right through a cell. Water-soluble vitamins can’t do this. Fat-soluble vitamins can affect the deep parts of the cell and DNA.

Vitamin A deficiencies can affect what your skin turns into at the genetic level. Symptoms of a vitamin A deficiency can include:

• Flaky skin
• White dots on the skin
• Dandruff
• Vision problems (night blindness)
• Infections
• Lack of lubrication of the eye or mouth

Great vitamin A sources:

• Cod liver oil
• Liver
• Butter
• Eggs (especially the yolk)
• Cheese

There are also foods that have previtamin A. This means it has to be converted into the active form a vitamin A. This conversion only takes place in certain parts of the body at certain percentages.

Sources of previtamin A:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Greens

What causes a vitamin A deficiency?

• Not consuming foods rich in the active form of vitamin A
• Not converting previtamin A to the active form (this has to do with a digestive issue)
• A lack of bile
• A congested liver

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.