Vitamin A was discovered in 1913 by American researchers Elmer McCollum and Marguerite Davis.

• nutritional information
• food sources
• external skin care

nutritional information:

IMPORTANCE: Necessary for growth & repair of body tissues; helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose , throat & lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections; protects against air pollutants; counteracts night-blindness & weak eyesight; aids in bone and teeth formation. Current medical research shows that foods rich in Beta Carotene will help reduce the risk of lung cancer & certain oral cancers. Unlike Vitamin A from fish liver oil, Beta Carotene is non-toxic.     DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in night blindness; increased susceptibility to infections; rough, dry, scaly skin; loss of smell & appetite; frequents fatigue; lack of tearing; defective teeth & gums’ retarded growth. —courtesy of Austin Nutritional research

    Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant.

    Seniors should have 5,000 IU of Vitamin A a day for to protect cellular health.

vitamin A-rich foods

• alfalfa
• cod liver oil
• zucchini

external skin care:

    External skin care: Beta carotenes (found in orange fruits and vegetables, such as melons, carrots, and pumpkins) are an anti-oxidant and help reduce skin daamagae caused by exposure to the sun and pollutants.

    External skin care: Vitamin A in Great Skin Firming Night Cream: “Works by increasing your skin’s vitality and sealing in moisture. With collagen to restore elasticity and Vitamin E for healing. Deeply penetrates to prevent excess dryness. With sesame oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, squalene, kakui nut oil, aloe vera, Vitamin E, lemon balm, comfrey, sage, marigold, marsh mallow, teaberry, jasmine, cucumber, Vitamin A, and Vitmin D. Firming night cream is a heavy moisturizer that deeply penetrates the skin and will prevent excess dryness. This therapeutic vitamin and moisturizing treatment increases the skin’s vitality and seals in the moisture, augmenting skin’s resilience. Contains collagen which restores elasticity, and vitamin E which helps in healing the skin. Nourishes the skin as it firms. Apply before bedtime after cleansing and toning.” Great Skin Firming Night Cream

    External skin care: Beta-carotene in Rhonda Allison Pumpkin Cleanser: “Natural, all-purpose cleanser that removes surface residue and protects against free radical damage. The unique benefits of pumpkin are high Vitamin A content and beta carotene, two powerful antioxidants. Gentle enough for ultra sensitive skin, but deep cleaning for normal to oily skin.” Rhonda Allison Pumpkin Cleanser

See also: vitamins

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