Vitamin A - is a fat soluble vitamin with three major functions in the body: 1) It helps cells differentiate normally; this is especially pertinent during pregnancy for a developing embryo. 2) It maintains healthy cells in the eye and is required for the transduction of light. 3) It may be required for normal reproductive function in both males and females. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant found in plants that the body converts to Vitamin As. Deficiency is characterized by poor night vision, dry skin, increased risk of infection and metaplasia (a precancerous condition). Severe deficiency is characterized by blindness. Vitamin A is found in liver and dairy products and Beta-carotene is found in dark green and yellow-orange vegetable.
Significant Food Source - mango, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, tomato juice, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, beef liver
