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One of the most important functions of this vitamin is that it maintains the health and well being of the epithelial tissues of the body. These are generally the tissues that line the openings, skin and mucous membranes.
Vitamin A helps in the growth and repair of body tissues, especially bones, and the formation and maintenance of tooth enamel and gums.
Vitamin A prompts the secretion of gastric juices necessary for proper digestion of proteins.
Night vision and the general maintenance of the eye are a function of vitamin A, along with the proper health of the sex glands and uterus.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN A
The eyes are obvious indicators of vitamin A deficiency. One of the first symptoms is night blindness. Other eye indicators include dry, itchy and inflamed eyeballs.
Susceptibility to colds, flu bacterial and viral infections, especially of the respiratory and urinary tract, is indicators of vitamin A deficiency.
Acne, rough, dry, scaly premature aged skins are all deficiency signs.
Sources of vitamin A include beef, liver, carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, dandelion greens, spinach, cantaloupe, oat flakes, swordfish, butter, and raison bran.
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