Vitamin A Therapy

Vitamin A, also known as Retinol or Retinoic Acid, is important for our immune system, vision, growth, cell division, and reproduction.  Vitamin A also contains powerful antioxidants to help protect our cells from the harmful effects of free radicals found in the environment.

Many foods are rich in Vitamin A such as spinach, liver, meat, poultry, and dairy products. Since our body naturally converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A, foods rich in beta-carotene are also good sources such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, and cantaloupe.

Vitamin A is available in dietary supplements in several different forms.  Most multivitamin and mineral supplements contain Vitamin A, or you can find it in the form of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, beta-carotene, or a combination of these.  At Edge Weight Loss and Fatigue we offer Vitamin A Therapy as one of our weekly injections. An injectable form of any nutrient allows that nutrient to go directly to your bloodstream, bypassing the stomach, and allowing a higher dose to be taken that typically wouldn’t be tolerated orally.

Vitamin A deficiencies are rare in the United States, but common in many developing countries.  The most common symptom of a Vitamin A deficiency is the inability to see in low light, which if left untreated can lead to blindness.  Premature infants, young children, and pregnant women are more susceptible to a Vitamin A deficiency. On the other hand, getting too much Vitamin A can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. In pregnant women, high doses of Vitamin A may cause birth defects.  It is important to speak with your health professional before taking Vitamin A to be sure you are getting the proper amount for your body.

Vitamin A supplements have not shown to prevent cancer, but studies have shown that taking Vitamin A may lower your risk for some cancers, such as Lung and Prostate cancer. However, smokers who take high doses of beta-carotene supplements have an increased risk of lung cancer. Vitamin A has also been associated with slowing down vision loss in age-related macular degeneration in older adults.

The recommended dosage for Vitamin A changes with different life stages.  See the chart below for recommended doses according to the National Institute of Health.

For more information on Vitamin A Therapy and other therapies to keep you on a path to health and wellness naturally, give us a call at 832-789-4989 and speak to one of our professional staff members. We look forward to working with you to reach your health and fitness goals.