Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin with four major functions in the body: helps cells reproduce normally, required for vision, required for normal growth and development of the embryo and fetus, and for normal reproductive function.

Five Facts on Vitamin A Supplements: 

Influences the function and development of sperm, ovaries, and placenta
Is required for the normal growth and development of the embryo and fetus
Vitamin A palmitate (retinyl palmitate) and vitamin A acetate (retinyl acetate) are the principal forms
Taking Vitamin A and iron together can help overcome iron deficiency
Recommended Fertilty Dosage: 20,000 i.u

People that limit their consumption of liver, dairy foods and beta-carotene containing vegetables can develop a Vitamin A deficiency.  The earliest sign of this deficiency is poor night vision.  

Since Vitamin A plays an important role in the healthy reproductive functions for men and women, a deficiency can cause infertility. 

Vitamin A which is crucial for the development of ovaries and placenta, as well as the normal growth and development of  the embryo and fetus. Vitamin A also promotes healthy cervical fluid and assists in follicle growth. Low levels of vitamin A contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding and possibly cervical cancer.

Vitamin A assists in the development of sperm. 

Deficiency of vitamin A can hamper the health of skin, eyes, and hair. It can also affect the immune system.

Food Sources of Vitamin A:

The best and easiest sources of vitamin A include:

• liver
• dairy products
• egg yolks
• cod liver oil
• carrots
• spinach
• sweet potato
• kale
• paprika
• butternut squash
• dried apricots.

Supplements:

Vitamin A can be found in many different forms such as capsule, tablet, liquid, solution, or a chewable tablet. 

Vitamin A palmitate (retinyl palmitate) and vitamin A acetate (retinyl acetate) are the principal forms used as nutritional supplements. Retinyl palmitate is a more stable version of retinol, however, because the skin has to further break down retinyl palmitate, much higher concentrations are required to provide the similar benefits. When choosing between the two, it is better to go with the formula containing retinol rather than retinyl palmitate.

Taking Vitamin A and iron together can help overcome iron deficiency. 

For some people, water soluble forms of vitamin A supplements appear to be better absorbed than fat soluble forms of vitamin A.

Dosage:

Adults age 19 and over: 5000 UI per day, however your healthcare professional may recommend higher doses.  

Doses over 25,000 UI are not recommended due to toxicity.

Cautions:

Absorption of vitamin A in the body can be affected by certain prescription drugs, aspirin, and cigarette smoke.