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Which foods are rich in vitamin A?
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nutritional disease
Children with rickets. The disease, which most commonly strikes children, causes bone deformities such as bowlegs. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for vision, immune function, and the maintenance of epithelial tissues. While it is not found directly in plants, many fruits and vegetables contain pigments like beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.123
Foods rich in vitamin A include:
- Animal products: Liver, fatty fish, fish-liver oils, eggs, milk fat, and butter.42
- Plant sources (via provitamin A): Green or orange vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, spinach, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.43
It is important to maintain a balanced intake, as vitamin A is stored in the liver and can reach toxic levels if consumed in excessive amounts. Conversely, inadequate intake can lead to nutritional disorders such as vitamin A deficiency, which may cause night blindness and other serious health complications.12