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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/vitamina.html

Vitamin A

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Summary

Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Vitamin A plays a role in your:

  • Vision
  • Bone growth
  • Reproduction
  • Cell functions
  • Immune system

Vitamin A is an antioxidant. It can come from plant or animal sources. Plant sources include colorful fruits and vegetables. Animal sources include liver and whole milk. Vitamin A is also added to foods like cereals.

Vegetarians, young children, and alcoholics may need extra Vitamin A. You might also need more if you have certain conditions, such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn's disease. Check with your health care provider to see if you need to take vitamin A supplements.

NIH: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

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  • Vitamin A From the National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements) Also in Spanish
  • Vitamin A (Harvard School of Public Health)

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.