Common Questions About Vitamin A (RAE)

What are retinol activity equivalents?

Retinol activity equivalents (RAE) is a unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of vitamin A in foods and supplements. It takes into account the bioavailability of different forms of vitamin A, such as retinol, beta-carotene, and other provitamin A carotenoids. This allows for accurate determination of total vitamin A intake from various sources.

What does vitamin A do in the body?

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in supporting healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth and development. It also aids in maintaining the health of the skin and mucous membranes, essential for overall health and well-being.

How much vitamin A do I need?

The recommended amount of vitamin A is usually expressed as retinol activity equivalents (RAE), which takes into account not only retinol but also carotenoids, which are converted in our bodies to retinol. The suggested daily amount of RAE is around 700 micrograms for adult women and 900 micrograms for adult men. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, the requirements are slightly higher.

What are the health benefits of vitamin A?

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper growth and development. They also contribute to the health of your skin and help regulate cell growth and differentiation.

What are the health risks associated with vitamin A?

Consuming excessive amounts of Vitamin A, especially in the form of retinol, can lead to vitamin toxicity and adverse health effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, bone pain, liver abnormalities, and other. It's important to meet your recommended daily intake but avoid excessive supplementation, especially without medical supervision.

What if your vitamin A is low?

A low intake of Vitamin A retinol activity equivalents may lead to night blindness, dry eyes, and an increased susceptibility to infections. It is important to include vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and other in your diet to ensure adequate intake.

How do vegans get their vitamin A intake?

Vegans can get their vitamin A intake from plant-based sources such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, and other dark leafy greens. These foods contain beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.

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Vitamin A (RAE) Daily Suggested Intake:
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