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Vitamin A can be found in animals through retinol and vegetables through carotenes. An important vitamin, it's used for growth, healthy skin and cells, and the linings of the body. It is also important in maintaining good vision.

Vitamin A can be found in several foods. Some of the best sources are fish, liver, butter, eggs, and vegetables and fruits that are orange or yellow such as carrots. Broccoli is also a great source, although its color may be deceptive. In fact, if it weren't for chlorophyll, broccoli would actually be orange!

Vitamin A isn't simply used for growth and healthy skin. Some research has found that large amounts of Vitamin A can prevent the developments of some types of cancers. Unfortunately, other researchers argue that this is untrue. What can't be argued is that a serious deficiency in Vitamin A can cause blindness in extreme cases.

Large quantities of Vitamin A can actually be very harmful. Your skin and the whites of your eyes can evolve into a yellow color when your body has been bombarded with too much of this vitamin. This effect can also extend to the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Anyone who experiences this symptom should immediately stop taking the vitamin. The good news is that your body should revert to normal within a few months of discontinuation of the vitamin.

Although a daily vitamin supplement is sufficient to ensure that your body receives the proper amount of Vitamin A, keep in mind that it is very easy and inexpensive to meet this daily requirement through regular consumption. Munching on a snack of three carrot sticks would be sufficient. If you don't care for carrots, you could indulge in a half of a cup of cantaloupe or a peach and still consume the recommended daily dose.

For those still unsure of whether they are consuming enough Vitamin A, a daily multi-vitamin is a great way to ease your worries and know that your body is getting the vitamins it needs.