Vitamin A

Definition

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for many bodily functions, including vision, immune function, and skin health. It plays a crucial role in the growth and development of school-age children and adolescents, helping to support their overall nutrient needs during these formative years.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions, by supporting the production of rhodopsin in the retina.
2. Deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to serious health issues such as impaired immunity, increased risk of infections, and delayed growth in children.
3. Sources of Vitamin A include animal products like liver, dairy, and fish, as well as plant sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens that provide beta-carotene.
4. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A varies with age and sex; school-age children need between 300-900 micrograms of retinol activity equivalents (RAE) per day.
5. Adequate intake of Vitamin A during childhood is linked to better overall growth and development, enhancing cognitive abilities and physical health.

Review Questions

• How does Vitamin A contribute to the overall health and development of school-age children?
  • Vitamin A is vital for the growth and development of school-age children as it supports essential functions like vision and immune response. It helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes, which are crucial barriers against infections. By ensuring adequate Vitamin A intake, children can better resist illnesses and support their physical development during these critical growth years.
• Discuss the consequences of Vitamin A deficiency in school-age children and the importance of dietary sources.
  • Vitamin A deficiency can lead to severe health issues in school-age children, including night blindness, increased susceptibility to infections, and stunted growth. Without sufficient Vitamin A, children may struggle with proper visual development and overall immunity. This highlights the importance of incorporating dietary sources rich in Vitamin A, such as liver, dairy products, and colorful fruits and vegetables like carrots and spinach, to ensure adequate nutrient intake for healthy development.
• Evaluate the role of both dietary forms of Vitamin A in meeting the nutritional needs of adolescents during their growth spurts.
  • Dietary forms of Vitamin A play a critical role in meeting the nutritional needs of adolescents during their rapid growth spurts. Retinol from animal sources provides readily usable Vitamin A, while beta-carotene from plant sources serves as a precursor that can be converted into active Vitamin A as needed by the body. This dual source ensures that adolescents receive enough Vitamin A to support essential processes such as vision development, immune function, and cellular growth during this vital stage of physical maturation.

Related terms

Retinol: A form of Vitamin A that is active in the body and is important for vision and cell growth.

Beta-Carotene: A precursor to Vitamin A found in plant foods, which the body can convert into active Vitamin A.

Vision: The ability to see, which is significantly supported by Vitamin A through its role in maintaining healthy vision and preventing night blindness.