Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is needed for:
- Vision
- Cell function
- Teeth and bone health
- Immune system functioning
How Much Vitamin A Do I Need?
Since vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, people with healthy digestive systems store some of it in their bodies. The USDA recommends that most people should consume between 1,000 to 3,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin A each day, which in addition to the amount stored in their bodies, will meet their daily requirements. Since people with cystic fibrosis do not digest or store fats well, they need to consume more. Each person’s needs will vary, but the general guidelines for people with cystic fibrosis are:
0 to 1 years: 1,500 IU
1 to 3 years: 5,000 IU
4 to 8 years: 5,000 to 10,000 IU
Older than 8 years: 10,000 IU
What are the Best Sources of Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is found in both animal and plant sources. The vitamin A found in animal sources is called "retinol." It is sometimes called "preformed vitamin A," because it is ready for the body to use without the need for conversion.
Food sources of retinol include:
- Liver
- Egg yolks
- Milk
- Fortified cereals
The vitamin A found in plants is called "carotenoid," or provitamin A. When carotenoids are eaten, the body must convert them to retinol before it can absorb them. There are many types of carotenoids, but only about 10% of them can be converted to retinol. Beta-carotene is the easiest to convert and the most common plant source of vitamin A.
The best food sources of beta-carotene are orange colored (noncitrus) fruits and vegetables, such as:
- Carrots
- Cantaloupes
- Sweet potatoes
- Apricots
- Peaches
- Papaya
- Mango
And dark green vegetables such as:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Peas
While it is important to eat foods rich in vitamin A, it is difficult for people with cystic fibrosis to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. Your doctor will probably also prescribe a supplement containing vitamin A to help you meet your daily requirements. If you take pancreatic enzymes, be sure to take them with your vitamin supplements and food to get the most benefit.
Sources:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 2005. ”Vitamin A”. 28 September 2008.
National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2006. “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin A and Carotenoids”. 28 September 2008.
