Immune System Benefits of Vitamin AThe benefits of vitamin A are often overshadowed by the highly publicized vitamin C. However, the facts about vitamin A show that it is just as important when it comes to fighting off infections and boosting the immune system. That makes vitamin A number one on our list of immune system vitamins. At the first hint of a cold, head to the medicine cabinet and grab some vitamin A and vitamin C. I used to take 5-10 grams of vitamin C and 60,000 IU of vitamin A, split up over 2-3 doses during the day. Pairing these two vitamins with some zinc would give a knock out punch to whatever was trying to make me sick! (I say "used to" because I don't even get hints of colds anymore. My immune system is so strong it's kind of on "auto-pilot.") Please note that this is a high dose of Vitamin A - and should only be taken on a temporary basis when you feel like you are coming down with something. Vitamin A overdose will occur if high doses are taken for a prolonged period of time. The idea of "if some is good, than more is better" does NOT apply to vitamins. You need to do your research! For example, pregnant women should not take more than 8000 IU per day because of possible birth defects. Also keep in mind that since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, the body has a harder time getting rid of all the excess (as opposed to water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C). If you are worried about vitamin A toxicity, take heart! Use the mycellized version of vitamin A, or take beta-carotene. Neither have caused any documented side effects even at higher doses. On the other end of the spectrum is vitamin A deficiency. If you do not get enough of this nutrient, germs will see big "open-season" signs all over you. A standard maintenance dose to receive the benefits of vitamin a would be anywhere from 2000-5000 IU. Try to skip the daily pill though and fulfill your requirement through food. Whole foods are always better than synthesized vitamins. The best vitamin A food sources are cod liver oil and liver. Turning your nose up?! The next best vitamin A foods are butter, egg yolks, cream, and whole milk. Notice that the food sources of vitamin A are packaged with some fat? This isn't a coincidence. Remember, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, and thus better absorbed when eaten with fat. It's just nature's way of doing her thing! Fortified foods like cereal and skim milk are not good sources of vitamin A (though sellers want you to think so!). And remember, the benefits of vitamin A go well beyond boosting the immune system. This important vitamin is also needed for ensuring healthy reproduction, curing skin and digestive ailments, easing blood sugar disorders, curing night blindness, preventing heart disease, balancing women's hormones and much more.
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