Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a big role in the growth and development of kids. It is known to support eye health, boost the immune system, and keep skin healthy. Especially since kids are in their growing years, getting enough vitamin A from their diet becomes even more vital.
Did you know that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vitamin A deficiency affects millions of children worldwide?
Read below this article to know five benefits of vitamin A and how it can support your kids’ health.
Supports Healthy Vision
One of the most well-known benefits of vitamin A is its role in maintaining good eyesight. It works by helping the eyes adjust to different levels of light while also preventing night blindness. Moreover, vitamin A is also a key component of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina that allows the eyes to see in low light.
Therefore, it is important to incorporate foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach that help provide the necessary amount of vitamin A to support your little one’s eye health.
Strengthens the Immune System
Vitamin A also plays a significant role in keeping the immune system strong. It helps the body produce white blood cells so it can fight infections and keep illnesses away. However, children who do not get enough vitamin A may be more prone to colds, flu, and other infections.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vitamin A deficiency is associated with an increased risk of severe infections, such as measles and diarrhea.
Promotes Growth and Development
Growing children need the right nutrients to develop properly. Vitamin A is one of the key vitamins that is a must for overall growth. It actually helps in the formation of healthy bones and tissues.
In fact, even experts have stated that children with low vitamin A levels had slower growth rates than those with sufficient intake in several clinical studies.
Keeps Skin and Tissues Healthy
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin, tissues, and mucous membranes. It helps in the production of collagen, responsible for keeping the skin firm and supporting faster wound healing. This is especially important for kids, as they are often getting small cuts and bruises.
Moreover, it also helps maintain the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts, thereby reducing the risk of infections. On the other hand, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to dry skin, slow wound healing, and increased exposure to infections.
Supports Brain Function and Learning
Vitamin A is not only essential for physical health but also plays a big role in brain development and learning. Additionally, besides supporting the nervous system, it also helps in the formation of neurons.
Therefore, it is important to ensure your child gets enough vitamin A from their diet if you want to improve their memory and concentration.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that supports vision, the immune system, growth, skin health, and brain development in kids. Excellent vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, dairy products, and leafy greens. in their meals can help them stay healthy and grow strong.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vitamin A intake, you can consult a pediatrician for more guidance.
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