Vitamins are organic substances which are essential for regulating both the metabolic functions within the body’s cells and the processes which release energy from food. Without these vitamins, our bodies are not able to perform vital tasks such as converting food into energy, building & maintaining bones, teeth, muscle, skin, blood and hair and keeping our brain, eyes, nervous system and immune systems in good working order. This includes vitamin A, C, D, E and K choline. The B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate/folic acid). We are able to gain the vitamins through a healthy and balanced diet, although occasionally extra vitamin supplements are required.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble nutrient and is stored within the liver, which plays a vital role in your body. The body absorbs Vitamin A from animal fats and makes part in the intestine from beta carotene and other carotenoids found in fruit and vegetables. Cheese, eggs, oily fish, fortified low fat spreads, milk and yogurt, liver and liver products are useful sources of Vitamin A (retinol). Additionally, green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, pumpkin, kale, sweet potatoes and red peppers and yellow fruits, such as mango, papaya and apricots are the main food sources of beta carotene and the body converts this into retinol. The daily recommended target for Vitamin A is 600mcg for females and 700mcg for males.

Vitamin A has antioxidant properties and plays an important function in the body – essential for our health! Vitamin A is present in the body in various chemical forms called retinoid, which is essential to the health of the retina. This vitamin prevents night blindness, maintains the skin and cells that line the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and helps to build strong teeth and bones. Vitamin A assists the eyes in adjusting from brightness to darkness. It also alleviates dry eyes which is specially associated with severe Vitamin deficiency. This is vital for normal growth and development and crucial to the immune system!

By boosting immunity, Vitamin A greatly strengthens resistance to infections, including sore throat, cold, flu and bronchitis. It may also combat cold sores and shingles (caused by herpes virus) & warts (a viral skin infection); whilst extending to the lining of the digestive tract, to assist inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers. Vitamin A helps the immune system to battle against breast and lung cancers and even improves survival rates with leukaemia. Vitamin A inhibits melanoma, which is a deadly form of skin cancer, benefiting the effectiveness of chemotherapy, where the body may be enhanced when the body has proficient level of Vitamin A.

Ensuring a good supply of Vitamin A, will speed up recovery process for strokes, eye infections, vaginal yeast infections, and even to control allergies; to heavy or prolonged menstrual periods. At Homoeopathic Health Clinic (Derby), we practice a professional holistic approach in deciding on the right diet for the client, considering your nutritional requirements, environment, relationships, lifestyle, emotional wellbeing and family history.