Vitamine A - Essentieel voor je gezondheid

Cheyenne van Eikeren
May 7
3 min read

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including vision, the immune system, reproduction, and the health of the skin and mucous membranes. It exists in two main forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters) found in animal sources such as liver and dairy, and provitamin A (beta-carotene) from plant-based sources such as carrots and spinach.

What exactly is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient first discovered in 1881. Initially recognized for its role in growth and development, we now know it’s involved in:

Vision, especially night vision
Immune function and infection defense
Skin health and wound healing
Cell division and differentiation
Reproductive health
Lung function
Iron metabolism

The biologically active form, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), influences gene expression and supports processes such as skin renewal and enzyme activity.

Where is Vitamin A found?

Vitamin A is partly present in animal-based foods such as:

Liver (the richest source)
Fish
(Full-fat) milk and dairy products
Butter

Additionally, the body can convert carotenoids like beta-carotene into vitamin A. These are found in colorful vegetables and fruits (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mango).

Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is more common in the Netherlands than you might think. According to RIVM (2019–2021), about half of adolescents and a third of adults do not meet recommended intake levels. Symptoms may include:

Night blindness
Dry or flaky skin
Increased susceptibility to infections
Diarrhea
Anemia
In severe cases: permanent blindness

When do you need more Vitamin A?

You may need more vitamin A in the following situations:

Infectious diseases (e.g., measles, malaria)
Diabetes or liver issues
Alcoholism
Hypo- or hyperthyroidism
Recovery from skin or eye problems
Cystic fibrosis or fat malabsorption
Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Interactions with medication

Vitamin A can interact with medications such as:

Antacids (promote ulcer healing)
Corticosteroids (may lower vitamin A status)
Oral contraceptives (can increase vitamin A, decrease beta-carotene)
Statins and retinoids (may affect vitamin A levels)

Always consult your doctor or therapist before taking vitamin A supplements.

Important note

Experiencing symptoms commonly linked to vitamin A deficiency (like dry skin or night blindness) doesn’t automatically mean you are deficient. These symptoms can have many causes. As vitamin A is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in the body and be toxic at high doses. Always consult a certified health professional before starting supplementation.

How does the body convert Vitamin A?

There are two primary forms:

Retinoids (active form from animal sources like liver, eggs, and dairy)
Carotenoids (provitamin A from plants like carrots and leafy greens)

The body must convert carotenoids into active vitamin A (retinol) in the small intestine and liver. This process requires various cofactors, including:

Zinc – essential for the enzyme that converts beta-carotene
Iron – supports liver function and vitamin A transport
Vitamin E – protects vitamin A from oxidation
Fats – needed for absorption
Proteins – important for transporting retinol in the body

A diverse diet is crucial for both vitamin A intake and its proper absorption and conversion.

The role of Mesology in Vitamin A metabolism

A mesologist assesses your overall health and can determine whether you have reduced absorption, poor conversion, or increased need for vitamin A. Through clinical assessment and testing, they evaluate processes like fat digestion, liver function, and intestinal health. All key to vitamin A availability.

Mesology also helps preventively by detecting disruptions in these processes before serious symptoms arise, such as:

Deficiency of cofactors like zinc or iron
Impaired fat digestion or liver function
Chronic stress or overload of the Basic Bio-Regulation System (BBRS)

Based on these insights, a personalized treatment plan is developed to restore balance, improve absorption, and support the body’s self-healing capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between retinoids and carotenoids?
Retinoids are active forms of vitamin A from animal products. Carotenoids like beta-carotene from plants must be converted into retinol.
Why is it unwise to supplement with vitamin A on your own?
Vitamin A can accumulate in the body and become toxic. Symptoms alone don’t confirm a deficiency. Always seek professional advice.
How does nutrition support vitamin A absorption and conversion?
Nutrients like zinc, iron, vitamin E, healthy fats, and proteins are essential. A varied diet is key.
What’s the role of fats in vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, dietary fats are required for absorption in the intestines. Fat-free diets can severely hinder this.
What factors can hinder the conversion of beta-carotene to retinol?
Deficiencies in zinc, iron, or protein, impaired liver/gut function, chronic stress, or low-fat diets can negatively affect conversion.
When do you need more vitamin A?
In cases of infection, liver disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, alcohol use, or fat absorption issues like cystic fibrosis.
What does all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) do in the body?
ATRA influences gene expression and supports skin renewal, enzyme activity, cell division, and wound healing.