Vitamin A

Vitamin A is found in foods that come from animals such as fortified dairy products, liver, eggs, fortified margarine, fish. Vitamin A is also found in carrots, leafy greens, cantaloupe, broccoli, squash, sweet potatoes, peas. The vitamin A found in foods from animals is used more efficiently and more well-absorbed in the body than the vitamin A found in plants.1

Vitamin A plays an important role in healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucus membranes, and skin; as well as preventing or fighting off infections by regulating the immune system. It is also known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.2

Vitamin A is not normally involved in fluctuations of INR values. As always, consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2004. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 17. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp.
  2. Semba RD. The role of vitamin A and related retinoids in immune function. Nutr Rev 1998;56:S38-48.