258: Why Vitamin A Deserves a Spotlight: The Surprising Truth

Episode • Jan 12, 2024 • 24m

Our host, Courtney, explores the often overlooked vitamin A and its importance for overall health. The host discusses the difference between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, the potential toxicity of vitamin A, and the role of natural versus synthetic forms of the vitamin.

Courtney emphasizes the critical role of vitamin A in eye health, immune function, mucous membranes, fertility, and skin health. They also highlight the different forms of vitamin A, including preformed vitamin A found in animal-based foods and provitamin A found in plant-based foods. She also explains that deficiencies in vitamin A can manifest in symptoms such as night blindness, bumps on the back of the arm, and fertility issues.

Topics Discussed:

00:01 - Introduction to Vitamin A

01:10 - Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins

02:45 - Vitamin A Toxicity Concerns

04:00 - Big Pharma and Nutrient Demonization

05:20 - Vitamin A's Role in Health

06:50 - Forms of Vitamin A: Retinol and Beta-Carotene

08:30 - The Shift in Prenatal Supplements

09:45 - Synthetic vs. Natural Vitamin A

11:30 - Synergy of Vitamins and Nutrient Absorption

13:15 - Vitamin A and Fertility

15:00 - Whole Food Sources of Vitamin A