VITAMINS A & D

Vitamin A
Check the box for each symptom that applies to you. The more symptoms on the list that a person has – or the more intensely they are experienced – the more likely it is that these symptoms are caused by a deficiency/imbalance of vitamin A.

Poor night vision, unable to see well in dim light.

Eyes sensitive to glare, sunlight or bright lights.

Inability to adjust eyes when entering a dark room.

Dry eyes, dry cornea.

Eyelids red, scaly or dry.

Eye inflammations, conjunctivitis.

Sties, eyelids swollen.

Get colds or respiratory infections easily.

Sinus problems.

Abscesses in ears, mouth or salivary glands.

Brittle or dry hair.

Dry, rough or scaly skin.

Hard "Goosebumps" on backs of arms.

Acne, pimples or blackheads.

Warts

Kidney, urinary or bladder infections, burning or itching when urinating.

There are two dietary forms of vitamin A. Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is fat soluble and found in animal products, such as fish liver oils, liver, eggs, butter, cheese and milk. Beta carotene is a water-soluble precursor to vitamin A that is found in plant foods, such as apricots, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, dandelion greens, collards, Swiss chard, oat flakes, cantaloupe and other green and yellow fruits and vegetables. Diabetics and those with low thyroid function may have difficulty converting beta carotene into retinal; therefore, they need to get most of their vitamin A from retinol. Beta carotene has antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties above and beyond its ability to provide vitamin A. Supplementary range for retinol: 10,000 to 35,000 IU daily. Supplementary range for beta carotene (if no retinol is taken): 30,000 to 180,000 IU. Supplementary range for beta carotene if taken in addition to retinol: 3,000 to 30,000 IU.


Vitamin D
Check the box for each symptom that applies to you. The more symptoms on the list that a person has – or the more intensely they are experienced – the more likely it is that these symptoms are caused by a deficiency/imbalance of vitamin D.

Burning in mouth and throat.

Poor bone development.

Abnormal number of dental cavities, cracking teeth.

Osteoporosis (demineralized bone).

Osteomalacia (softening of bone).

Rickets (bowlegs, knock-knees).

Joint pains, bone pains.

Muscular cramps.

Nearsightedness, myopia.

Nervousness.

Insomnia.

Constipation.

Sources: sunlight, cod liver oil, egg yolks, liver, herring, sardines, salmon, tuna, organ meats. Supplementary range: 400 to 800 IU daily.

Copyright © David W. Rowland, 2001

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