Breaking Down Food: Vitamins Explained

Why Is It Important? Vitamin A is important for eye health because it’s part of a protein in the eye that absorbs light. Vitamin A is also important for the immune system and helps to coordinate cell growth during pregnancy. It also helps keep the mucous membranes in places in the body like the mouth, nose and lungs moist.

Foods: Foods like liver, fish and enriched cereal have vitamin A almost ready for the body to use immediately. Foods with beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is often found in orange or dark green produce like carrots or kale. The body must convert it before it can use the vitamin A.