Powerful Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble nutrient that plays an important role for our general health but also for our skin. Food sources of Vitamin A contribute

• to normal iron metabolism
• to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes
• to the maintenance of normal vision
• normal function of the immune system

Vitamin A also has a role in the process of cell specialisation. (EU health and nutrition claims 2015)  In other words, Vitamin A helps the skin in rebuilding tissues and would essentially be good for acne prone skins, healing wounds and scrapes. Vitamin A supports the regulation of cell growth and may help in skin concerns such as Psoriasis. Although there are no approved claims for Vitamin A, fruit and vegetable sources are high in antioxidants, which supports Vitamin A’s quality as an anti-ageing nutrient. If smoothing fine lines, wrinkles and keeping age related spots at bay are some of your skin’s requirements, then Vitamin A may be what you need.

There are basically two types of Vitamin A: the Retinoids and Carotenoids. The latter is the form of Vitamin A found in most fruits and vegetables and is particularly high in: sweet potato, kale, spinach, collard greens, butternut squash, winter squash and apricots. The animal sources of Vitamin A form part of the Retinoids family; a bio-available form which the body can easily utilise. In contrast, plant sources of Vitamin A, must first be converted to Retinoids before being used in the body. The effective conversion from Carotenoids to Retinoids is also dependent on our health status, and the quantity of carotenoids consumed, the higher the better. Without a doubt, regular consumption of pasture raised liver, small amounts of organic butter, egg yolks, high quality cod liver oil can help us top up our Vitamin A intake.  Make sure to always consume your source of Vitamin A with a healthy form of fat, to support its absorption.

Nourishing and nurturing the skin on the outside is as important as nourishing the skin within. Jason’s skincare range of Apricot based products are there to provide intense moisture, reduce scaliness, support your general skin’s health and naturally make you glow!