Vitamin A Food Sources: A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining this Essential Nutrient from Animal and Plant-Based Foods
Introduction
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin critical for vision, gene regulation, immune function, growth, and development. As an essential nutrient, intake from a balanced diet is necessary to meet daily requirements and prevent deficiency. Vitamin A exists naturally in two primary forms with distinct sources: Preformed Retinoids: Found exclusively in foods of animal origin. Provitamin A Carotenoids: Abundant in plant-based foods. Understanding the major contributors across food groups enables optimal dietary vitamin A acquisition. Top Animal-Based Food Sources of Preformed Vitamin A Liver and Fish Liver Oils: By far the most concentrated source, liver can provide up to 100% RDA in just one ounce. Cod liver oil supplements also supply abundant vitamin A. Milk & Dairy Products: Due to fat fortification, whole milk contains 10% RDA per cup. Cheese and butter offer additional retinoids. Fatty Fish: Good sources include salmon, trout, tuna, herring containing ~15% RDA per 3 ounce servi…