Vitamin A and Florida Orange Juice

Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and supports night vision. Vitamin A also contributes to the normal function of the immune system, helps build strong bones and teeth, and supports healthy skin.

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is not one vitamin but consists of a group of compounds with vitamin A activity.1 Vitamin A is found in many animal foods such as eggs and meat. Many plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, have colorful pigments called provitamin A carotenoids which can convert to vitamin A in the body.1,2 The most commonly known provitamin A carotenoid is beta-carotene.

Benefits of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important in many ways:3

  • Aids normal bone and tooth development
  • Aids in the development and maintenance of night vision
  • Aids in maintaining the health of the skin and membranes
  • Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
  • Contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
  • Helps build strong bones and teeth
  • Supports night vision
  • Supports healthy skin

Foods with Provitamin A Carotenoids

Oranges and 100% orange juice are one of the main contributors of a provitamin A carotenoid called beta-cryptoxanthin in the U.S. diet.4 An abundance of provitamin A carotenoids can be found in sweet potatoes, pumpkin and cantaloupe, making these foods reddish orange.

An 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice supplies 2% of the recommended Daily Value for vitamin A.*

Vitamin A Deficiency

Inadequate intake of vitamin A can lead to vision disturbances, blindness, a higher risk for illness, and impairment of iron transport within the body.1 Vitamin A deficiency is rare in North America, but occurs in many developing countries.5


DID YOU KNOW?

100% orange juice has all 3 provitamin A carotenoids that can form vitamin A in the body – beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.6


Through the Life Stages

Here’s why vitamin A is so important at all life stages:

Prenatal and Post Natal

  • Aids normal bone and tooth development
  • Supports healthy skin
  • Too much vitamin A, such as in high dose supplements with greater than 100% of the recommended daily amount, can be harmful. Foods rich in provitamin A carotenoids are one of the safest ways to consume vitamin A1,2

Kids, Teens & Young Adults

  • Helps build strong bones and teeth
  • Supports normal and night vision
  • Supports healthy skin
  • Contributes to the normal function of the immune system

Adults

  • Helps build strong bones and teeth
  • Supports normal and night vision
  • Supports healthy skin
  • Contributes to the normal function of the immune system

*Values based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrient values may vary based on manufacturer, brand, and product types.