Let’s be real: It’s high time to stay healthy and ensure our bodies are functioning at their optimal level. It is a global pandemic, after all. An easy way to make this happen is with Vitamin A. This small (but mighty) vitamin helps with vision, metabolism, brain function, and kidneys.

Generally speaking, adults in America should consume between 700-900mg of Vitamin A everyday. Although Vitamin A deficiency is at an all-time low in the United States, it is still a possibility.

If you are unsure if you are deficient, you could try taking Vitamin A supplements. But avoid taking too much, as it could lead to nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, and vertigo. If you are feeling off, or have any of the below symptoms, you could be experiencing Vitamin A deficiency. To combat, try eating more Vitamin A foods, take supplements, or see a doctor.

Very dry eyes

Without fail, every time I travel in the springtime for the last 5 years, I have experienced really intense allergies. Last July, I spent 3 days in Chicago for a wedding, and left with a runny nose, cough, congestion, and extremely dry and itchy eyes.

Although I do believe it was allergies, I’m now wondering if it was a Vitamin A deficiency as well. You see, the eyes are covered in a tear film (layer of fluid) that helps protect and lubricate the eyes while keeping the surface of the eyes clear. When the tear film is compromised, it can cause dry eyes.

Increase in respiratory infections

Vitamin A deficiency may be associated with throat and chest infections bothering the respiratory system. Vitamin A could be a good protective agent for excessive inflammation that comes along the invasive pathogens like colds and infections.

Dry, itchy skin

Of course, there are many reasons why your skin could be dry—eczema, skin conditions, and Vitamin A deficiency. Make sure that the next time you shop for skincare products, specifically retinol, that you make sure it is actually derived from Vitamin A, or has some percentage of Vitamin A in it, to reap the skin benefits.

Not only do retinol products reduce wrinkles and smooth skin texture, but they help keep hydration in. Vitamin A, in turn will create new skin cells, reduce inflammation, and prevent dryness. Here are some other vitamins and supplements to have on deck during this never ending pandemic.

Photo via iStock