Vitamins are essential for our overall health. For our eyes, two important vitamins are vitamin A and beta-carotene. Put simply, vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin found in various foods that is both good for our eyes and benefits our immune system. Beta-carotene is a provitamin “carotenoid” that helps give vegetables their bright pigmentation, and is also good for our vision and overall growth and development. Let's dive into how these two vitamins benefit our eyes.
What Is The Difference Between Vitamin A And Beta-Carotene?
The main difference between the two is that unlike vitamin A, carotenoids like beta-carotene only come from vegetables. Beta-carotene can be converted to vitamin A in the body, however it takes twice as much of it to do so compared to when you get the same amount of actual vitamin A from animal sources or fortified foods. It’s important to note that while your body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, too much of it can actually have an adverse effect on your health due to its oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) levels being much higher than those of other antioxidants.
Vitamins Benefit Our Eyes In Various Ways
Vitamin A has a host of benefits for our eyes. One of the most important is reducing the risk of developing macular degeneration and vision loss. Vitamin A also soothes eye inflammation and makes it less likely to for us to develop eye infections. On top of this, studies have shown that people who consume diets rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene may experience improved visual acuity at night due to an increase in light sensitivity in their retinas. This means brighter colors will appear more vibrant under low-light conditions such as night driving or nighttime activities/sports participation.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder why both vitamins are so important for optimal eye health! To ensure you get enough vitamins in your diet, try adding foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, collard greens, squash and cantaloupe which are all rich in either beta-carotene or vitamin A (or both!). Additionally, consider taking supplements if you don’t feel you’re getting enough through your diet alone—just be sure to consult with your doctor first before taking any supplements or changing up your diet drastically! Remember—vitamins are vital for eye health; don't forget about them!