What foods are high in vitamin A?

Kale, spinach, dairy products, and cereals rich in vitamin A are good for the eyes, boost immunity, and help children develop.

Vitamin A supports tissue and bone development, is beneficial for the function of organs such as the liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, and reproductive function. Children's eyesight and immune system also need vitamin A to maintain stable health.

According to Master's degree holder and doctor Nguyen Anh Duy Tung from the Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System, vitamin A deficiency negatively impacts children's development, leading to stunted growth, delayed development, and reduced vision in low light conditions. Children may also suffer from night blindness, increased susceptibility to mucosal and epithelial damage, and severe infections due to weakened immunity.

Dr. Tung suggests foods that parents can use to supplement their children's vitamin A intake.

Fruits and vegetables: Beta-carotene in fruits and vegetables can be converted into vitamin A. Foods to choose from include kale, spinach, broccoli, kale, sprouts, bok choy, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, red bell peppers, apricots, tomatoes, papaya, and mango.

Carrots and pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, which is good for children's health. Photo: Freepik — Carrots and pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, which is good for children's health. Photo: *Freepik*

Low-fat dairy products : Fresh cow's milk is rich in vitamin A, usually in the form of retinol or carotene. Children who are allergic to lactose in cow's milk can drink soy milk to get the necessary amount of vitamin.

Fortified bread and cereals : Pasta, bread, cereal products, and rice are often fortified with vitamin A. Check the ingredients on the packaging carefully before buying, and avoid those with high sugar content.

Each year, the Ministry of Health administers two rounds of vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6-36 months, usually in early June and December. Children aged 6-12 months receive 100,000 IU of vitamin A. Children aged 12-36 months receive 200,000 IU. Children aged 37-60 months with respiratory infections, prolonged diarrhea, measles, or malnutrition receive one tablet containing 200,000 IU.

During the first three years of life, each child should receive vitamin A supplementation twice a year. For infants under 6 months of age who are not breastfed, the recommended vitamin A supplement is 50,000 international units (IU).

Dr. Tung stated that each child's vitamin A requirements vary. To accurately determine if a child is deficient in vitamin A, parents should take their child for a nutritional check-up and micronutrient testing using a UPLC machine. Based on this, the doctor will provide guidance on how to supplement vitamin A scientifically and safely.

Kim Thanh

Readers can ask questions about nutrition here for the doctor to answer.

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