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Introduction What is a Balanced Diet Food Nutrient Terms DRVs for Fat and Carbohydrate Modifying your Diet Food Energy Balance Vitamins and Minerals Carbohydrate Fibre Cholesterol Trans-Fatty Acids Protein Vitamin A Vitamin C Sodium Vitamin B6, Niacin and Thiamin Vitamin E A Final Word Nutrients Covered |
A relationship has been suggested between the incidence of birth defects in infants and high vitamin A intakes (more than 3300 µg/day) during pregnancy. As a precautionary measure women in the UK who are, or might become, pregnant have therefore been advised not to take supplements containing vitamin A unless advised to do so by a doctor or antenatal clinic. Furthermore, recent analyses of animal livers commonly consumed in the UK have shown them to contain on average 13,000 µg to 40,000 µg/100g depending on species, so women who are, or might become, pregnant are also advised as a matter of prudence not to eat liver or products made from it. Vitamin A can be obtained in two forms - retinol and carotene. Retinol is toxic, carotene is not, although excessive amounts may lead to a yellowing of the skin. Therefore Balanced Diet considers them separately. |
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