Vitamin A + Thyroid Health
Vitamin A.
A fat soluble vitamin, which means it MUST be consumed with fat in order to have optimal absorption.
A vitamin I am sadly deficient in, as revealed by my naturopath.
Vitamin A is essential for our vision, for boosting our immune function and for giving us healthy glowing skin. It is also needed in the production of T3 (thyroid hormone) – which is just one of the many reasons I suffer hypothyroidism symptoms (and perhaps you too?)
Did you know that without this essential vitamin, our thyroid levels can suffer?
Did you also know that there is a strong connection between vitamin A deficiency and hypothyroidism?
According to the Journal of Nutrition early signs of vitamin A deficiency resulted in hypothyroidism, “…the evidence presented demonstrates that a marginal vitamin A deficiency induces hypothyroidism, which appears quite early in the onset of the disease.”
Plant sources include sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, lettuce, cantaloupe and capsicums. However, as they contain beta-carotene, our bodies actually need to physically convert it into Vitamin A.
Animal sources (retinol), include foods like organic butter and eggs, whole milk, cream and liver.
So in giving my body a little lovin’, here is my Vitamin A boosting recipe……
The above recipe is adapted to my health issues, however if you are able to consume cow’s milk dairy, then please go ahead and swap the yeast flakes for 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and feel free to grease your muffin tray with organic butter.
Also, feel free to use up any veggies you have left over in the crisper of your fridge – perhaps carrots, red capsicum or kale. Perhaps swap out the chicken with some bacon, left over roast meat or even some avocado. The world is your oyster!
Please note: Taking high dosages of vitamin A can put you at risk of toxicity, as excess vitamin A (if not converted by the body) is stored and not excreted. Unless working with a heath practitioner, try consuming vitamin A through food sources only.