A deficiency in Vitamin A can cause dry eyes, night blindness, corneal ulcers and can even lead to blindness. Vitamin A has also been shown to prevent cataracts and may prevent blindness due to macular degeneration. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that is found in animal sources, such as liver and cod liver oil. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that your body converts into Vitamin A. Rich sources of beta-carotenoids are orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe.
The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A for males age 11 and older is 1,000 Retinol Equivalents (RE). For females over the age of 11, the RDA is 800 RE. One 7 inch carrot has 2,025 RE and one medium sweet potato has 2,668 RE, more than 200% of the RDA. If you don’t mind the taste of cod liver oil, 1 teaspoon will provide 1,370 RE of Vitamin A.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are also carotenoids that may reduce the risk of developing cataracts and possibly macular degeneration. These two carotenoids are often found together in fruits and vegetables. The best sources are green, leafy vegetables, especially spinach. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are also found in kale, collard greens, and yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, such as corn. There is currently no RDA for these two carotenoids.
So if you are concerned about maintaining good eye health, think orange and green. By simply adding some color to your diet, you can greatly enhance your sight. Eat a carrot each day to keep the eye doctor away.