Question:
I just rec'd my 1yr post op lab results back and it showed low levels

My 1 yr post op labs came back fine except with an abnormally low level of beta carotene. My understanding is that this is actually vit. A in some form. I take two chewable multi vits daily both of which claim to have 100% of the normal adult value. Anyone else have this problem? How much is too much? I know that vit A is fat soluble - any nutritional guru's out there have an answer for me? I want to start supplementation as soon as I know what to look for. Thanks for your help.    — Jean K. (posted on August 8, 2002)

August 7, 2002
Jean, I believe that the best source of any vitamins is from your foods. To get added Beta Carotene in your diet, you need to increase consumption of leafy dark green vegetables and yellow or orange vegetables and fruits. Some good examples of these are Greens (mustard, turnip, spinach, collards, etc), romaine lettuce ,carrots, pumpkin and squash and things like this. Vitamin A, itself is abundant in liver, fish, whole milk, butter, and eggs. As far as supplements go, I'm sure you could find a Beta Carotene supp. at Wal-Mart or GNC. I like WM prices a little better. Good Luck!
   — Tina B.

August 8, 2002
Are your D levels OK? Yep, A is fat soluble, so you don't want to take it in oil gel form. You want dry. The only dry A that I'm familiar with is the retinol form of Vit A. I've heard rumors that beta-carotene also can be found in dry form, but I have not SEEN it, nor watched labs using it. The retinol usually reverses a shortage by the next quarterly lab work.
   — vitalady