Here’s a hard truth most people don’t know:
Up to 60% of the population has a reduced ability to convert beta-carotene into active vitamin A.
Yes—even if you’re eating all your carrots.
Wait... Isn't Beta-Carotene "Vitamin A"?
Not exactly.
Beta-carotene is pro-vitamin A—a precursor found in plants like carrots, sweet potato, and spinach. But your body has to convert it into retinol, the active form of vitamin A used by your eyes, skin, immune system, and hormones.
And here’s the catch:
That conversion depends on your genetics.
Many of us carry genetic variants (particularly in the BCMO1 gene) that make us poor converters—meaning we absorb only a fraction of what we think we're getting.
Why It Matters
Vitamin A is essential for:
- Vision & eye health (especially night vision)
- Skin integrity & acne management
- Immune strength (think viral resilience)
- Hormone production & fertility
- Gut lining repair
A deficiency can show up as:
- Dry skin or eyes
- Frequent colds
- Fatigue
- Poor night vision
- Skin that doesn't heal well
Plant-Based? Pay Even Closer Attention
If you're plant-based or vegetarian and relying only on carrots, pumpkin, or leafy greens, you might not be getting nearly enough retinol.
Active vitamin A is found in:
- Beef Liver (nature’s vitamin A bomb)
- Egg yolks
- Grass-fed butter or ghee
- Cod liver oil
What You Can Do
Get your genetics tested (e.g. for BCMO1 variants).
Don’t ditch the carrots—but don’t rely on them alone.
Add healthy fats to plant-based sources to boost absorption.
Nutrition is Personal
This is a perfect example of why “just eat healthy” doesn’t always cut it. One-size-fits-all advice can leave people depleted—even if they’re doing “everything right.”
One of nature’s richest sources of bioavailable vitamin A (retinol) plus iron, B12, and more. 100% grass-fed, freeze dried, no fillers.
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