IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VITAMIN A AND BETA CAROTENE?

Hi, Holly!Hope you have been well.> Can someone explain the difference between Vitamin A> and Beta Carotene? Are they one in the same, or are> there differences? Which one is better, if at all?> Also, I take an 8,000 i.u. capsule of Vitamin A by> "Nature's Gate" every other night (that's> M/W/F and Sundays, too)so I was wondering if I'm> overdoing it.Briefly, the difference is that beta carotene is often referred to as pro-Vitamin A because your body turns it into Vitamin A as necessary. This is assuming that your body functions normally. It is extremely rare to overdose on beta carotene. I also wanted to tell you that one medium sized carrot contains about 11,000IU of pro-vitamin A. Beta carotene is also water-soluble, ergo the slim chances of overdose.Vitamin A, derived often from fish liver oil in supplements, can be toxic to the liver if taken in large doses over a long period of time. It is not water-soluble, so excess is simply not flushed out in the urine. It's very necessary to your health, but it is easily obtained from a good diet. Also, the forms of Vitamin A which are water-dispersible are palimate and acetate. Check your bottle. These are the forms which were recommended to me.Personally, you still need some Vitamin A. If you take a supplement regardless of the form, I would recommend a daily dose of Vitamin A of about 5,000IU-8,000IU. This is assuming that you eat a good diet. The rest should come from the carotenes, whether that's beta or the others. I would recommend that you read, Balch & Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing. The book is excellent. They recommend a 10,000IU (Vitamin A) and 15,000IU (Beta-Carotene)split, for a total of 25,000IU. Personally, I think some of their doses are a bit high, but that's just me.I also wanted to tell you that you can purchase what is called dry Vitamin A. I bought dry Vitamin E, which is water dispersible and is good for people who have problems with oils. It's also recommended for people who have oily skin/acne prone-that's me. Other than my multi, this is the only way I have been able to get E without a few pimples rearing their ugly heads:)> While I'mm on the subject of vitamins, I noticed> silica is to be taken with a lot of water. Why? If you> don't, what happens? Thanks for any help.Vegetal silica is one method of obtaining the mineral silicon. Vegetal silica can be derived from the herb horsetail, certain algae, fruits, vegetables, etc.I read about the "plenty of water" in a book on Herbs and in several Internet sources. I think the reason is that some people can get nauseated with herbs, especially if you take it on an empty stomach. You should have something in your stomach, preferably take it after the largest meal of the day for maximum absorption.I hope this helps.Take care of yourself and happy growing.....All the best,Jade21> Holly

Holly,I've been doing well, too. The weather's been beautiful and I've been skating a lot:) The Cold Weather is OVER!!!!I think the 8000IU capsule every night is fine. You're defintely not overdoing it. The RDA's which are really basic values to avoid deficiency recommend 5000IU per day. How about adding an occasional carrot, too? [big grin] Better yet, since you like potatoes, an occasional sweet potato?Holly, if you decide to take the capsule every night, check out your skin closely in about a month. You should see some additional glow:)Take care and always glad to see your posts....Bye for now,Jade21> I have been doing well.... how about you?> Just one more question:> Do you think that since I really don't eat a lot of> vegetables to speak of (except for potatoes - I know,> I should do better)that I should take the 8000 IU> capsule every night instead of every other night. I> don't want to over do it.> Thanks for all your help and take care,> Holly