Vitamin A is a nutrient your body needs to maintain bone growth, produce immune cells and promote vision processes. Excellent dietary sources of vitamin A include beef and chicken liver, green leafy vegetables and dairy products, including milk and cheese. Your doctor may also suggest taking a vitamin A supplement if you aren't able to get the daily international units, or IU, of the vitamin recommended by health professionals from your normal diet.
Toddlers
The IU dosage of vitamin A required each day varies primarily depending on age. Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 3 should consume 1,000 IU of vitamin A daily, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. You can help your toddler meet this dietary requirement by making sure that she has access to a variety of raw fruits and vegetables every day. Unless otherwise instructed by a doctor, do not give vitamin A supplements to children under age 18.
Young Children
Your child's nutritional needs change as he continues to grow and develop. Young girls and boys between 4 and 8 years of age need to consume 1,320 IU of vitamin A on a daily basis. If your child is a picky eater, look for versions of his favorite foods, such as breakfast cereals or chocolate milk, fortified with vitamin A to help him get the nutrients he needs.
Pre-Teens
As children approach puberty, their bodies and minds undergo numerous physical, hormonal and emotional changes. Pre-teens between the ages of 9 and 13 should increase their intake of vitamin A to 2,000 IU daily to account for these significant changes.
Adolescents and Adults
The daily recommended IU of vitamin A differs for males and females when they reach adolescence and adulthood. Young and adult males over the age of 14 need 3,000 IU of vitamin A each day. Females older than 14 years of age don't need as much vitamin A as their male counterparts. In fact, young and adult females should consume 2,310 IU of vitamin A on a daily basis.
Pregnant or Breast-Feeding Mothers
While pregnant or breast-feeding, women need to increase their daily consumption of vitamin A. Adult women who are expecting should get 2,565 IU of vitamin A each day. Women who choose to breast-feed need to almost double their normal intake of vitamin A, to 4,300 IU daily. This significant increase in vitamin A consumption during lactation is necessary because vitamin A is passed from a mother to her infant through breast milk. The vitamin A needs of adolescent females also increase during pregnancy and lactation, though they may not need as much of this nutrient as adult women. Females who have questions or concerns about their vitamin A intake should consult a medical professional for further guidance.
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