Myth: Carrots Are the Best Source of Vitamin A

Many believe that carrots are the top source of vitamin A and that eating them regularly will lead to excellent vision, especially at night. This myth likely originated during World War II when the British spread stories of their pilots’ enhanced night vision due to eating carrots to disguise radar use. While carrots do contain beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, there are other sources with higher bioavailability. People are often unaware that different sources provide vitamin A in varying forms, some more readily absorbed by the body. Carrots are often credited as the sole food for eye health, overshadowing the variety of sources rich in this nutrient.

While carrots do contain vitamin A, they aren’t the only or best source. Vitamin A is more bioavailable in foods like liver, eggs, and dairy. Plant-based sources such as sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach offer high levels of beta-carotene as well. According to the National Institutes of Health, these foods may offer a more balanced intake of vitamin A than relying on carrots alone. Vitamin A plays multiple roles beyond vision, such as immune health and cell growth. The “carrots-for-vision” myth led many to ignore other vitamin-rich foods essential for overall well-being.