Alix Parlour, age 11, of Lakefield, Ontario, Canada, for her question:

Is it true that carrots help the eyes?

Carrots contribute generous helpings of vitamin A. Biological tests indicate this vitamin is needed to maintain healthy vision, especially by the sensitive cells that adjust the sight to twilight and dim, semi darkness. Vitamin A also acts as a chemical enzyme essential to other cellular activities. It is present in various degrees in almost all fruit and vegetables, along with assortments of other vital vitamins we consume with a healthy daily diet.

Years ago, researchers worked out our minimum daily requirements of the known vitamins. The standard unit is the smallest dose needed to avoid a deficiency of this or that vitamin. Most modern researchers say we should aim for somewhat larger doses, above the minimum. In any case, a half cup of carrots contributes 4,500 units of Vitamin A, providing a surplus to sharpen the vision, at least through this evening.. The same half cup of carrots also supplies traces of several B vitamins, C vitamin, plus calcium, phosphorous and iron, a gram of protein and 30 calories.