Vitamin A

Definition

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining good vision, a healthy immune system, and proper cell growth.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Vitamin A refers to a group of unsaturated nutritional organic compounds that includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and several provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene. It is essential for vision as it is a component of the rhodopsin molecule, which is needed for color vision and low-light vision.

Benefits

• Supports good vision.
• Maintains healthy skin.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Promotes reproductive health.
• Facilitates proper cell growth and differentiation.

Examples

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach
• Kale
• Egg yolks
• Liver

Additional Information

• Known issues: Consuming too much Vitamin A, particularly in the form of supplements, can lead to toxicity, symptoms of which include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage.

Related Terms

• Retinol
• Beta-carotene
• Fat-soluble vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

References

• Vitamin A: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
• Vitamin A and Carotenoids in Diets: Nutritional Role, Determinants of Status, and Research Needs for Food-Based Approaches to Address Vitamin A Malnutrition