Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for multiple vital functions in the body:

• Vision: Vitamin A is crucial for normal vision, especially in dim light. It is involved in the visual cycle where retinal (a form of vitamin A) combines with opsin protein to form rhodopsin in the retina. This pigment detects light and sends signals to the brain. A deficiency can cause night blindness and severe deficiency can lead to more serious eye problems like xerophthalmia and blindness

• Immune System: It supports the immune system by maintaining the integrity of mucous barriers in the eyes, lungs, gut, and genitals, which trap bacteria and pathogens. It also aids the production and function of white blood cells, helping the body defend against infections

• Growth and Development: Vitamin A is important for normal growth, reproduction, and development. It helps maintain healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissues, and supports organ function including the heart, lungs, and kidneys

• Skin Health: Topical and dietary vitamin A improves skin health by promoting cell turnover, reducing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne. It helps maintain skin elasticity and repair sun damage

• Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin A and its precursors (carotenoids) have antioxidant effects that may protect cells from damage by free radicals, potentially lowering risks of some cancers and chronic diseases, although supplement benefits are less clear than those from food sources

Vitamin A is obtained from animal sources as retinol and from plant sources as provitamin A carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene), which the body converts into active vitamin A

. In summary, vitamin A is essential for vision, immune defense, growth, skin health, and cellular protection