Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for numerous biological functions, including vision, immune system performance, cell growth, and reproduction. It exists in two primary forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters), found in animal products like liver, dairy, and fish; and provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, found in plant-based foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Once consumed, the body converts carotenoids into retinol as needed. Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision by being a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that absorbs light.
A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to serious health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women. It is a major cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of severe infections. Conversely, excessive intake, especially from supplements, can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as nausea, liver damage, and even birth defects. Therefore, maintaining an adequate and balanced intake through diet is crucial. Public health initiatives in developing countries often focus on vitamin A supplementation to combat widespread deficiencies.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for numerous biological functions, including vision, immune system performance, cell growth, and reproduction. It exists in two primary forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters), found in animal products like liver, dairy, and fish; and provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, found in plant-based foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Once consumed, the body converts carotenoids into retinol as needed. Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision by being a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that absorbs light.
A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to serious health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women. It is a major cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of severe infections. Conversely, excessive intake, especially from supplements, can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as nausea, liver damage, and even birth defects. Therefore, maintaining an adequate and balanced intake through diet is crucial. Public health initiatives in developing countries often focus on vitamin A supplementation to combat widespread deficiencies.
Latest Published Reports by Emergen Research:
https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/interventional-cardiology-market
https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/intelligent-lighting-control-market
https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/protein-engineering-market
https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/sensor-fusion-market
https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/nanocoatings-market