Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. It is found only in animals, although a number of plants contain carotene, from which vitamin A can be produced in the body once the plants containing carotene are eaten.
Vitamin A may be formed in the body from the yellow pigments (containing carotene) of many fruits and vegetables, especially carrots. Vitamin A is also found in the fats and especially in the liver oils many saltwater fish.
Vitamin A is required for vision. Epithelial cells (those cells present in the lining) of body cavities and in the skin and glands) require vitamin A. This vitamin also required for resistance to infection.
Deficiency of vitamin A may cause impairment in bone formation, impairment of night vision, malfunction of epithelial tissues, and defects in the enamel teeth.
What is vitamin A?
