Vitamin A is the name given to a group of fat-soluble antioxidant compounds.  Two different types of vitamin A are found in the diet; “preformed vitamin A” (also referred to as retinol or retinal) is found in animal products and “pro-vitamin A” is found in plant based foods - the most common type being beta-carotene.  It was the first fat soluble vitamin to be recognised and is sometimes referred to as the “anti-infective” vitamin due to its enhancement of the body’s immunity against infections by increasing the lymphatic responses against disease forming antigens.  It keeps the mucous membranes moist that line the mouth, respiratory passage and urinary tract and enhances the activity of white blood cells. 

Known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina in the eye, it enables your eyes to adjust to light changes, keeps the eyes moist and improves night vision.  It can also significantly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Vitamin A helps to keep your body free from free radicals and toxins which might cause damage to your skin, helping to keep it soft and supple by ensuring moisture retention.  Vitamin A deficiency can impair iron metabolism which can lead to anaemia despite adequate iron intake.  Playing an important role in cells’ ability to adapt to perform specific functions in larger organs, the richest sources of preformed vitamin A are found in liver, kidney, butter and whole milk, whereas good sources of pro-vitamin A are dark green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots.

Vitamin A contributes to:

·         normal iron metabolism

·         the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

·         the maintenance of normal skin

·         the maintenance of normal vision

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation