Vitamin A

Alternate Names : Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid, Carotenoids Including Beta-Carotene

What food source is the nutrient found in?

Vitamin A can come from animal sources such as:

This form of Vitamin A is called retinal or retinol.

Vitamin A is also found in plants. This form is called carotenoids. Substances such as beta-carotene are converted from carotenoids into vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene is one of the most common carotenoids. Carotenoids are pigments found in deep orange, red, and yellow fruits and vegetables. They are also found in many dark-green leafy vegetables, such as:

How does the nutrient affect the body?

Vitamin A helps develop and maintain healthy growth in the cells and almost all the parts of the body. It is especially key for proper night vision, but is also needed for the health of a person's:

Vitamin A plays a key role in the immune system by helping protect from infections. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant. It has been studied for its role in cancer and heart disease protection. Antioxidants help fight free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen by-products produced when body cells burn oxygen. A build up of free radicals can damage body cells and tissues.