Vitamin A Information & Health Benefits

Explore the scientific name of Vitamin A, understand its significance, and learn about its various forms, benefits, and sources.
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3 min
12-September-2024

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, was the first substance identified among vitamins. It plays a crucial role in growth throughout life and supports the development and maintenance of epithelial tissues. Vitamin A prevents skin dryness, potentially protecting against infections, and is essential for a healthy immune system. Additionally, it is necessary for proper night vision.

It encompasses a group of compounds that exhibit vitamin A activity, with the most notable being retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. These compounds are classified as retinoids and are either obtained from dietary sources or synthesized within the body.

What is the scientific name of vitamin A?

The scientific name of vitamin A depends on its chemical form. The term vitamin A generally refers to all compounds exhibiting the biological activity of retinol. The key forms of vitamin A are:

  • Retinol (All-trans-retinol)
  • Retinal (Retinaldehyde or All-trans-retinal)
  • Retinoic Acid (All-trans-retinoic acid)
  • Retinyl Esters (like Retinyl Palmitate)

These forms are interconvertible in the body and play various roles in health.

Functions of Vitamin A

Vitamin A serves several vital functions in the body, contributing to overall health. These include:

  • Vision: Supports night vision and prevents eye disorders.
  • Immune system: Strengthens immunity by enhancing infection-fighting mechanisms.
  • Skin health: Maintains healthy skin and prevents dryness.
  • Cell growth: Promotes cell growth and differentiation, essential for tissue repair.
  • Reproduction: Aids in reproductive health and fetal development.

What are the types of vitamin A?

Vitamin A exists in two main forms:

  • Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol): Found in animal-based foods like liver, dairy, and fish, retinol is easily absorbed by the body.
  • Provitamin A (Beta-Carotene): Found in plant-based foods like carrots and spinach, beta-carotene is converted into active Vitamin A by the body.

What are the benefits of vitamin A in our body?

Vitamin A provides numerous health benefits, including:

  • Eye health: Enhances vision, particularly night vision, and reduces the risk of macular degeneration.
  • Immune support: Strengthens the immune system by aiding in the production of white blood cells.
  • Skin protection: Maintains healthy skin, prevents acne, and combats dryness.
  • Growth and development: Essential for the healthy development of bones, tissues, and reproduction.

Also, read: Vitamin B Complex Tablet Uses

Vitamin A: Essential roles in the body

Vitamin A can be obtained through two dietary sources:

  • Preformed vitamin A (Retinol and Retinyl Esters): Found in animal products like liver, fish oils, eggs, and dairy.
  • Provitamin A (Carotenoids): Found in plant-based foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, which the body converts into Vitamin A.

These vitamins play a pivotal role in the following ways:

  • Vision: Vitamin A is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which absorbs light in the retinal receptors, crucial for night vision.
  • Immune system: It enhances the body's immune response and helps fight infections.
  • Cellular growth: It supports the growth and specialisation of cells, particularly in skin, lungs, and the intestinal tract.
  • Reproduction and development: Retinoids play a role in fetal development and reproduction.

Check out: List of vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases

What is the dosage of vitamin A?

The recommended daily dosage of Vitamin A varies based on age and gender, typically ranging from 700-900 micrograms (mcg).

Age group

Recommended daily intake (mcg)

Infants (0-6 months)

400 mcg

Children (1-3 years)

300 mcg

Adults (Men)

900 mcg

Adults (Women)

700 mcg

Pregnant Women

770 mcg

Breastfeeding Women

1,300 mcg

How to get vitamin A for the body?

You can get Vitamin A from both animal and plant-based sources. Animal sources like liver, dairy products, and fish provide preformed Vitamin A (retinol), while plant sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale offer provitamin A (beta-carotene). Consuming a balanced diet with these foods ensures sufficient Vitamin A intake for your body’s needs.

Sources of Vitamin A

There are plant-based and animal-based sources of vitamin A. Given below is a list of the same:

Animal-Based Sources (Preformed vitamin A - retinoids):

  • Liver: Beef, chicken, and other animal liver are among the richest sources of vitamin A.
  • Fish liver oils: Cod liver oil is particularly high in vitamin A.
  • Dairy products: Whole milk, butter, and cheese contain moderate amounts of vitamin A.
  • Eggs: The yolk of eggs is a good source.
  • Fortified Foods: Many processed foods like milk, margarine, and cereals are fortified with vitamin A.

Plant-based sources (Provitamin A - carotenoids):

  • Carrots: A well-known source of beta-carotene, a type of carotenoid that the body can convert to vitamin A.
  • Sweet potatoes: Particularly rich in beta-carotene.
  • Dark leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are excellent sources.
  • Pumpkin and squash: These provide high amounts of beta-carotene.
  • Bell peppers: Especially red and orange varieties.
  • Fruits: Mangoes, cantaloupes, and apricots are rich in beta-carotene.

Explore: Types of nutrition

Risks of vitamin A deficiency and overconsumption

While Vitamin A is crucial for health, maintaining the right balance is key. Both deficiency and excess can lead to serious health issues.

Vitamin A Deficiency:

Deficiency in Vitamin A is a major health concern, particularly in developing countries. It can lead to:

  • Night blindness: Inability to see in low light.
  • Increased infection risk: Compromised immune system.
  • Skin issues: Dry, scaly skin.
  • Growth and development problems: Delayed growth in children.

Vitamin A overconsumption:

Excessive intake of Vitamin A, particularly in its preformed form, can lead to toxicity, causing:

  • Hypervitaminosis A: Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even liver damage.
  • Bone health issues: Increased risk of fractures.

Read more: Nutritional problems in India – Causes, effects and solutions

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Health insurance and vitamin A: Bridging the gap

Health insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to necessary healthcare services, including nutritional guidance and supplements for vitamins like Vitamin A. Many health insurance plans cover consultations with dietitians and nutritionists, helping individuals tailor their diets to meet their nutritional needs.

How does health insurance support vitamin A needs?

1. Coverage for Nutritional Counselling

Many health plans include services from dietitians who can provide personalised advice on Vitamin A-rich foods and supplements.

2. Preventive care

Insurance often covers annual check-ups, which can detect deficiencies early, allowing for timely interventions.

3. Supplement coverage

Some plans offer partial or full coverage for prescribed Vitamin A supplements, particularly for those with deficiencies or specific medical conditions.

Explore: Wellness benefits in health insurance

Understanding the scientific name and roles of Vitamin A helps appreciate its importance in our daily lives. Known as Retinol, this vitamin is essential for vision, immune function, and cellular health. With the support of insurance, accessing the right dietary and medical advice becomes easier, ensuring that you maintain optimal Vitamin A levels and overall well-being. By integrating a balanced diet rich in Vitamin A and leveraging health insurance benefits, you can safeguard your health effectively.

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Frequently asked questions

What is another name for vitamin A?
Vitamin A is also known as Retinol. It encompasses a group of compounds including Retinal and Retinoic Acid. These retinoids are essential for vision, immune function, and cellular health.
What is the compound name for vitamin A?
The compound name for Vitamin A is Retinol. It also includes related compounds like Retinal and Retinoic Acid, collectively known as retinoids.
What is vitamin A's generic name?

The generic name for Vitamin A is retinol. It is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions, including vision, immune health, and cell growth. Retinol comes in both animal and plant-based forms.

How many days can I take vitamin A?

Vitamin A supplements should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional. For those with deficiencies, short-term supplementation may be needed, but prolonged use should be monitored to avoid toxicity from excessive intake.

How much vitamin A is too much per day?

Consuming over 3,000 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin A per day is considered too much and can lead to toxicity. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and, in extreme cases, liver damage or bone weakening.

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