vitamin a

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that encompasses a group of related compounds including retinol (the alcohol form), retinal (the aldehyde form), and several provitamin carotenoids such as beta-carotene. It is crucial for vision (as it forms rhodopsin in the retina), immune function, reproduction, cellular growth and differentiation (especially epithelial tissue), bone development and hematopoiesis. Vitamin A acts primarily through its active metabolite all-trans-retinoic acid which binds to nuclear receptors—retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid-X receptors (RXRs)—to regulate gene transcription. It is used clinically to prevent or treat vitamin A deficiency disorders such as xerophthalmia and night blindness[1][3][5]. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties[1][2].

Brand names

Aquasol AInfuviteInfuvite PediatricMvc-fluorideMvi PediatricVitafol-oneA-25A25A 25A/Fish OilXcellent A 3000Xcellent A

Other names

retinolretinoic acidretinyl esters