Vitamin A
Chemical name :
Retinol
Description
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that consists of several molecules, including retinal, retinoic acid and retinol. These different molecules are stored in different places in the body. Retinoic acid is found in the mucous membranes and bones, while retinol and retinal are stored in the retina.
Retinol is the most active form of vitamin A. Vitamin A is synthesised from carotenoids, such as beta-carotene. These precursors, also known as "provitamins", are found in carrots, apricots and sweet potatoes. Provitamin A is then converted into vitamin A in the intestine.
Vitamin A is also present in the retina, where it plays an essential role in vision, particularly in terms of the eye's adaptation during the transition from light to dark. In addition, vitamin A is said to have a beneficial effect on the skin by promoting pigmentation through its effect on stimulating melanin production.
The benefits
Vitamin A, whose most biologically active form is retinol, contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes.
It is also involved in the process of cell specialization and in the normal functioning of the immune system. In addition, vitamin A is involved in the maintenance of normal vision.
Vitamin A also contributes to the normal metabolism of iron.
