Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, growth and maintenance of epithelial tissues.

Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and, in severe cases, serious eye disorders.

Key Pointers

  • Category: Science & Health
  • Fat-soluble vitamin.
  • Important for:
    • Vision
    • Immunity
    • Growth
    • Cell differentiation
  • Deficiency:
    • Night blindness
    • Xerophthalmia
    • Increased susceptibility to infections
  • Retinol is an active form of vitamin A.
  • Beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid.
  • Sources:
    • Liver
    • Eggs
    • Dairy products
    • Green leafy vegetables
    • Orange/yellow vegetables and fruits

Prelims Focus: Vitamin A → fat-soluble → vision → retinol → beta-carotene.