Vitamin A Vitamin A refers to a group of fat soluble vitamins comprised of retinoids and provitamin A carotenoids.

Retinoids include three biologically active forms of vitamin A, namely, retinol, retinal and retinoic acid. Carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin, which can be enzymatically converted into retinol in the intestine are termed as provitamin A carotenoids. Vitamin A is vital to various functions in the human body such as vision, enhancement of immunity, gene regulation, wound healing, reproduction & fertility and intercellular communication. Vitamin A also acts as an anti-cancer agent and an antioxidant. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A varies with the group of individuals. It is 300 to 400 mcg/day for children, 600-900 mcg/day for adult men and 600-700 mcg/day for adult women. Deficiency of vitamin A can result in various symptoms including dry skin and hair, night blindness, dry eyes, acne, frequent infections and poor bone formation. Vitamin A deficiency is considered the major cause of blindness in children in the world. Contrary to the common belief, plant sources do not contain preformed vitamin A. They contain provitamin A carotenoids, which are eventually converted into vitamin A in the body. Preformed vitamin A can only be found in foods of animal origin. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, green peas, carrots, tomatoes, mango, papaya and pumpkin provide carotenoids while animal products such as liver, meat, eggs, dairy and cod liver oil supply preformed vitamin A. However, it is important to remember that the absorption of vitamin A and carotenoids from food is enhanced when fat is incorporated in the diet. Furthermore, it should be noted that prolonged cooking destroys carotenoids in food. Vitamin A can also be provided in the form of supplements such as retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate. High doses of vitamin A may result in vitamin A toxicity, producing both acute and chronic symptoms. Acute vitamin A toxicity symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, irritability, abdominal pain and muscle pain with weakness. Signs of chronic toxicity include anorexia, hair loss, dry mucous membranes, headache, diarrhoea, menstrual abnormalities and liver cirrhosis. Vitamin A toxicity in pregnant woman may result in birth defects. Key Words: Vitamin A, Fat-soluble vitamins, Retinoids, Carotenoids, Vitamin A toxicity

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_A : retrieved on 4/23/13 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002400.htm4/23/13 :retrieved on 4/23/13 http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminA/ :retrieved on 4/23/13