Vitamin A is one of the fat-soluble vitamins that has an impact on fundamental processes in the body, such as the quality of defense mechanisms, metabolism, slowing down the aging process of the skin, the resistance of cell membranes, blood vessels, arteries and muscles. It is extremely important for vision and also helps maintain the health of mucous membranes and skin, as well as the normal function of the immune system. Beta-carotene is its precursor. It is converted into vitamin A in the body and contributes to a more efficient functioning of metabolic, digestive and antioxidant processes in the body.


Its deficiency causes digestive problems, affects vision, but can also cause blindness, respiratory problems and headaches. There may also be problems with skin health, nails that break easily or hair that is dry.

 

Vitamin A increases visual acuity at night, improves vision and helps in the treatment of many eye diseases by allowing the formation of purple eyes. Increases resistance to respiratory infections. It helps the normal functioning of the immune system. It shortens the duration of the disease. It maintains the health of the superficial layers of tissues and internal organs. Contributes to the removal of age-related pigmentation spots. It maintains the growth and strengthening of bones and the health of the skin, hair, teeth and gums. It helps in the treatment of acne, superficial wrinkles and diseases such as impetigo, furunculosis, burns and open ulcers - when used externally. It is adjuvant in the treatment of emphysema and hyperthyroidism.
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In short, Vitamin A is necessary for the formation of photosensitive pigments in the retina and in the prevention of vision disorders, improving twilight vision; Contributes to the regulation of the trophicity of the mucous membranes and integuments; It has anticancer properties; It intervenes in immune processes by stimulating the formation of antibodies; It is also involved in the process of bone growth, reproduction and development of the embryo; It intervenes in the normal functioning of the testicle and ovary; It has an important role in steroid metabolism and cholesterol synthesis; It acts on thyroid function; It has an antioxidant role;



Many of the non-visual functions of vitamin A are mediated by retinoic acid, which regulates gene expression by activating intracellular retinoic acid receptors. The non-visual functions of vitamin A are essential in the immunological, reproductive and embryonic development functions of vertebrates, as shown by the insufficient growth, susceptibility to infections and birth defects observed in populations receiving less than optimal amounts of vitamin A in the diet.


Retinol can also be used as an acne treatment in creams. A form of retinoic acid is currently used as chemotherapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia. This happens because these transformed cells of this subtype mostly respond to the retinoic acid receptor (RAR).