Vitamin A, also known as retinol, performs several important functions in a human body. Key among the numerous benefits are the importance of Vitamin A for growth and development, maintenance of the immune system and good vision, and providence of healthy skin.
Brightens the Eyes
Vitamin A boosts low light sensitivity of the eye, so that it can see in the dark. This process is called dark adaptation. When a person has sufficient Vitamin A, regeneration of rhodopsin, which is involved in dark adaptation, is faster, so his or her eyes adapt better to the dark. Vitamin A deficiency results in slower dark adaptation and can even result in severe night blindness.
Boosts Immunity
Vitamin A strengthens the body’s natural barriers around bacteria “entry points”, like nose, pharynx, throat and other respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. These natural barriers prevent bacterial invasion, thereby preventing infections.
Strengthens Bone Growth and Development
Vitamin A promotes the development of strong bones and teeth. It promotes the biosynthesis of proteins and bone cell differentiation. If lacking, the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts will be disrupted. The lack of Vitamin A in pregnant women will directly affect fetal development.
Essential for Growth and Reproductive System
Vitamin A helps cell proliferation and growth. Animals deficient in Vitamin A displays a marked decrease in growth, which may have been related to reduced appetite and decrease in protein utilization. These animals also showed decreases in reproductive functions.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Vitamin A is used in cosmetics as a nutritional additive to prevent rough skin. With its ability to regulate the skin’s metabolism, it can have an anti-aging effect and remove wrinkles. Vitamin A can also reduce discharge of sebum, promoting skin elasticity, preventing skin spots and giving softer skin.
Inhibits tumor growth
It has been found in recent years that Vitamin A acid (retinoic acid) substances can delay or prevent pre-cancerous lesions and stop chemical agents that causes cancer, especially for tumors of epithelial tissue.
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