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Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that has many different functions. First, it is related to the maintenance of normal vision in dim light and the prevention of night blindness. It also helps in the growth and formation of body cells, making it essential for body growth. It is especially needed for bone growth. If the intake is not sufficient, bones will stop growing before the soft tissues are fully mature. Vitamin A is also needed for normal tooth development, because the enamel-forming cells are affected by a lack of vitamin A. Like the carotenoids, vitamin A is also important for the maintenance of healthy epithelial cells. There are two kinds of epithelial tissue: those that cover the outer surfaces of the body - the resistant, protective skin (epidermis) and those that line all the mucus membranes. Without vitamin A, the epithelial cells become dry and flat and gradually harden to form scales that shed. Vitamin A is also important to the health of the membranes lining the stomach, intestinal wall, bladder and urinary tract and for the health of the sex glands and uterus. Lastly, vitamin A works better where there are sufficient levels of zinc and adequate protein intake in the diet.
Although vitamin A can be manufactured in the body from carotenoids, there are some foods that provide this nutrient in its active form. These include kidney, liver, butter and whole milk.
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