Vitamin-A is a fat-soluble micronutrient metabolised into different chemical forms known as retinoids and has various functions including:
Foods Naturally high in Vit-A:
Sweet Potato, Carrots, Apricots, Spinach, Squash, Oily fish, Livers
11-cis retinal (a Vit-A metabolite) changes structure when absorbing light. This structural shift is detected by opsin protein in our eye and relays signals through optic nerves to our brains for visual processing.
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an active form of Vitamin A, helps maintain skin integrity across both the epidermis and dermis by reinforcing cellular structure and moisture retention.
ATRA also supports mucosal structures by promoting proper cell maturation and stimulating mucin protein production.
ATRA (Vit-A) drives the gene transcription required for the maturation and functional regulation of various immune cells, ultimately empowering the body to mount an effective defense against pathogens
ATRA (Vit-A) helps unlock iron stores from the liver and intestines to mobilise iron across the body to be utilised by different enzymes.
ATRA further stimulates red blood cell production via mediating transcription of the erythropoietin hormone.
Retinol (Vit A) helps keep energy levels constant and prevents excessive energy production by sensing Cytochrome 3+ levels and controlling production.
Note: This section details the cellular mechanics of Vit-A within the mitochondria. While retinol is scientifically understood to act as a homeostatic sensor to regulate cellular energy flux, "energy regulation" refers strictly to these internal biochemical pathways and is not an approved public health claim by the FDA or EFSA for dietary energy or fatigue enhancement.
