Vitamin A

A fat-soluble vitamin needed for vision in dim light, healthy skin and immune function; plant foods supply it as beta-carotene, which the body converts as it needs.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. Animal foods supply it ready-made as retinol, while plant foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and mangoes supply provitamin A carotenoids, chiefly beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A as needed.

The body uses vitamin A for vision in dim light, for healthy skin and the linings of the eyes and gut, and for normal immune function and growth. These roles are well established. Because the body converts beta-carotene only as needed, plant sources do not build up the way ready-made vitamin A can. Very high-dose beta-carotene supplements have been linked with a higher lung cancer risk in smokers.

• Night vision
• Skin health
• Immune function
• Plant source of vitamin A