Vitamin Diet

Rhodopsin a photopigment in the human retina helps the rod cells to detect small amount of light and adapt eye to night vision and low light condition. The other three photopigments, collectively known as iodopsins found in cone cells of retina plays a fundamental role for the day vision. Besides vitamin A also plays an important role in immune function, cell growth, bone growth, reproduction and breast feeding.

Food sources of vitamin A
Retinol is found in foods that mainly come from animal origin like liver, kidneys, eggs and milk and milk products. Carotenoids are found in dark vegetables and other yellow orange fruits like carrots, spinach, sweet potato, cantaloupes, mangoes, papaya and apricots. Animal sources of vitamin A are well absorbed and utilized by the body than compared to plant sources.

Vitamin A deficiency and toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is common in developing countries and is often associated with strict dietary restrictions or excess alcohol consumption. An inadequate intake of this fat soluble vitamin or vitamin A deficiency can affect the health of the eyes, hair, skin, and immune system. Bone abnormalities, loss of appetite, and growth retardation are also associated with vitamin A deficiency.