11103-57-4 VITAMIN A Manufacturer CAS NO.11103-57-4

Vitamin A is important for growth and development, for the maintenance of the immune system and good vision. Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of retinal

The provitamin A carotenoids are obtained from plant sources and comprise some of the best sources of this vitamin. The provitamin As are found in deep green, yellow,and orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, broccoli, kale, collard and turnip greens, mangoes, apricots, nectarines, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin A belongs to a class of compounds referred to as the retinoids, which consist of four isoprenoid units joined in a head-to-tail manner. All double bonds in the isoprenoid units are implied to be in the E (trans) configuration unless stated otherwise. Currently, the term retinoid is applied to retinol and its naturally occurring derivatives plus synthetic analogs, which need not have vitamin A activity. Vitamin A is currently used as a generic descriptor for all retinoids that exhibit the biological activity of retinol, the original substance identified as vitamin A. The term vitamin A1 and all-trans retinol have been used to refer to retinol whereas vitamin A2 was used to refer to 3,4-dehydroretinol.

vitamin A can act as a keratinization regulator, helping to improve the skin’s texture, firmness, and smoothness. Vitamin A esters, once in the skin, convert to retinoic acid and provide anti-aging benefits. Vitamin A is believed to be essential for the generation and function of skin cells. Continued vitamin A deficiency shows a degeneration of dermal tissue, and the skin becomes thick and dry. Surface application of vitamin A helps prevent skin dryness and scaliness, keeping the skin healthy, clear, and infection resistant. Its skin regeneration properties appear enhanced when combined with vitamin e. Vitamin A is a major constituent of such oils as cod liver and shark, and many fish and vegetable oils. See also retinol; retinoic acid; retinylpalmitate.

Vitamin A is used in the treatment of known or suspected vitamin A deficiency. Of course, vaccination is of prime importance; however, in underdeveloped countries where the rate of vaccination is low, vitamin A supplementation is a beneficial alternative.Retinoate analogs have been developed for use in the treatment of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and acne.