Vitamin A Update: Forms, Sources, Kinetics, Detection, Function, Deficiency, Therapeutic Use and Toxicity

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Human Nutrition
• Physiology

Background:

• Vitamin A encompasses vital micronutrients essential for human health.
• Dietary sources include animal products (retinyl esters) and plants (provitamin A carotenoids).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of Vitamin A.
• To cover its sources, physiological roles, metabolism, deficiency, toxicity, and analytical detection methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current knowledge on Vitamin A.
• Synthesis of information on Vitamin A metabolism and biological activity.
• Inclusion of analytical techniques for Vitamin A detection.

Main Results:

• Vitamin A is metabolized into active forms (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid).
• Active forms interact with nuclear receptors, opsin, and enzymes.
• The review details Vitamin A's role in various physiological functions.

Conclusions:

• Understanding Vitamin A's complex roles is crucial for health.
• This review consolidates current knowledge from sources to toxicity.
• Knowledge of analytical methods aids in accurate Vitamin A assessment.